News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Seasonal Recreation Area Closures and Seasonal Changes to Park Hours at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: September 05, 2014

Napa, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office, has scheduled a seasonal closure of the north side of Oak Shores Day Use Area and the two restrooms along the Smittle Creek Trail at Lake Berryessa beginning Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, through Wednesday, April 1, 2015.

The south side of Oak Shores will continue to offer restroom facilities, picnic tables, barbeque grills, water access, and a kayak/canoe hand launch. This seasonal closure allows Reclamation to perform necessary maintenance tasks and provides time for natural resource recovery. All other Reclamation-operated locations will remain open year-round.

Seasonal changes to park hours include the following Reclamation-operated areas: Oak Shores Day Use Area, Smittle Creek Day Use Area, and Eticuera Day Use Area:

  • Beginning Monday, Sept. 8, gates will close at 7 p.m. to reflect changes in daylight hours.
  • Effective Wednesday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Nov. 2, gates will close at 6 p.m.
  • From Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, through Sunday, March 8, 2015, gates will close at 5 p.m.

The Capell Cove Boat Launch Ramp will be closed effective Monday, Sept. 15, due to drought conditions and receding water levels; the launch ramp will re-open when water levels rise. Boaters are encouraged to use other ramps at Lake Berryessa including those at the Putah Canyon Recreation Area, Steele Canyon Recreation Area, Pleasure Cove Marina, and Markley Cove Resort (see the map at www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html). Please note that these concession areas charge a fee to use their launch ramps. For information, please visit the following websites:

The Dufer Point Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. For information on activities, directions, pet restrictions, or other questions, please call the Visitor Center at 707-966-2111, ext. 113, or the Lake Berryessa Administration Office at 707-966-2111.

The Administration Office will continue to be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 5520 Knoxville Road, Napa, CA 94558. Maps and information are available at both the Administration Office and the Visitor Center.

For additional information, please visit the Lake Berryessa website at www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.