Introduction:
Lake Berryessa is a large reservoir in Napa County, California, United States. It is a popular camping and outdoor recreation destination.
Around Lake Berryessa, there are several camping options, including developed campgrounds, primitive camping areas, and group campsites. Picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and restrooms are among the amenities provided by the developed campgrounds. Steele Canyon, Oak Shores, and Smittle Creek are some of the area’s most popular campgrounds.
Visitors to Lake Berryessa can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, in addition to camping. The lake is home to several fish species, including bass, catfish, and trout, making it a popular fishing destination.
Overall, Lake Berryessa is a beautiful and peaceful place in California to camp and explore the outdoors.
Lake Berryessa Camping Campgrounds:
1.Steele Canyon Campground:
Steele Canyon Campground, located on the east side of the lake, is a year-round campground with 138 campsites and amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. There are flush toilets and showers available as well. Steele Canyon Campground has the following activities available:
- Hiking and nature trails
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Water skiing
- Wildlife watching
2.Oak Shores Campground:
Located on the west side of the lake, Oak Shores Campground has 109 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. There are also restrooms with flush toilets and showers. Oak Shores Campground offers the following activities:
- Hiking trails
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Water skiing
- Wildlife watching
3.Smittle Creek Campground:
Smittle Creek Campground offers 25 primitive campsites with picnic tables and fire rings on the lake’s northeast side. There are no showers or flush toilets, but pit toilets are available. Reservations are recommended for the campground, which is open from May to September. The following activities are available at Smittle Creek Campground:
- Hiking trails
- Fishing
- Wildlife watching
4.Lupine Shores Campground:
Lupine Shores Campground is a group campground on the lake’s west side. It has four group campsites, each of which can accommodate up to 25 people. Picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water are among the amenities. There are also restrooms with flush toilets and showers. Reservations are required for the campground, which is open from May to September. Lupine Shores Campground provides the following activities:
- Hiking trails
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Water skiing
- Wildlife watching
5.Pleasure Cove Marina and Campground:
The Pleasure Cove Marina and Campground is a large campground on the lake’s south side. It has over 140 campsites that include amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. There are flush toilets and showers available as well. Pleasure Cove Marina and Campground offers the following activities:
- Hiking trails
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Water skiing
- Wakeboarding
- Tubing
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Wildlife watching
Places to Visit Near Lake Berryessa Camping
These are just a few of Lake Berryessa’s most popular campgrounds, and each one has its own set of activities and amenities that cater to different types of campers.
Napa Valley:
About 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Lake Berryessa, Napa Valley is a well-known wine-producing region in California. Wine tours, vineyard visits, and tastings of local wines are available to visitors. Napa Valley also has great restaurants, spas, and art galleries.
Lake Berryessa Glory Hole:
The Glory Hole is a spillway on the Monticello Dam that controls Lake Berryessa’s water level. When the water is flowing over the spillway, it is a sight to behold. It is only a few miles from the lake and is easily accessible.
Pope Valley Wineries:
Pope Valley is a wine-producing region about 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of Lake Berryessa. The region’s wines include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and zinfandel. Several wineries in the area provide tastings and tours.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail:
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a 47-mile (76-kilometer) bike path that connects Vallejo and Calistoga, passing through several towns and vineyards in the Napa Valley region. It’s a beautiful and scenic way to explore the area and take in the scenery.
Putah Canyon Recreation Area:
Putah Canyon Recreation Area is a nature preserve located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Lake Berryessa. There are hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas here. The preserve is home to numerous wildlife species, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer.
These are just a few of the many fascinating places to visit in and around Lake Berryessa. During their stay in the region, visitors can enjoy wine tasting, outdoor recreation, and breathtaking natural beauty.


















