News Release Archive

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

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, 09/04/2015 15:40

For Release: September 04, 2015

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 Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, through Friday, April 1, 2016. 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 also 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. 14, gates will close at 7 p.m. to reflect changes in daylight hours.
  • Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, through Monday, March 14, 2016, gates will close at 5 p.m.

The Capell Cove Boat Launch Ramp is currently closed 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, Spanish Flat Recreation Area 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. Please contact the locations to ensure launch ramps are still in operation prior to traveling as some will likely be closing soon due to low water levels. For information, please visit the following websites:

The Dufer Point Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 14, through Friday, May 6, 2016. 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 (TTY 800-877-8339). 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.

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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.