Note: see this map for locations mentioned below.

Where are Picnic and Swimming Facilities Available for Day Use?

1. The main day use area is Oak Shores which has full picnic and swimming facilities. Free.
2. Along the north shore between the Putah Creek and Etecuera Creek are pullouts with trails down to the water. There is a portable toilet at the Etecuera Pullout.
3. At the intersection of Knoxville and Pope Canyon Roads is a large parking lot with a toilet. Trails lead from the lot to the water.
4. Off Hwy. 128 at Markley Cove are pullouts with trails down to the water. There are picnic tables and several portable toilets.
5. Picnicing is available at the public Capell Boat Launch and at a pullout on Knoxville Road about a mile west of Capell.
6. There are picnic areas behind and below the Visitor's Center (located at Reclamation Headquarters on the map).
7. The resorts provide day use for a fee.

What Camping is Available?

Camping is provided in the resorts. Camping and RV spots are available at these resorts:

• Putah Creek Resort
• Rancho Monticello Resort
• Berryessa Marina Resort
• Spanish Flat Resort
• Pleasure Cove Resort
• Steele Park Resort (RV spots only)

Where are the Hiking Trails?

1. Smittle Creek Trail winds along the shoreline between Oak Shores and Smittles Parks.
2. From each north shore pullout is a short access trail to the water.
3. The North End Trail is being revived and runs along the shoreline between the Putah and Gibson Flat Pullouts.
4. There are two foot entrances to the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area from East Shore Road. The entire East Shore is open to hiking along the shoreline.
5. The Pope Canyon Trail starts on Pope Canyon Road and leads to the water in Pope Canyon in several spots.
6. The Cedar Roughs Access Trail starts on Pope Canyon Road and is described in a BLM Cedar Roughs Handout.
7. The Stebbins Cold Canyon Trail starts off Hwy. 128 just below Monticello Dam. Description and trail map are available at the trailhead.
8. See the Berryessa Trail and Paddle Guide for detailed trail descriptions.

What Restaurants and Stores are Available?

1. Spanish Flat Village has a restaurant and a small store with a deli.
2. There is a store with a deli at Moskovite Corners.
3. The resorts have restaurants, snack bars, and small stores.

Are there Overnight Cabins or Motels?

These are provided by the resorts.

Where is a Public Boat Launch?

1. The free public boat ramp with parking is at Capell Cove.
2. The resorts all have boat launches and parking with a launch fee.

Is there a Gas Station?

There are no gas stations at the Lake. Automobile gasoline is available for cars in Putah Creek Resort and is expensive. Fill your gas tank before driving to the lake.

Where are the RV Spots?

RV spots are in the resorts. See the answer about camping above

What Areas are Suitable for Paddling?

1. Between Oak Shores/Smittles and Big/Small Islands is a no-wake zone.
2. The Pope Creek Arm of the lake is a no-wake zone.
3. Anywhere along the shoreline is reasonably safe. The side arms such as Putah Creek are quieter.
4. Avoid the center of the main lake on summer weekends.
5. See the Berryessa Trail and Paddle Guide for more info.

Who Rents Paddle Craft?

Sit-on-top kayak and canoe rentals are available at Spanish Flat Resort.

What Further Visitor Information is Available?

1. Visit the Visitor's Center, located on Knoxville Road (at Reclamation Headquarters on the map).
2. Call the Bureau during the week at 707-966-2111 to request an information package.
3. The resorts have lake and fishing info, gear, and maps.
4. General Recreation Website for Lake Berryessa
5. Bureau of Reclamation Website for Lake Berryessa
6. Berryessa Trail and Paddle Guide, an online guide to hiking and paddling at Lake Berryessa.

[ Visitor Information Contents ]