Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa County and sits just east of Napa Valley. A man-made reservoir formed in 1957, the lake serves a purpose for the region, providing fresh water, contributing to hydroelectric power, and helping to manage flooding—but it’s also become an ideal destination for recreation with opportunities for water sports, fishing, hiking, and, of course, RV camping.

We may be a little biased because it’s home to one of our most scenic RV & Boat storage facilities, but the lake and nearby attractions are not-to-be-missed on any Northern California road trip.

Lake Berryessa

RV camping around Lake Berryessa is a great way to enjoy the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. There are several campgrounds that cater to RVs: 

• Pleasure Cove Marina: Offers 14 full hookup RV sites (30/50 AMP power, water, and sewage) and 11 partial hookup RV sites (30/50 AMP power and water). 
• Putah Canyon Campground: Provides waterfront sites on the Northwestern shore, where campers can moor watercraft below their site. 
• Steele Canyon Campground: Features 85 lake-view dry camp sites, perfect for RVers looking for a more rustic experience. This campground also features a large concrete boat launch that is open 365 days a year.  
• Spanish Flat Campground: Situated in a beautiful, secluded area perfect for seeing some stars, Spanish Flat offers 58 RV and tent sites with partial hookups. 

Once you’re set up in the perfect camping spot, get ready to enjoy the lake’s many attractions:  

• Water Activities: The lake is perfect for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing. Pleasure Cove Marina offers boat and jet ski rentals! 
• Fishing: Anglers can enjoy fishing for various species including rainbow trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. 
• Hiking: Several easy hiking trails around the lake's perimeter offer opportunities to explore, observe wildlife, and enjoy scenic views. 
• Swimming: With water temperatures reaching up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, the lake is ideal for swimming, though there are no lifeguarded areas. 
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including eagles, hawks, songbirds, wild turkeys, and deer, making it excellent for bird watching and nature photography. 
• Kayaking and Canoeing: The lake's quiet coves are ideal for paddle sports. 
• Seaplane Base: For a unique experience, visitors can watch seaplanes land and take off from the lake's surface. 

A few pro-tips to keep in mind while you plan your trip:

• For peak season trips (April to October), you’ll want to book 3-6 months in advance. 
• Stores are limited in the area — plan ahead and bring everything you need. 
• Be prepared for variable weather — even in summer temps can get down into the 40s at night. 
• Always pay attention to and follow fire safety guidelines.

More to Do Near Napa

While Lake Berryessa itself offers a lot to enjoy, if you’ve still got some gas in the tank to venture beyond the lakeshore, there’s so much more to explore. 

Visit wine country:  

• Just a short drive west of Lake Berryessa, the world-renowned Napa Valley awaits wine enthusiasts. There’re too many great wineries to list!  

Take a scenic drive and uncover hidden gems: 

• Take a picturesque journey along Highway 128, often referred to as Napa Valley's "backcountry." 
• Visit Nichelini Family Winery, one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the valley, located about 5 miles east on Highway 128. 
• Stop at the quirky Turtle Rock Bar & Café, a popular local dive bar 3.5 miles further east on Highway 128. 

Adventure outdoors: 

• Explore Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, offering diverse wildlife, scenic beauty, and exhilarating hiking trails.
• Visit Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, featuring a Redwood campground and additional hiking opportunities. 

Have a culinary experience: 

• Il Fiorello Olive Oil in Fairfield offers a taste of local olive oil production. 
• Suisun Valley Filling Station in Fairfield provides a unique dining experience. 

Explore the region’s history: 

• The Winters Museum in downtown Winters showcases the area's rich history and agricultural heritage.  

Lake Berryessa and its surrounding areas offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and nearby attractions that make it an ideal destination for RV travelers. Ready to plan your Lake Berryessa adventure?

If you’re lucky enough to visit the area regularly, or if you call Northern California home, consider storing with us! Our Napa location has enclosed, covered, and outdoor RV and Boat storage, and self-storage solutions just minutes away from all the action. Find your space today!