In the early 1960s, Napa County entered into an agreement to develop and manage recreation facilities at Lake Berryessa, adhering to the 1959 Public Use Plan. However, instead of creating public amenities, the county allowed the concessions to transform into private trailer parks. This decision marked the beginning of a contentious history of mismanagement and conflicting visions for the lake's use. In 2009, the last of the trailer park concessions expired, paving the way for a new plan that emphasized public access and natural recreation. Despite these efforts, the transition has been fraught with challenges, and the promise of a nature-focused haven at Lake Berryessa remains unfulfilled. Today, Napa County faces a pivotal decision: whether to embrace large-scale urban recreation developments or to honor the original vision of a natural, community-centered retreat. (Photo by Gidatola)

Napa County signed an agreement in 1962 to develop and manage recreation facilities at Lake Berryessa in compliance with the 1959 Public Use Plan. Instead, Napa allowed the concessions to become private trailer parks.

The last of the trailer park concession contracts finally expired in 2009. The new plan for the Lake (1) did not allow private trailers, (2) designated a couple more small quiet areas (5 mph) for paddlers, and (3) included a hiking-biking trail around the Lake, expected to be some 130 miles, which would link into other trails in the area in the management plan.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) immediately began seeking investors interested in developing new facilities. They anticipated a smooth transition to new concessions. That didn’t happen. It’s been 15 years since the last of the old concessions closed. In 2017, USBR once again turned to Napa County, signing another agreement to develop recreation facilities at the Lake. The government’s vision, which focuses on what is needed (food and shelter) for those coming to enjoy the resources of the area, has once again been set aside. (Photo by BoatUS)

Napa is seeking to attract nation-wide destination resort companies for those who want to recreate in a highly developed environment - what our General Plan considers urban recreation. The county currently has two proposals it is considering:

• One developer wants to build a Camp Margaritaville Resort on Steele Canyon Road with 100 RV sites, 325 cottages, housing for 40 employees’ cottages and ball courts – bocce, pickle ball and badminton and other recreation – a resort-style swimming pool, a clubhouse, hot tubs, spa treatment, a wedding pavilion, a wine cave with wine tasting, entertainment programming, with Margaritaville food and beverage outlets and retail stores.
• The second developer is SunTex. They have prepared plans for Berryessa Point, just north of Smittle Creek Park. Their plans would include a 408 slip marina with boat, kayak and canoe rentals, 48 campsites, 33 yurts and 148 family cabins, 2 restaurants, fresh market and deli, club house with a resort pool and spa, state-of the art gym, a soccer field, volleyball, basketball, pickleball and badminton courts, a skate park, playground, climbing wall, obstacle course, large and small dog runs, an events pavilion, amphitheater, a waterfront plaza, pedestrian promenade, multi-modal trails, shaded seating, grilling and picnicking areas.   

In 1972 the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) issued a report following complaints about the private trailer parks at the Lake. The GAO admitted that “Without Federal government financial participation, the development of seasonal-type, day use facilities for the general public at Lake Berryessa may not be economically feasible.” Unfortunately, the option of seeking federal and state funding and grants to develop facilities at Lake Berryessa is not being considered. (Photo by Carol Kunze)

People visit recreation lakes to engage in activities such as boating, fishing, water-skiing, sailing, swimming, birding, hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping (or staying in cabins). They come to share the beauty of spring wildflowers, oak trees, bald eagles, white pelicans, deer, coyotes, western pond turtles, tadpoles in creeks, and playful river otters with their children. They teach their kids to recognize the sound of a rattlesnake before it's too late.

The desire to enjoy nature and the outdoors, whether quietly or actively, with family and friends--be it for a day, overnight, a week, or a vacation--makes recreation lakes so popular and beneficial to local economies. Urban recreation does not rely on nature, but nature-based recreation cannot exist without it.

Napa County officials needs to hear from Napa residents about the proposals they are considering. You can email comments on “Lake Berryessa Concessions” to the clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Neha Hoskins, at neha.hoskins@countyofnapa.org. If you want to cc the Napa Sierra Club, use our email: napavalleysierraclub@gmail.com.