Recreation Opportunities

Make Your Reservations

Oak Shores Day Use Area offers six large group shade shelters at Acorn Beach, Foxtail Flat, and Coyote Beach. Group shelters can be reserved for groups of up to 50 for $25, per shelter per day, at recreation.gov. For more information, or to organize a larger event, please contact the Lake Berryessa Park Ranger Office or email BOR-berryessa@usbr.gov.

Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Canyon Recreation Area, Putah Canyon Recreation Area, and Spanish Flat Recreation Area offer services including camping and boat launching. For information on concession-operated facilities, or to make reservations, please call the concession operators or visit their websites:

Plan for a Safe Visit

For those boating this year, familiarize yourself with the California Boater Card program. As of January 2018, boaters 20 years of age and under are required to possess a valid vessel operator card. Boaters may apply for the $10 card from the California Division of Boating and Waterways at: http://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/

All Coast Guard and State of California rules for navigation and boat operation apply and are strictly enforced by the Napa County Sheriff's Office. For more information on preparing for a successful day on the water, read the Division of Boating and Waterways ABCs of California Boating, which can be found at: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28711

Here are some tips to stay safe in the water this summer:

  • All swimming at Lake Berryessa is at your own risk.
  • Always swim with someone.
  • No lifeguards are present at Lake Berryessa.
  • Everyone should always wear life jackets and be supervised near water.
  • The reservoir bottom is uneven and features sudden drop-offs.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that up to 70 percent of adult and adolescent water recreation deaths are alcohol related. Sun exposure and heat compound to intensify alcohol's effect on balance, coordination and judgement, so please use caution. For more details: https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html.

Both child and adult-sized life jackets are available for the public to borrow, free of charge, from Oak Shores Day Use Area.

Campfires are only permitted within campfire rings in established campgrounds. Personal charcoal barbecue grills are not allowed anywhere at Lake Berryessa. Those wishing to barbecue with charcoal must use the grills provided in established campgrounds and day use areas. For more information on safely using campfires and barbecues this year, please visit: http://www.preventwildfireca.org

Join the Fun

Reclamation is looking for motivated individuals to join our team of employees and volunteers who keep Lake Berryessa running throughout the year. Look for our job and volunteer announcements throughout the year at: www.usajobs.gov and www.volunteer.gov

For more information, please contact the Lake Berryessa Field Office or email BOR-berryessa@usbr.gov.

Highlights

More Recreation Opportunities

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Last Updated: 8/14/24