News Release Archive

Reclamation starting summer operating hours at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Christie Kalkowski, 916-978-5100, ckalkowski@usbr.gov

For Release: March 29, 2019

Napa, Calif. – With summer months approaching, the Bureau of Reclamation is preparing for increased recreational use at Lake Berryessa by expanding operating hours, beginning on April 1.

Dufer Point Visitor Center
Starting April 1, 2019, 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. Staff will provide answers about visiting the lake, volunteering with our birding program and upcoming events.

Oak Shores Day Use Area
Oak Shores opens daily at 7:30 a.m. all the year. The north end of Oak Shores will re-open for day use on April 1. In addition, Lake Berryessa employees will extend Oak Shore’s closing hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reserve Oak Shores shade shelters for $25 at www.recreation.gov. Reservations are not accepted on holiday weekends.

Smittle Creek and Eticuera Day Use Area
Smittle Creek and Eticuera are available for hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking and hand-launching watercraft from sunrise until sunset throughout the year. In April, park rangers will close the parking lot gates at Smittle Creek at 8 p.m., nightly.

Capell Cove Boat Launch
The Capell Cove Boat Launch opens from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. all year, weather permitting.

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 launch ramps, and are great alternatives to Oak Shores and Capell Cove. For information regarding services offered at concession-operated facilities, please call or visit their websites:

Join the Fun
Reclamation is looking for motivated individuals to join our team of employees and volunteers that keep Lake Berryessa running all year. Look for our job and volunteer announcements at https://www.usajobs.gov/ and https://www.volunteer.gov/.

For more information, call the Lake Berryessa Administration office at 707-966-2111, ext. 113 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit the website at:  https://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.