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Oak Shores Day Use Area: Lakeside Fun at Berryessa

Discover lakeside bliss at Oak Shores Day Use Area in Lake Berryessa, Napa County, offering year-round recreation, from swimming and boating to hiking and picnicking, amidst stunning natural beauty.

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Oak Shores Day Use Area, nestled on the shores of Lake Berryessa, offers a refreshing escape into nature. This popular spot provides a range of activities, from picnicking and swimming to boating and fishing. The area is equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and restrooms, making it ideal for family outings and group gatherings. With its stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills, Oak Shores is a haven for those seeking relaxation and outdoor adventure. The clear, warm waters of Lake Berryessa are perfect for swimming and water sports during the summer months, while the surrounding trails offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, cast a line, or simply enjoy a peaceful day by the water, Oak Shores Day Use Area provides a memorable experience for all.

A brief summary to Oak Shores Day Use Area

  • Monday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure parking and a good picnic spot, as the area can get crowded.
  • Bring your own food, drinks, and supplies, as services within thirty miles of the lake are limited.
  • Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and towels to take full advantage of Lake Berryessa's warm waters during the summer months.
  • Explore the nearby Smittle Creek Trail for an easy hike with stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
  • Check the Bureau of Reclamation's website for any fire restrictions or special advisories before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Napa, take CA-121 North towards Lake Berryessa. Follow CA-121 N until you reach Knoxville Road. Turn right onto Knoxville Road and continue for several miles. Oak Shores Day Use Area will be on your left. Look for the entrance sign. Parking is available on-site for $5 per vehicle. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.

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Discover more about Oak Shores Day Use Area

Oak Shores Day Use Area is a beloved recreational spot on the shores of Lake Berryessa, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Napa County. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, this area provides a variety of activities suitable for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike. From picnicking and swimming to boating and fishing, Oak Shores is a versatile destination that caters to diverse interests. Lake Berryessa itself is a significant feature of the region, known as the largest lake in Napa County. Formed by the Monticello Dam, the lake boasts a rich history, having once been an agricultural valley renowned for its fertile soils. The town of Monticello was abandoned to make way for the reservoir, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the area. Today, Lake Berryessa is a hub of recreational activity, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually. The Oak Shores Day Use Area is equipped with over 200 picnic sites, each featuring picnic tables and barbecue grills. These amenities make it easy for visitors to enjoy outdoor meals while taking in the scenic views. Restrooms and drinking water are also readily available, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience. For larger groups, there are six covered group picnic sites that can be reserved in advance or used on a first-come, first-served basis. Water activities are a major draw at Oak Shores. Lake Berryessa's warm waters, which can reach up to 75 degrees in the summer, are perfect for swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Quiet coves offer ideal conditions for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding. Boating enthusiasts can take advantage of the boat launch facilities to explore the lake's 165 miles of shoreline. Fishing is another popular pastime at Lake Berryessa, with anglers casting their lines for a variety of cold and warm water species. Rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill are among the fish that can be found in the lake's depths. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, the lake offers a rewarding fishing experience. Beyond the water, Oak Shores provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The surrounding hills are home to diverse plant and animal life, including eagles, hawks, songbirds, wild turkeys, and deer. The Smittle Creek Trail, an easy 2.6-mile hike, leads to Oak Shores Park, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Other trails in the area, such as the Stebbins Cold Canyon Trail and the North End Trail, provide more challenging hiking experiences with equally impressive vistas. Oak Shores Day Use Area is not only a place for recreation but also a place to connect with nature. The blue oak woodlands that cover the surrounding hills are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, all dependent on each other to survive. Visitors can experience the beauty of this ecosystem by exploring the area's trails and observing the local wildlife. The Dufer Point Visitor Center, located nearby, offers year-round interpretive events and exhibits highlighting the natural and cultural resources of Lake Berryessa. This is a great place to learn more about the history, ecology, and geology of the area. While Oak Shores provides a range of amenities, it's important to note that services within thirty miles of the lake are limited. Visitors are advised to bring their own food, drinks, and supplies. There are also specific rules and regulations in place to protect the environment and ensure the safety of visitors. Glass containers, fireworks, pets off-leash, and open fires are prohibited. Propane-fueled fire pits, stoves, and barbecue grills are permitted in Reclamation-managed areas. During the summer months and on holiday weekends, Oak Shores can become quite crowded. Parking is limited, and large groups may not be accommodated. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot and a picnic site. Despite the crowds, Oak Shores remains a popular destination for those seeking a day of fun and relaxation by the lake. Lake Berryessa has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit Oak Shores is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, the area is open year-round, offering recreational opportunities in every season. Whether you're looking to swim, boat, fish, hike, or simply relax by the water, Oak Shores Day Use Area at Lake Berryessa offers a memorable experience for all. With its stunning scenery, diverse activities, and convenient amenities, it's no wonder this spot is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Visiting Oak Shores is more than just a day trip; it's an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the history of the region, and create lasting memories with family and friends. The beauty and tranquility of Lake Berryessa are sure to leave a lasting impression, making you want to return again and again.

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