Rollins Lake · Grass Valley, California
Lakeside camping
the way it's meant to be
79 sites tucked along the northern arm of Rollins Lake — swimming, fishing, boating, and campfire nights under the pines. Make memories that last a lifetime.
Welcome to Greenhorn
A friendly stretch of shoreline, seven miles from Colfax
Here at Greenhorn Campground, we believe the great outdoors is the perfect place to spend quality time together. Our mission is simple: a safe, friendly, beautiful spot on Rollins Lake with the amenities, activities, and service to make every trip easy.
From the no-wake cove that's perfect for the kids, to clean bathrooms, a sandy beach, a stocked store, and ice and wood delivered right to your site — whatever your preference, there's something here for you.
Our Story
Why Greenhorn
Everything you need for the lake
Swim & Beach
A sandy beach and a safe no-wake cove — perfect for the kiddies to float and play.
Fishing
Rollins Lake is home to trout, Kokanee, catfish, bass, and blue gill. Cast a line and relax.
Boating & Slips
On-site boat launch plus limited yearly boat slips. Jet skis are welcome on the lake — just idle through the No-Wake Zone.
General Store
Open 7 days a week, stocked with snacks and amenities. Ice and wood available at the gate.
Day Use & Picnics
Lake-view picnic sites, a volleyball court, and the famous Lily Pond full of wildlife.
Easy Reservations
Book right on our site for real-time pricing and availability. Online booking resumes January 1, 2027. Prefer to talk it through? Text us — it's the fastest way to reach us.
Off-Season Hours of Operation
Plan your arrival
Hours may vary on holidays or due to weather.
Jump to
Helpful links
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Are campfires allowed?
Do you have daily/weekly boat slip rentals?
Do you have full hook-ups for RVs / trailers?
Are jet skis allowed on the lake?
Can I park my boat at my campsite?
Is there a minimum stay?
What are check-in and check-out times?
Your spot by the water is waiting
Weekends fill up fast in summer. Lock in your dates today and start planning the trip.
Book Your StayCamping on the northern arm of Rollins Lake
Seven miles from Colfax, Greenhorn sits on a quiet northern arm of Rollins Lake. The lake is operated by the Nevada Irrigation District (NID); Greenhorn Campground is independently run.
Here at Greenhorn, campers enjoy every kind of water sport — swimming, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. In our day-use area you'll find lake-view picnic benches, a volleyball court, a sandy beach, and our store stocked with snacks and camp amenities.
Do you like to fish? Rollins Lake is home to trout, Kokanee, catfish, bass, and blue gill. We also offer limited yearly boat slips, and you'll always have access to our boat launch.
Greenhorn features 79 campsites on gravel or dirt pads, with something for everyone across several areas: Lake Front, Rocky Point, Meadow, Pine Grove, Cabana, and Wagon Wheel.
Reserve a Site
A look around
From our campers
What guests are saying
"The no-wake zone in the cove is perfect for the kiddies to float and be safe."
"Clean bathrooms, wonderful beach, clean water, safe place for the boat, and ice and wood delivery right to the site."
"I love this campground — always so much fun and the fishing is awesome! Perfect for quick summer camping trips."
Simple, honest pricing
All overnight sites are dry camping (no hook-ups). One vehicle per site is included with every reservation.
Overnight Sites · Nightly
Add-Ons & Day Use
Season Passes
Group Sites · Nightly
Closed for the off-season
Camping and day use are honor box only — first come, first served. Online reservations & booking resume January 1, 2027.
Season passes & registration
2026 season pass registration is closed. 2027 Season Passes will be available in 2027. Once registration opens, fill out the correct form and submit with payment. Once confirmed, visit the gatehouse to receive your season-pass stickers for your vehicles and watercraft.
2027 Day Use Season Pass
Available in 2027
1 vehicle, up to 4 people. Day facilities only.
Registration opens in 20272027 Season Pass with Boat
Available in 2027
2 vehicles / 1 boat, up to 4 people & 1 pet.
Registration opens in 2027Tag before you launch
To protect our water from invasive golden mussels, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) requires every motorized or trailered watercraft to be tagged before launching at Rollins, Scotts Flat, or Jackson Meadows reservoirs. Inspections are logged in the Watercraft Inspection & Decontamination (WID) program, administered by Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Check in & get logged
Owners of any motorized or trailered watercraft check in with on-site staff to be logged into the WID program. Your boat must arrive clean, drained, and dry.
30-day quarantine Red seal
Staff attach a red quarantine seal connecting your boat to its trailer. It must stay intact for 30 days — 60 days for boats with ballasts, bilges, or live wells — and the boat can't enter any other waterbody during that time.
Return & launch
Once the quarantine is complete you may launch with the red seal still attached; staff remove it at the ramp. (A decontamination lets you skip the wait — see below.)
