Napa, CA, United States

Oak Shores, Lake Berryessa

Oak Shores is a Bureau of Reclamation day-use area on Lake Berryessa with many coves, long stretches of shoreline and boat exclusion areas where you can swim away from motorized traffic. Reclamation says summer water can top 80°F. There are no lifeguards, so borrow one of the free loaner life jackets and do not try to swim across to the islands, which are farther than they look.

Directions

Photo: James Postema · CC BY 4.0

Get your personalized SwimScore

Latest reading · SwimScore 86/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 30°C, wind 4 km/h, UV 7. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Summer, when Reclamation says water temperatures can exceed 80°F.
Getting in: Bureau of Reclamation day-use area on Lake Berryessa; Oak Shores has boat exclusion areas so swimmers can stay away from motorized vessels.
Parking & transport: Day-use parking lots at Oak Shores, including the Coyote Knolls lot.
Lifeguards: No lifeguards are present at Lake Berryessa; all swimming is at your own risk.
Water quality: Harmful algal bloom reports and advisories for California lakes are tracked on the State Water Board's HAB Reports Map.
Season: Day-use areas are open year-round; swimming is best in summer.
Watch for: Uneven reservoir bottom with sudden drop-offs
Distances to islands are deceiving; many drownings involve swimmers trying to cross
Submerged rocks that shift with water level; no cliff or rock jumping
Heat, sun and alcohol: Reclamation cites CDC data linking up to 70 percent of adult and adolescent water-recreation deaths to alcohol
Facilities: Restrooms · Picnic sites with tables and grills · Six reservable group shade shelters (Acorn Beach, Foxtail Flat, Coyote Beach) · Free life jacket loaners · Walking trails including the Smittle Creek Trail