Bureau of Reclamation

09/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2025 12:49

Reclamation announces seasonal hours and facility updates at Lake Berryessa

NAPA, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation adjusted operating hours at Lake Berryessa beginning Sept. 7, as part of its seasonal transition. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for changes to facility access, boating regulations, and recreation services.

Dufer Point Visitor Center

  • Open weekends and holidays, 12 to 3 p.m.
  • America the Beautiful Interagency Passes available by appointment on weekdays and during open hours on weekends

Oak Shores Day Use Area

  • North End: Closed for the season starting September 7
  • South End: Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Parking and launch fees must be paid and receipts displayed on dashboards
  • America the Beautiful Interagency Passes available by appointment on weekdays and during open hours on weekends
  • Group Reservations - Oak Shores offers four large shade shelters at Acorn Beach and Foxtail Flat. Reservations for groups of up to 50 people are available for $25 per shelter, per day at Recreation.gov. For larger gatherings, contact the Park Ranger Office at 707-905-7896.

Smittle Creek and Eticuera Day Use Areas

  • Open year-round for wildlife viewing, picnicking, and hand-launch watercraft
  • Smittle Creek Trail remains open and accessible from two trailheads:
    • Smittle Creek Day Use Area (year-round)
    • Coyote Knolls parking lot (summer only)
  • Starting September 7, parking lot gates will close at 5 p.m.

Capell Cove Boat Launch

  • Closed indefinitely due to staffing.

Boating and Mussel Prevention

  • 30-Day Quarantine Requirement:
    Beginning November 2024, all trailered vessels must complete a free 30-day quarantine before launching, unless they:
    • Already have a Lake Berryessa green seal
    • Provide proof of decontamination
    • Use non-petroleum-powered or non-trailered vessels
  • Learn more at the Solano County Water Agency Mussel Prevention Program

Tip: Boaters should confirm ramp closing times with operators to avoid delays or a second quarantine period.

Concession-Operated Facilities

Alternative recreation opportunities, including boat launching, are available at concession-operated sites:

  • Markley Cove Resort: markleycove.com | 707-966-2134
  • Pleasure Cove Marina: goberryessa.com | 707-966-9600
  • Steele Canyon Recreation Area: campsteelecanyon.com | 707-966-9410
  • Spanish Flat Recreation Area: Spanish Flat Campground | 707-966-0200
  • Putah Canyon Recreation Area: royalelkparkmanagement.com | 707-966-905

For more information about activities, fees, maps, and updates, visit the Lake Berryessa Website, call 707-905-7896, or email [email protected].

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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.

Bureau of Reclamation published this content on September 11, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 11, 2025 at 18:49 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]