On exit Blue seal
When you leave, NID or Greenhorn Campground staff attach a blue seal — it lets your watercraft re-enter Rollins, Scotts Flat, and Jackson Meadows without repeating the quarantine or decontamination process. Important: the blue seal can only be applied during the facility's regular business hours. Leave after hours and the quarantine starts over, or a decontamination is required.
Where to get your red seal — free
Off-season: tagging not available at the campground.
Need mobile tagging? Text (530) 388-0328 and ask for Mikayla.Sun–Thu · 9 AM–8 PM
Fri–Sat · 9 AM–9 PM
Off-season · Closed
Closed holidays. Hours set by NID and subject to change.
Decontaminate instead?
A hot-water decontamination lets you launch immediately — no 30-day wait. NID accepts decontaminations from Lake Tahoe, Lake Berryessa, and Greenhorn Campground (our on-site hot-water immersion station — closed for the off-season, resumes May 2027). It's only valid with a seal applied and documentation provided.
Greenhorn Decontamination →Non-motorized watercraft
Kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and rafts aren't required to quarantine — just self-inspect and arrive Clean, Drained, and Dry.
Skip the quarantine — decontaminate
Greenhorn Campground is an NID-accepted decontamination station — one of only a handful (alongside Lake Tahoe and Lake Berryessa). Our heated hot-water immersion decontamination (closed for the off-season — resumes May 2027) lets you bypass the 30–60 day quarantine and launch right away. Every decontamination is logged into the WID database with a seal and documentation.
Before you arrive
Please have your watercraft clean, drained, and dry (free of any standing water). The driver's seat and ignition should be accessible.
Launching with us?
In season, remember to get your watercraft tagged on the way out the gate. That tag lets you return to Rollins Lake or Scotts Flat Lake anytime during boating season — as long as it hasn't entered another body of water.
Off-season: tagging not available at the campground. Need mobile tagging? Text (530) 388-0328 and ask for Mikayla.
Decontamination Prices
Schedule · May 15 – September 6, 2026
Keeping Rollins Lake mussel-free
Rollins Lake is mussel-free today — and we intend to keep it that way. In October 2024, highly invasive golden mussels were discovered at the Port of Stockton, the first known occurrence in North America. California officials called it a "significant, immediate threat."
Because thousands of boats travel between the Delta and our foothill reservoirs every year, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) adopted a boat-tagging and quarantine program for Rollins, Scotts Flat, and Jackson Meadows reservoirs. NID samples the water regularly, and all three reservoirs remain mussel-free.
The Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) is a small freshwater bivalve, golden to yellowish-brown, usually 2–3 cm across. Native to China and Southeast Asia, it grows in dense, reef-like colonies — as many as 200,000 organisms per square meter — and tolerates a wide range of temperature, pollution, and low oxygen. That hardiness is exactly what makes it so dangerous to lakes like ours.
See the Boat Launch Protocol
⚠ California counties are declaring emergencies
On April 28, 2026, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local state of emergency over the golden mussel's imminent threat to the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta — its water systems, agriculture, recreation, and environment — and called on Governor Newsom to declare a statewide emergency. (As of late April, the Governor's office said the crisis calls for "sustained commitment rather than short-term emergency measures.")
San Joaquin County's proclamation lets it raise awareness, seek State and Federal funding, and coordinate with other agencies. In Kern County, supervisors warned in May 2026 that the mussels are no longer a distant threat — they're already clogging vital water systems that farms, communities, and industry depend on (first found in county infrastructure at the Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Water Storage District near Bakersfield in July 2025). One water-district manager cautioned that, left unchecked, the infestation would "effectively choke our water delivery systems," and the board voted to urge Governor Newsom to declare a statewide emergency. The threat is real and spreading — which is exactly why every motorized boat is tagged before it touches Rollins Lake.
Spotted golden mussels? Report them to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife at wildlife.ca.gov · San Joaquin County emergency info
What makes golden mussels so invasive?
Free-swimming larvae
Microscopic larvae drift for a month — easily drawn into engines, ballast tanks, live wells, and bilges, then carried to the next lake.
Byssal threads
They attach to nearly anything — rock, plant, fiberglass, plastic, steel, even each other — building thick encrusting layers.
Rapid reproduction
Spawning year-round when conditions allow, a single female can produce up to one million eggs in a year.
Filter feeders
One mussel filters up to a liter a day, stripping plankton from the food chain and degrading water quality.
What an infestation looks like
Golden mussels coat and clog water-system pipes and intake racks in dense layers — a single colony can hold hundreds of thousands of mussels per square meter, restricting water flow and ruining equipment. Rollins Lake is mussel-free — these protocols are how we keep it that way.
