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The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to |
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Lake Berryessa is the reservoir for the Solano Project which is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and operated under a cooperative agreement by the Solano County Water Agency/Solano Irrigation District. The project provides flood control protection to the city of Winters and other downstream communities and high-quality water supply for irrigation and the cities of Vacaville, Suisun City, Vallejo, and Fairfield. At capacity, Lake Berryessa stores 1.6 million acre feet of water and is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in California. The lake is 23 miles long, 3 miles wide, with 165 miles of shoreline. Reclamation and the California Department of Fish and Game jointly manage a 2,000-acre wildlife area along the east side of the lake. For more details on the Solano Project, please click here.
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities. 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 (Reclamation) provides several free recreation locations including two large day use areas (Oak Shores and Smittle Creek); Capell Cove launch ramp; and many smaller dispersed day use areas. For more information about recreation opportunities and what to bring to enjoy Berryessa's resources on your next trip, click on Visitor Information.
The seven resorts currently operating around the lake are managed by concessionaires under contract with Reclamation and provide camping, overnight accommodations, day use, food service, and boating facilities. Click on Visitor Information for details about services and recreational opportunities in the resorts and marinas.
Lake Berryessa provides many opportunities to experience a variety of wildlife and plant exploration activities. The Monticello Dam area at the southeast corner of the lake is one of the best local birding areas. The best time to visit for the best birding opportunities is in the early spring and late fall during migration and nesting seasons. The grassy hills dotted with oak and manzanita provide excellent opportunities to view eagles, hawks, songbirds, wild turkeys, and deer. Shoreline viewing opportunities may include canada geese, pelicans, great blue herons, western grebes, wood ducks, snow geese, and common loons. See Berryessa Facts for more information on birding and other wildlife and plants in the area.
For additional information on Lake Berryessa history and resources, see Berryessa Facts.
Lake Berryessa Field Office and Visitor Center
Reclamation provides visitor services and information in their headquarters area near Oak Shores Day Use Park.
Field Office and Visitor Center
5520 Knoxville Road, Napa CA 94558
707/966-2111
- Field Office hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Lake Berryessa Visitor Center Open Saturdays and Sundays 10a.m. to 4 p.m
Water Education and Information Station
Reclamation introduced a new Water Education and Information Station in 2005, to provide fun family activities and relay water safety and conservation messages to visitors. We also provide a free lifejacket “loaner” service in Oak Shores during the Station hours of operation only.
The Water Education and Information Station is located inside Oak Shores Day Use Park at 5550 Knoxville Road, Napa CA 94558.
Water Education and Information Station hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,
on summer
weekends and holidays only.
Ranger Activities and Events for 2008 - Please see our calendar of events