Recreation

As part of its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licence, Yuba Water Agency provides many recreational opportunities near New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir and Lake Francis. 

Enjoyable recreation opportunities include: Boat floating near shore on New Bullards Bar Reservoir

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Swimming
  • Wake Boarding
  • Water-Skiing


Camp Site at New Bullards BarRecreational Areas

Some of the main recreational areas include:

  • Dark Day campground, day-use area and boat launch
  • Emerald Cove Marina, boat launch and picnic area
  • Madrone Cove and Garden Point boat-in campgrounds
  • Schoolhouse and Hornswoggle campgrounds
  • Vista Point day-use area
  • Lake Francis Resort


Marina Services

COVID-19 UpdateNew Bullards Bar Reservoir with a social distancing while boating graphic overlay

Emerald Cove Marina is currently closed and disconnected from the boat ramp because of the statewide stay-at-home order. While the boat ramps at Cottage Creek and Dark Day are open for use, there are no services or amenities, and all recreation/boating is done at your own risk. If you choose to recreate at the reservoir, please be sure to properly social distance at the boat ramps and bring adequate fuel and supplies. 

Yuba Water Agency works closely with the Emerald Cove Marina, located near Bullards Bar Dam. The marina can provide additional information about local recreation options and offers a wide array of services to visitors, including boat rentals (houseboat and small boat), boat storage slips and nightly moorings, and a general store.