News Release Archive

Lake Berryessa begins to increase recreational access

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: May 08, 2020

NAPA, Calif. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health authorities, Bureau of Reclamation is increasing recreational access at Lake Berryessa.

Reclamation is working with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.

Beginning May 9, Lake Berryessa will reopen access to its Pope Creek parking lot and restroom. Restrooms at the Olive Orchard Day Use Area, Putah Creek Bridge, South Oak Shores and Smittle Creek will also reopen. Launching will be limited to non-motorized watercraft.

At concession-operated facilities Markley Cove and Pleasure Cove, moored boats, non-motorized watercraft and boat rental activities will resume operations and access on the water. Stores and marinas will reopen for services to the public.

Berryessa Boat and Jet Ski Rental, located on Berryessa Knoxville Road, will resume boat rental operations and access to the water.

Since the health and safety of the public and our employees continues to be our number one priority, the following facilities remain closed until further notice:

  • Administration Office and Visitor Center
  • Oak Shores Day Use Area
  • Smittle Creek Day Use Area
  • Capell Cove Boat Launch

For more information regarding any concession-operated facilities, call or visit their websites at:

Markley Cove, 707-289-8068, www.markleycove.com
Pleasure Cove Marina, 707-966-9600, www.goberryessa.com
Steele Canyon Recreation Area, 800-709-7814, www.lakeberryessacampgrounds.com
Spanish Flat Recreation Area, 707-966-0200, www.spanishflatcamping.com
Putah Canyon Recreation Area, 707-966-9051
Berryessa Boat and Jet Ski Rental, 707-966-4204, lakeberryessaboats.com

All visitors are advised to continue to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Check updates on our website https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html or contact us by phone at 707-966-2111, ext. 0.

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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.