Lake Berryessa in Napa County provides a way to enjoy outdoor recreational activities away from upscale wineries and vineyards. Reachable from San Francisco in less than two hours, it is the largest lake in Napa County, and created by the construction of Monticello Dam, impounding Putah Creek.

I stayed for a quick overnight trip (Sunday-Monday) in Putah Canyon Campground (site #102) with lake views and direct access via some stairs. The general boat launch area seemed busy the whole day with contemporary music blasting from loudspeakers and speed boats zipping up and down the lake.

Site 102 with expansive lake views and direct access to water
Site 102 with expansive lake views and direct access to water
Obligatory campfire in the evening
Obligatory campfire in the evening

I launched my Oru Bay kayak on both days to explore the areas north and south of the campground, including Indian and Schoolhouse Island, two small patches of land in the lake, only accessible by watercraft due to the higher water level.

Launching the Oru from the concrete platform by the campsite
Launching the Oru from the concrete platform by the campsite
A quick exploration of Schoolhouse Island
A quick exploration of Schoolhouse Island
Taking a break on Indian Island
Taking a break on Indian Island
Indian Island completely surrounded by water thanks to the high water level
Indian Island completely surrounded by water thanks to the high water level
View of the mountain range east of Lake Berryessa
View of the mountain range east of Lake Berryessa

An attraction for visitors of the lake to check out in times of high water levels is the Glory Hole, the dam’s spillway to discharge water to prevent the dam from overflowing.