Activities Around the Lake
Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Day Use Parks
Reclamation manages and maintains a contiguous 3 mile stretch of shoreline for public day use activities, encompassing Oak Shores Day Use Park, Smittle Creek Trail, and Smittle Creek Day Use Park. Recreational opportunities include picnicking, swimming, non-motorized boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and boat mooring for day use (bring your own anchor or stake), among others. Both Day Use Parks offer beautiful views of Lake Berryessa and a wonderful place to enjoy the lake. Summer weekends are busy, so come early to find good parking. Oak Shores and Smittle Creek are patrolled year round by Park Rangers who are available for visitor information and safety.
Entrance is FREE for both Day Use Parks and all dispersed areas around Lake Berryessa.
Park Hours of Operation
7:00 a.m. – dusk, year around
(Closing time varies seasonally; see entrance sign for designated closing time)
Facilities available in Oak Shores include picnic tables, charcoal grills, two hand boat launches, ADA accessible restrooms, two designated swim beaches with no boat access, and shade shelters available on a reservation basis (see below). The Entrance Station and Water Education and Information Station are open on summer weekends to find information on recreational opportunities, water safety, conservation, or talk with a Ranger.
Facilities available in Smittle Creek are slightly more challenging to access and are spread out among rolling hills and along Smittle Creek Trail. They include picnic tables, charcoal grills, trails, and ADA accessible restrooms (trails may not be fully accessible to reach the restrooms).
You may bring your own propane or gas grill, but must use park grills for charcoal fires. No wood fires are permitted on Reclamation lands. Please bring cans or plastic and leave glass containers at home. No trailers are permitted inside Oak Shores or Smittle Creek Day Use Parks, so plan accordingly. Please see our Park Rules for more information and to assist you in planning a great family outing!
Oak Shores Day Use Park Shade Shelter Reservations
Shade Shelters may be reserved for your special event or gathering at the Lake Berryessa Oak Shores Day Use Park. Each shelter holds up to 64 visitors. The two shelters are located along the shoreline in Acorn Beach , and are supplied with picnic tables and two large group barbeque pits per site (charcoal only). They are located near a designated swim beach and near boat mooring locations. If you bring your boat, you must bring your own anchor or mooring stakes.
Your completed application must be received no later than two weeks prior to the reservation date. For shelter availability and additional information please call (707) 966-2111 x 103. Please send your application to:
Bureau of Reclamation
Attention: Outdoor Recreation Planner
Lake Berryessa Field Office
5520 Knoxville Road
Napa CA 94558
Capell Cove Boat Launch Day Use Area
Reclamation offers a free motorized boat launch and trailer parking on the northwest shore of Lake Berryessa. Trailer parking is available on a first come, first served basis, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends. ADA accessible restrooms and a boat dock on the launch ramp are available. Capell Cove is also a popular shoreline and boat fishing location.
- Resort and Facilities Map (pdf - 1.4 MB)
- Oak Shores Brochure (pdf - 1.7 MB)