Quagga & Zebra Mussels
Quagga and zebra mussel invasions have had catastrophic ecological impacts. They clog water intakes (pipes and screens), driving up maintenance costs for water treatment and power plants. They encrust docks, buoys, hulls, anchors, and beaches; their sharp shells can cut swimmers. On boats they increase drag, affect steering, and clog engines — leading to overheating and failures. They also kill native freshwater mussels, both by attaching to their shells and by out-competing them for food.
Help keep our water clean
Clean, Drain, Dry every time — and follow the launch protocols. It protects the lake we all love.
Boat Launch ProtocolsFor everyone's safety & comfort
These rules help your stay — and your neighbors' — stay enjoyable. If you're unable to follow them, you'll be asked to leave without a refund. In an emergency, call 911, then contact the Front Gate or Camp Manager.
Quiet Hours
Strictly enforced 10 PM – 8 AM. Generators and sound equipment may run 8 AM – 10 PM at low volume. Car radios may not be heard outside the car.
Gate Hours
Off-season: gate open 7 AM – 6 PM. Camping and day use are honor box only, first come, first served. Non-motorized watercraft only (kayaks, paddle boards). Online reservations resume January 1, 2027. Hours vary on holidays/weather.
Fire Safety
No open ground fires anywhere. Fires only in established BBQ pits and campground rings. This season's fire ban begins June 22, 2026 — no wood or charcoal fires; propane fire pits are allowed. Caught with a campfire during a ban? $250 fine and removal.
Day Use Hours
Dawn to dusk. Day-use visitors aren't permitted in campground areas or overnight campsites.
Disposal of Garbage
Keep a clean campsite. Trash must go in designated containers or a $50 clean-up fee will be assessed.
Pets
Leashed and attended at all times. Not allowed in swim or beach areas. No horses. Clean up after your pet.
Behavior
No drunkenness, narcotics/marijuana, or abusive, threatening conduct. Consumption by anyone under 21 is illegal and grounds for eviction.
Vehicles & Signage
Obey all traffic signs. Stay on designated roads; vehicles must be licensed. No dirt bikes, mini bikes, OHV, ATV, quads, or golf carts.
Respect of Property
It is illegal to destroy or deface buildings, signs, fences, equipment, or trees. Don't remove picnic tables, fire rings, or BBQs — that's theft and will be prosecuted.
Firearms & Fireworks
No fireworks or firearms at any time — including BB, airsoft, and pellet guns, slingshots, paintball guns, and bows & arrows.
Lifeguards
There are NO lifeguards on duty; swim at your own risk in designated areas only. Supervise children at all times. No glass on the beach.
Diving & Swinging
No diving from trees, docks, rocks, or cliffs. No rope swings or objects tied to trees.
Watercraft Compliance
Operators must follow all state and local boating laws. Boating is at your own risk; you're responsible for damage or injury. No overnight boat camping on the lake.
Fishing
All federal, state, and local laws apply. No fishing on or around docks, boat slips, or beach areas. Limit of 5 fish per person.
Campsite
Check-in 5 PM, check-out 4 PM. Fees include the site, one vehicle/RV, and ten people. Unsatisfactory condition = $50 clean-up fee with photos billed to the reservation.
Refusal of Service
Management may refuse service and revoke privileges for misconduct or rule violations. No refunds for guests asked to leave.
Find your way around
Everything you need to know before you arrive — check-in times, amenities, and the campground map.
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in 5 PM, check-out 4 PM. Arriving before 3 PM is subject to day-use fees — no exceptions.
Reservations
Book directly on our website to see real-time pricing and availability and reserve instantly. Online booking resumes January 1, 2027. Prefer to reach a person? Text is the fastest way — (530) 388-0328. A $12 non-refundable reservation fee applies.
Cancellations
Cancellations made 21+ days before arrival are refunded, less fees. There are no cancellations or refunds within 21 days of your reservation, and holiday reservations are non-refundable. No refunds for weather or fire-ban closures. A date change is considered a cancellation.
Extra Vehicles
First vehicle included. Extra vehicles $24/night (RV extra vehicle $48), whether in the site or parking area. Max 2 vehicles per site.
Pets
Leashed and controlled at all times. Not allowed in the water or on beaches — zero tolerance. Clean up after your pet.
Showers
Coin-operated showers: $1.00 per 5 minutes.
General Store
Open 7 days a week (check for hours). Ice and wood available at the gate.
Laundry
Washers & dryers on the side of the general store, 8 AM – 8 PM.
Picnic Sites
Lake-view sites near the beach & store. First-come, first-served, or reserve for a $62 non-refundable fee.
Group Camping
A variety of group campsites available — see Rates for capacities and pricing.
