NAPA, Calif. - Winter rains have brought Lake Berryessa to its maximum water storage capacity for the first time since 2006. With the rise in water level, it is expected to be a busy summer at the lake, and
Reclamation staff want to offer some suggestions for a successful and safe
summer season.
Reclamation Facilities are Open
The Dufer Point Visitor Center is open from 12-3 p.m. on Saturdays and
Sundays until April 1. On April 1, we will add weekday hours from 12-3 p.m.
and expand weekend hours to 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through September 2017, visitors
have the opportunity to explore the Wild about Wetlands exhibit on
loan from the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.
On April 1, Oak Shores Day Use Area, will extend its hours of operation
from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the north end of Oak Shores will be open to day
use.
The Capell Cove Boat Launch is now open for launching from 4 a.m.-10 p.m.,
is free of charge, and is anticipated to be open all summer.
Make Your Reservations
Oak Shores Day Use Area offers six large group shade shelters at Acorn
Beach, Foxtail Flat and Coyote Beach. Group shelters are very popular and
can be reserved for groups of up to 50. Reservations are $25 per shelter
per day and can be made at http://www.recreation.gov. No
entrance fee is charged for Oak Shores. For more information, or to
organize a larger event, please contact the Lake Berryessa Park Ranger
Office at 707-966-2111 ext. 113.
Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Canyon Recreation Area,
Putah Canyon Recreation Area, and Spanish Flat Recreation Area continue to
offer a variety of recreation services including camping and boat
launching. For information regarding operations and services at
concession-operated facilities or to make reservations, please call the
*
Markley Cove, 707-966-2134,
www.markleycoveresort.com
*
Pleasure Cove Marina, 707-966-9600, www.goberryessa.com
*
Steele Canyon Recreation Area, 707-966-9179, www.goberryessa.com
*
Spanish Flat Recreation Area 707-966-0200,
www.spanishflatcamping.com
*
Putah Canyon Recreation Area, 707-966-9051,
www.royalelkparkmanagement.com
.
Locals expect to see a busy summer season, and many visitors have already
made reservations for camping and day use sites around the lake, with some
camping locations already close to full for Memorial Day weekend! Visitors
are encouraged to plan ahead this summer as the campgrounds will be busy.
Summer weekdays are usually less crowded and are a good option for those
looking to camp.
Plan for a Safe Visit
For those boating this year, be on the lookout for hazards, both floating
and submerged. All Coast Guard and State of California rules for navigation
and boat operation apply and are strictly enforced by the Napa County
Sheriff’s Office. For more information on preparing for a successful day on
the water, read the Department of Boating and Waterways ABCs of California Boating which can be found at
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/?page_id=28731
.
There’s never been a better time for a swim at Lake Berryessa but please
remember:
* Never swim alone
* No lifeguards are present at Lake Berryessa
* Children should always wear life jackets and be supervised near water
* The lake bottom is uneven and features sudden drop-offs
* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that up to 70
percent of adult and adolescent water recreation deaths are alcohol
related. Sun exposure and heat compound to intensify alcohol’s effect on
balance, coordination and judgement, so please use caution this summer. For
more details:
href="https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html"
>
https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
.
Park Rangers at Oak Shores Day Use Area operate a life jacket loaner
program that lends both children and adult-sized life jackets for the day.
Contact any staff member of the Day Use Area to take advantage of this free
safety program.
Campfires are only permitted within campfire rings in established
campgrounds. Personal charcoal barbecue grills are not allowed anywhere at
Lake Berryessa. Those wishing to barbecue with charcoal must use the grills
provided in established campgrounds and Day Use Areas. For more information
on safely using campfires and barbecues this year, please visit:
http://www.preventwildfireca.org
.
Join the Fun
Reclamation is looking for motivated individuals to join our team of
employees and volunteers who keep Lake Berryessa running throughout the
year. Look for our job and volunteer announcements throughout the year atwww.usajobs.gov and www.volunteer.gov.
If you would like more information on any topic described, please contact
the Lake Berryessa Field Office at 707-966-2111 ext. 113.
Please visit the Lake Berryessa website at
https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/
for additional information.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
