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Reclamation kicks off Lake Berryessa summer season hours

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mgarrisonknecht@usbr.gov
For Release: May 6, 2024
Lake Berryessa Lake Berryessa

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announces new operating hours at Lake Berryessa for the summer season beginning May 5.

Dufer Point Visitor Center
The Dufer Point Visitor Center will be open 12-3 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Oak Shores Day Use Area
The north end of Oak Shores will reopen for day use from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only. South Oak Shore will be open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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 https://www.recreation.gov/. For more information, or to organize a larger event, contact the Lake Berryessa Park Ranger Office at 707-966-2111, ext. 113.

Smittle Creek and Eticuera Day Use Areas
Smittle Creek and Eticuera Day Use Areas will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for wildlife watching, picnicking, and hand launching watercraft. The Smittle Creek Trail is open and can be accessed from two trailheads: the Smittle Creek Day Use Area, available throughout the year, and the Coyote Knolls parking lot in Oak Shores during the summer.

Capell Cove Boat Launch
The Capell Cove Boat Launch is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the year. 

Plan for a Safe Visit
No ash generating fire including charcoal barbeques are permitted lake-wide per Napa County ordinances.

Ensure that parking and launch fees are paid, and receipts are displayed on vehicle dashboard. America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are available at the Dufer Point Visitor Center by appointment during the week or on weekends between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As of January 2024, boaters 60 years of age and under are required to possess a valid vessel operator card. Boaters may apply for the $10 card from the California Department of Boating and Waterways at: https://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.

Swimming is a popular activity at Lake Berryessa. Both child and adult-sized life jackets are available for the public to borrow, free of charge, from Oak Shores Day Use Area. Remember:

  • All swimming at Lake Berryessa is at your own risk.
  • Never swim alone.
  • No lifeguards are present at Lake Berryessa.
  • Everyone should always wear a life jacket and supervise children near water.
  • The reservoir bottom is uneven and features sudden drop-offs.

Concession Areas
Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Canyon Recreation Area, Putah Canyon, and Spanish Flat offer a variety of recreation services, including boat launching, and are alternatives to Oak Shores and Capell Cove. For information regarding services offered at concession-operated facilities, launch fees, or to make reservations, call the concession operators or visit their websites:

For information on activities, fees, directions, pet restrictions, or other questions, call the visitor center at 707-966-2111, ext. 113, the Lake Berryessa Administration Office at 707-966-2111 (TTY 800-877-8339), or visit the Lake Berryessa website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.

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