News Release Archive

Recreation Season Begins at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, 04/04/2018 11:14

For Release: April 04, 2018

Kayakers on Lake Berryessa
Kayakers on Lake Berryessa

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announces summer hours and programs for the 2018 recreation season at Lake Berryessa.

Reclamation Facilities are Open
Starting April 1, 2018, Park Rangers will staff the Dufer Point Visitor Center from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Stop-in with your questions about visiting the lake, volunteering with our new birding program, or upcoming events.

The north end of Oak Shores Day Use Area will re-open for day use on April 1. Oak Shores opens daily at 7:30 a.m. throughout the year and is free of charge.

Closing hours will gradually increase as follows:

April 1- May 4: 5 p.m. weekdays, 8 p.m. weekends.
May 5- September 30: 8 p.m. weekdays and weekends.

Once repaving is complete, the Capell Cove Boat Launch will be open from 4 a.m.-10 p.m. and is free of charge.

Make Your Reservations
Beginning May 1, 2018, 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 http://www.recreation.gov. For more information, or to organize a larger event, please contact the Lake Berryessa Park Ranger Office at 707-966-2111 ext. 113.

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.
  • Never swim alone
  • 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 at 707-966-2111 ext. 113, or visit the Lake Berryessa website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/

# # #

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.