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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

Lake Berryessa

Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities. Lake Berryessa's water reaches temperatures of up to 75 degrees in the summer, making it an ideal place for water sports. Anglers enjoy fishing for both cold and warm water species, such as rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The Bureau of Reclamation provides two large day use areas (Oak Shores and Smittle Creek), Capell Cove launch ramp, and many smaller dispersed day use areas. There are Recreation Areas around the lake that are managed by concessionaires under contract with Reclamation and provide camping, day use and boating facilities. Contact the concession areas directly for information about amenities.

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Lake Berryessa is located 70 miles northeast of San Francisco and 40 miles west of Sacramento. Nearest towns are Napa to the southwest or Winters to the east. Nearest highways are state highways 121 and 128.

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Important Information

10 horse power limit.


Facilities


Putah Canyon Campground- Napa, CA (BOR) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Located in beautiful Napa County, Putah Canyon campground is approximatly 1/2 mile north of Pope Canyon Road, On Knoxville Road, Napa, CA . Its take about 45 minutes from Winters and/or Napa areas. Perfect for a quick getaway.

Recreation

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUPs)
  • Kayaking

Natural Features

Putah Canyon Campground sits on Lake Berryessa.

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This location is staffed. Please call (701) 966-9051 to speak with local staff.

Charges & Cancellations

  • There is a $10 cancellation fee when you cancel within the 4-day window prior to the start of your reservation
  • If you cancel after the start of your reservation, you will be charged a $10 cancellation fee + the first nights camping fees
  • Requested changes to reservations dates cannot be guaranteed


OAK SHORES DAY USE AREA (CA) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities. Popular activities on and around the large, yet uncrowded lake include fishing, boating, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and picnicking. The Dufer Point Visitor Center offers year-round interpretive events and exhibits highlighting natural and cultural resources. Lake Berryessa is a Federal reservoir managed by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region (Central California Area Office).

Recreation

Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Day Use areas offer free day use, beach activities, swimming, shoreline fishing and wildlife viewing. The 2.6-mile long Smittle Creek Trail connects the two areas. Commercial Concession Areas also provide a variety of recreation opportunities for a fee at the lake. These include camping, lodging, marina services, boat rentals and retail stores. Contact the concession areas directly for information about amenities and fees. For more information on concessions, visit: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/visitor-info.html

Facilities

Reclamation Managed Day Use Areas offer more than 200 picnic sites which are equipped with picnic tables, barbeque grills, restrooms and drinking water. There are six covered group picnic sites that can be reserved or can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Natural Features

Lake Berryessa is more than just a great place for water recreation. The blue oak woodlands covering the surrounding hills are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, all dependent on each other to survive. Visitors can experience the beauty of Lake Berryessa by hiking the Smittle Creek Trail. The climate is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. For those who wish to venture outside the main recreation areas, there are many unique places to visit. Overall, the geography is quite varied and provides many opportunities for recreation.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby areas including Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area and Knoxville Recreation Area offering extensive backcountry and hiking opportunities. Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, operated by the University of California at Davis, is a high-quality hiking experience near the Monticello Dam that provides great views of Lake Berryessa.


Lake Berryessa - Day Use Activity Pass


Putah Canyon Day Use and Boat Launch Activity Pass


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