Wildlife
Ducks, geese, deer, squirrels, and the famous Lily Pond. Please don't feed or harm wildlife — a $1,000 fine applies to harming animals.
Boat Rentals
None at this time. Limited yearly boat slips may be available — ask at the gatehouse.
Gone Fishin' at Rollins
Rollins Lake is one of the foothills' most underrated fisheries — 800 acres of clear Bear River water and 26 miles of shoreline, with healthy populations of bass, trout, kokanee salmon, catfish, and panfish. Whether you're casting from the bank by your campsite or trolling the main lake at dawn, here's everything you need to land a good one.
What's biting
🐟 Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass
By far the most prolific gamefish in Rollins. Smallmouth are everywhere along rocky points and steep banks; largemouth hold in the coves and around submerged wood. Spring and early summer mornings and evenings are prime.
🎣 Rainbow & Brown Trout
Rollins is a premier Bear River trout fishery. Rainbows (10–12") are stocked through spring; holdover browns can run much bigger. Troll the cooler, deeper water as summer warms, or bank-fish the inlets in spring and fall.
🌸 Kokanee Salmon
A seasonal favorite for trollers. These landlocked sockeye school in open water and bite best late spring through summer. Bright pink and orange always earns its spot in the tackle box.
🐱 Channel Catfish
A sleeper summer and fall fishery. Cats move into the shallows after dark to feed — a great evening bite for shore anglers and boaters alike. Anchored bait fishing is the ticket.
☀️ Bluegill & Crappie
Perfect for the kids. Panfish stack up around docks, brush, and shaded shorelines spring through early fall and will keep little arms busy all afternoon.
📋 Before you cast
A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16+. Per campground rules: a 5-fish-per-person limit, and no fishing on or around docks, boat slips, or beach/swim areas. Always follow current California fishing regulations — see wildlife.ca.gov.
Some call him Chief.
Out here, we just call it Dan's Paradise.
Off the clock and on the bite.
Catch of the lake
Bragging rights live here. Landed a good one at Greenhorn? Send us a photo (see below) and we'll feature it.
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▶Recommended lures & tackle
A starting tackle box for Rollins. Match the hatch, fish low light, and don't be afraid to go small.
Lures and gear available seasonally at the General Store — stop in or ask at the gatehouse.
Local tips from the lake
Fish the low light
The first and last hours of daylight are gold — especially in summer when fish drop deep and shut off mid-day. Dawn off a rocky point is hard to beat.
Follow the temperature
In spring, fish the warmer shallows and inlets. As the lake heats up, trout and kokanee slide deeper — go down to find them, or fish early.
Work the structure
Rollins is full of rocky points, submerged timber, and steep banks. Bass and panfish relate to cover — cast tight to it and slow down.
Caught a good one? Show it off.
Text or email us a photo of your catch and we'll feature it right here on the page. Tag us on social, too!
Text Your Catch · (530) 388-0328
This is what a summer looks like
Waterfront sites with the boat tied up out front. The General Store under the pines. Redwoods, willows, tents, and a whole lot of quiet water. Come see for yourself.
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More every season. Got a shot of your stay worth sharing? Send it our way →
Local Favorite Businesses
The nearby, family-run places we send our campers to — a bite to eat, the corner market, the hardware store, and more. We'll keep adding to the list.
Happy Apple Kitchen
Bierwagen family · since 1974. Handrolled pies baked fresh every morning, All-American burgers, and peach shakes in summer that are absolutely worth the trip.
Tue–Sat · 9:30 am–2:30 pm
18532 Colfax Hwy, Chicago Park · (530) 273-2822
Chicago Park Store
A country store & fishing outpost · since 1915. A whole wall of fishing tackle, cold beer & local wine, propane refills, plus fresh produce, local eggs & Chicago Park honey.
Open daily · 7 am–7 pm
19077 Colfax Hwy, Grass Valley · (530) 477-7799
Sierra Pontoons
Pontoon boat rentals in the slips at Long Ravine Marina — six boats, up to 14 guests, tow bars for tubing, kayaks & SUPs, plus 90-minute Sippin' at Sunset cruises.
Half day from $375 · Full day from $585
Sunset cruise $30/person · (916) 223-8129
More to come
We're building a little directory of the lake's best local, family-run spots — places we'd send our own family.
Know a great spot near Rollins Lake? Tell us.
Suggest a Spot →Get in touch
The fastest way to book is right here on our website — check live pricing and availability and reserve instantly. Online booking resumes January 1, 2027. Questions about a site or a slip? Text us; it's the quickest way to reach us.
Off-Season Hours
When we're open
Getting here
From I-80, take the Colfax / Grass Valley (Hwy 174) exit. Turn right onto Greenhorn Access Rd — it's just 1 mile to the gate.