Englebright Lake
Campsite features
Skippers Cove Marina
Ski Boat

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

Available sites

51 total sites

About Englebright Lake Boat-in Campground

Englebright Lake is nestled in the steep Yuba River canyon, of the Sierra Nevada foothills. This location offers a unique boat-in camping experience, several species of sport fish, abundant wildlife, and year round water-based recreational activities for enthusiasts and families alike. Located between Grass Valley and Yuba City off State Route 20.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jan 1 to Oct 21

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Firewood Available
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
  • Boat Ramp / Launch
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

51 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 1, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 10, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 11, Loop: Bonanza Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 12, Loop: Bonanza Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 13, Loop: Bonanza Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 14, Loop: Longs Cove Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 15, Loop: Longs Cove Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 16, Loop: Longs Cove Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 17, Loop: Longs Cove Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 18, Loop: Longs Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 19, Loop: Longs Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 2, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 20, Loop: Longs Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 21, Loop: Longs Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 22, Loop: Longs Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 23, Loop: Rocky Bluff Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 24, Loop: Rocky Bluff Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 25, Loop: Singles Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 26, Loop: Singles Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 27, Loop: Singles Point Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 28, Loop: Shadyside Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 29, Loop: Shadyside Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 3, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 30, Loop: Shadyside Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 31, Loop: Shadyside Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 32, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 33, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 34, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 35, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 36, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 37, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 38, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 39, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 4, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 40, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 41, Loop: Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 42, Loop: Upper Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 43, Loop: Upper Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 44, Loop: Upper Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 45, Loop: Upper Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 46, Loop: Upper Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 47, Loop: Upper Boston Bar Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 48, Loop: Bucks Beach Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 49, Loop: Bucks Beach Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 5, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 50, Loop: Bucks Beach Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 51, Loop: Bucks Beach Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 6, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 7, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 8, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 9, Loop: Hogback Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews (36)

What Guests Are Saying

Englebright Lake Boat-in Campground offers beautiful scenery and a clean campsite experience, making it a favorite for many visitors who appreciate the natural setting and friendly staff. However, there are concerns regarding the current reservation system, which has led to overcrowding and safety issues, as well as conflicts between campers due to the close proximity of sites. Some guests have also reported difficulties with parking and boat access, highlighting the need for improvements in site spacing and management.

Review Summary

3.0
36 reviews
5
27.8%
10
4
25.0%
9
3
8.3%
3
2
0.0%
0
1
38.9%
14

Bill A

Verified

June 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 6, Loop: Hogback

4

Great campsite

Willie L

Verified

June 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: Bonanza

1

Bonanza point is a terrible camp site, Pit toilets are disgusting and not well kept, No safe place to anchor your boat as its not in a no wake zone, and steep hills, no flat area for tent. Dog got bit by rattlesnake.... I could keep going but I won't. That being said we had fun and it was quite the adventure. Next time we will camp at the sites closet to the mouth of the river.

Amie W

Verified

August 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 46, Loop: Upper Boston Bar

4

Always love camping at Englebright. Staff is so warm and friendly! Sad to see that Boston Bar is all overgrown with brush- I have so many great memories playing on that beach as a kid and I wish I could take my kids . Parking is not normally an issue, but this time it was incredibly difficult.. We enjoyed camp site 45, but the lamp post nearly fell over on our kiddo. It’s not secure. The fire pit also needs some work, we put some rocks around the fire pit to prevent hot coals from coming out.

Blake B

Verified

August 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 44, Loop: Upper Boston Bar

4

Great Location. The bathroom was discussing

Mary L

Verified

August 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: Hogback

1

I do not believe this lake should be included in the reservation program in its current form. The campsites are simply too close together, and the distance from help when an issue arises is a serious concern.

There have been too many instances where someone has reserved a site directly next to an occupied campsite. I have personally experienced someone setting up camp approximately eight feet from me because “that is the spot they paid for.” It can completely ruin what should be a peaceful and enjoyable weekend at the lake.

In the past, campers paid for their site when they arrived, which I believe worked much better for this particular lake. People could choose an available site based on what they were looking for and the type of experience they wanted. For example, if someone was celebrating a 21st birthday and planned to party, they would likely choose an area where other campers were not already settled in. Under the current reservation system, however, if someone has paid for a particular site, they can set up there regardless of whether their arrival negatively impacts campers who are already there.

There is also a significant safety concern. Patrol only comes through on the weekends, and if an issue occurs after 8:00 p.m., campers are essentially on their own. Given how close the campsites are to one another, this creates an environment where conflicts can easily arise, with limited assistance available when it is needed.

Something needs to be done. I strongly encourage you to reconsider whether this lake is appropriate for the current reservation system and, at a minimum, evaluate the spacing of campsites, the reservation policies, and the availability of patrol or assistance after hours.

People go to the lake to enjoy the outdoors, relax, and spend time with family and friends. The current reservation system is making it increasingly difficult to have that experience.

Ashley G

Verified

September 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 16, Loop: Longs Cove

5

This was a very good site and weekend.. my ONLY suggestion would be they cut out steps up the hill to make it a little easier to get up. Everything else was perfect! Would definitely recommend and visit again

Location & Directions for Englebright Lake Boat-in Campground

12896 Englebright Dam Rd, Smartsville, CA 95977 United States

Elevation: 159 ft

Nearest town

Smartsville, CA - 4.7 mi

About 9 min to downtown

Highway access

Englebright Lake Boat-in Campground is accessible via CA-70 N and State Hwy 20 E. The campground is located approximately 25 miles from I-5 and CA-99.

Nearby National Park

Yosemite National Park

South Entrance

Approximate driving time: over 1 hr (90 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

12PM

  • Print your reservation and leave it on your vehicle's dashboard.
  • You can reserve by calling (877) 444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Site types & loops

  • All campsites are accessible only by boat.

Utilities

  • No restrooms or water hookups available; bring your own drinking water.

Site capacity

  • A maximum of eight people are allowed per campsite.
  • Each campsite can accommodate two tents.

Pets

  • Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

Safety & rules

  • Fireworks are not allowed.

Fires & fuel

  • Buy or gather firewood locally; don't cut trees or take firewood home.

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: October 18, 2026

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Explore Smartsville, CA

Population: 44

Nearby larger city

Yuba City, CA

Approx. 20 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 669 ft

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