Lake Berryessa is one of California’s largest bodies of fresh water, measuring 23 miles long with 164 miles of shoreline. You might know it for the unique “Glory Hole” drainage feature, which looks like a giant hole in the water’s surface and spills overflow water into the Putah Creek. It’s also a popular swim destination each summer, beloved by SF lakegoers who can reach the lake in less than 2 hours by car.
Bay Area residents flock to this popular NorCal swimming spot from June to August, as the water can get up to 75 degrees on warm days. There are multiple water sport rental services around the lake where you can grab a paddle boat or kayak and enjoy a sunny afternoon exploring. Read on for a breakdown of everything to know about Lake Berryessa’s summer swim season.
Swimming in Lake Berryessa
Swim safety
First and foremost, visitors to Lake Berryessa must understand that there are no lifeguards on duty and swimming is at your own risk, even in the popular swimming areas. It is strongly advised that you always swim with a buddy, supervise children closely, and use caution if consuming alcohol. The Oak Shores Day Use Area has loaner life jackets available for free.
The reservoir bottom is uneven with sudden drop-offs, so be careful when wading far from shore. Swimming is generally allowed throughout Lake Berryessa, except for within 1,500 feet of Monticello Dam and in any areas where the Bureau of Reclamation has posted signage prohibiting swimming.
Swimming areas at Lake Berryessa
Oak Shores and Smittle Creek – The Bureau of Reclamation manages these two large day-use swim areas, which have picnic facilities and restrooms. Oak Shores has large group shade structures available for rental.
Pleasure Cove, Steele Canyon, Markley Cove, Spanish Flat, and Putah Canyon – These swim areas are managed by on-site concession businesses, and they have more amenities, including boat launches, rentals, and camping.
More activities and tips for visiting Lake Berryessa
Water sports and rentals
Pleasure Cove Marina and Markley Cove Resort are popular areas for boat rentals at Lake Berryessa, but you’ll find numerous options around the lake’s perimeter. Whether you want to rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for a leisurely afternoon, or more robust pontoons and wakeboard boats, Lake Berryessa has plenty of variety for every type of outing.
Anglers can go fishing for both cold- and warm-water species, including rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. There are also fishing boats for rental with specialized equipment.
Finally, adventure seekers can enjoy more heart-racing activities ranging from an exhilarating jet-ski around the shoreline to wakeboarding, tubing, or water skiing across Lake Berryessa’s wide, open stretches of water.
Land-based activities
Many visitors also enjoy exploring some easy hiking and cycling trails around the lake, which traverse the grassy hills and oak woodlands, and offer great bird-watching opportunities. Bring a picnic and show up early to grab one of the lakeside picnic tables, many of which are situated in shady spots near the swimming and camping areas. Finally, campgrounds and resorts offer everything from tent and RV camping to cabin and houseboat rentals.
Lake Berryessa is located in Napa County near Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs. If you’re in for a long weekend, consider combining your lake outing with another stop in wine country, such as the nearby Castello di Amorosa or Jarvis Estate Winery.