Lake Berryessa

Wonderful experience for our family. We went on a weekday so it was less busy. Definitely be prepared that area is unpaved past the parking lot. You can definitely bring a propane grill (no charcoal allowed due to fire hazard) for barbecuing. We were able to bring floating devices and paddle boards. There are plenty of smaller islands to paddle to. Definitely something to come back to!

They have this rule for the start of winter during a heat wave that they close at 5..... have time to walk down but get told kindly it's closed off which the ranger was sweet about it's just a bummer that I have to find another lake to swim at..... in my opinion they should close at 6

Summer of 2023 on a hot summer day my bf and I decided to go out to the lake. We had a lil picnic with his daughter aka my bestie! It was so peaceful the lake runs for miles and miles so don't be shy to explore! We were able to find a perfect lil spot for us away from people our own lil piece of land along the lake! There was a parking lot with public bathrooms.. not the cleanest! But a girl got to do what a girl gots to do lol.

It is a really nice lake. We reserved 3 sites to camp and they gave them away to someone else even though we paid extra to "lock" in our reservation. We are big time campers in our family and they have nice campgrounds near the water. They do not have water/power or sewer hookups so they have port-a potties but, they were clean.The grounds keepers came and harassed us several times once asking us to shut off our stereo that was not on and then again for throwing trash in the fire pit that you are not allowed to use but they apologized when they realized it was not garbage but our kids clothes drying from swimming. Probably won't be going back.

Stunning!A large, well taken care of lake with many different spots for swimmers, and those who have boats and other water vehicles. Tranquil area, everyone was courteous and clean, and the lake was filled with ducks and humans alike.Water is refreshing! My husband and I really enjoyed ourselves.

There a lot of spiders we was there Sunday for father day in the recreation area we have to leave we got bit by the spiders even in the water some family with small children left to other thing the employees was telling people to park outside in the st bc there was not parking inside when we leave the police was giving tickets don't park outside even if they tell you it's OK to park outside. Don't do it. You will get a ticket. Bring some bugs spray

One of NorCal's largest man-made lakes Lake Berryessa is a reservoir in the Napa County and is used for irrigation and flood control. It was a nice and sunny October Sunday but the seasonal drought is here and California is no stranger to it (agree?) the water level at the lake is really low and the 'Morning Glory Spillway,' an unusual and yet impressive sight (also called the Glory Hole), was clearly visible from the Monticello Dam. When water levels rise above 440-ft water starts spilling down the hole and into Putah Creek hundreds of feet below. My hubby, who has been to Lake Berryessa plenty of times, drove us to the Oak Shores Day Use area. Imagine, if you will, beach activities, swimming, shoreline fishing and wildlife viewing... picnic tables, BBQ, and parking with wonderful views of the lake, but it was like a ghost town yesterday where we were able to walk near the shoreline and past the edge of the boat launch on dry land. No BBQ'ing... any little spark could catch fire and California can use a break from wildfires, that's for sure! Who remembers the LNU Lightning Complex that started in August 2020?? Well, I don't really want to remember it but that was the 4th largest wildfire in the history of our State. What caused it? Lightning strikes.We then drove to Capell Cove Boat Launch. The boat launch was closed to motorized boats until water levels rise again. The picnic area is nice and shaded and had BBQ grills. We stopped at the Dufer Point Visitor Center to use the restrooms and ended up getting educated by the knowledgeable park rangers there. We learned a lot about Lake Berryessa, but amid the drought we still saw a few boaters on the lake enjoying themselves... looking forward to returning to the lake when water levels are high.Review #2419

Nice getaway place. There's 4 unisex "portalets" . Benches and tables. Lots of spots to choose from. Just be careful of sinkhole. Twas nice that there are life vests to use for the kids. We love our experience!

I went to Oak Shores day use today August 2022. It was a ghost town. We saw one other group of 3. We were both looking for a place where you could actually get to the water since the drought has shrunk the lake down so much. We settled on the further parking lot and trudged down the gravel slope to the water which was quite a distance. The water was actually delightful and warm. We had a ring and a raft and did enjoy the swim. There are many burned trees in the area from the big fires of 2020. But there is a stark beauty to the lake and hills around it.

Such an amazing place , came here for all the summers I have been living in California and it has always been great . The side with a small secluded beach is great for big parties because they rent an area with table and cover for you if you want . But also the other side is awesome , I love when is full of people, any table has a barbecue thing for you to grill , bathrooms are also available there . Unfortunately these past years the water has been low , I hope it gets better . It is such a good place to enjoy summer .