News Release Archive

Lake Berryessa reopens after LNU Lightning Complex fire

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

For Release: October 23, 2020

Water skiing on Lake BerryessaNAPA, Calif. – Reclamation is increasing recreational access at Lake Berryessa after closure due to the LNU Lightning Complex fire. A phased reopening will begin on October 23. Day use areas, camping, and concession-operated facilities are opening when roads and recreation areas are safe for the visiting public and businesses are prepared to reopen.

“We fully understand and empathize with the local community’s desire to return to a sense of normalcy after such a devastating event,” said Regional Director Ernest Conant. “We appreciate the public’s patience as Reclamation staff works hard to safely provide full access to our Lake Berryessa recreation areas again.”

Beginning October 23, concession-operated facilities will begin to reopen. Access to boats in slips, boat rentals and boat launching will be opened at Pleasure Cove, Spanish Flat, Steele Canyon and Putah Canyon recreation areas. Many of the facilities sustained extensive damage during the LNU Lightning Complex Fire and will not be fully operational until further notice. Continue to visit their websites for the most up-to-date information.

Reclamation-operated facilities will reopen beginning on October 24; South Oak Shores and Eticuera day use areas, Capell Cove boat launch, and Pope Bridge parking lot will reopen to visitors.

Camping and cabins will also reopen to visitors at concession-operated facilities beginning October 30. For reservations visit their websites below:

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, www.californiasbestcamping.com/sonoma/putah.html
Berryessa Boat and Jet Ski Rental, 707-966-4204, www.lakeberryessaboats.com 

All visitors are advised to continue to follow Napa County COVID-19 orders and  CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Phone capabilities for the Lake Berryessa Field office and the concession-operated facilities are very limited due to the extensive fire damage. For the most current information, call 707-287-2363 or email nkyle@usbr.gov or visit our website: 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.