Right of Use Application and Required Activity Forms
Applications
- Shade Shelter Reservation (pdf - 28 KB)
- Right of Use Application (ROU) (pdf - 121 KB)
- Special Event Permit (MS Word)
- Use Authorization Application (pdf - 34 KB)
Permits Required for Events and Activities at Lake Berryessa
The public may access almost all of the shoreline and waters of Lake Berryessa. Reclamation does require permits for some activities and events, in order to maintain safety of our visitors and to protect the resources found here. You must obtain a permit for a variety of events and for any ground or resource disturbing activity on Reclamation lands and waters.
Once you have obtained a permit to hold a public special event around Lake Berryessa (fishing tournament, triathlon, Earth Day event, etc.), we can post that information on our website Calendar of Events.
Reclamation also requires that visitors maintain required permits for all activities that are regulated by the State of California and Napa County. These include maintaining valid fishing licenses, hunting licenses, food service permits, and any other permits required by Napa County or California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Hunting is not allowed on Reclamation lands and waters surrounding Lake Berryessa, but may be allowed on adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands, and the California Department of Fish and Game lands on Pope Creek. A Reclamation firearms permit is required to cross our lands to participate in hunting on adjacent lands. CDFG license requirements and available hunting locations can be obtained on their website: www.dfg.ca.gov.
Examples of events that require permits include, but are not limited to the following; large group gatherings or parties (over 50 people); competitive events (triathlons, fishing tournaments, poker runs); exhibitions (jet ski events, boat or vehicle parades); fundraisers; and movie filming and production.
No commercial activity is allowed on Federal property without a permit or without authorization by Reclamation (selling of merchandise or food, entry fees, guide services, or other fee for service activities).
Examples of activities or projects that require a project proposal, permit, and/or environmental assessment prior to the activity include, but are not limited to the following; research activities; ground disturbing activities; water or wildlife monitoring activities; grazing permits; and plant or animal collection.
Special Use/Right of Use Permits
If you have a special event that you would like to host at Lake Berryessa, please obtain a Right of Use Application. Applications must be received at least two weeks prior to the event, and one month prior for large events. Anything from a fishing tournament to a triathlon can be hosted on Bureau of Reclamation land. Event coordinators will also be required to provide Reclamation with all other county permits and a Liability of Insurance Certificate for the scheduled event. For further information and availability please contact:
Outdoor Recreation Planner
5520 Knoxville Road
Napa, California 94558
707-966-2111 ext. 103
jgjordan@usbr.gov
Project /Research/Grazing/Collection Activity Proposals and Permits
All soil-disturbing, research, collection and building project requests must be permitted by Reclamation, with appropriate environmental compliance documentation. Adjacent private land owners with easements through Reclamation lands are also required to submit a project proposal when altering, or disturbing these lands of the boundary fence. Constructing or maintaining roads to the lake shoreline without a Reclamation permit is prohibited. A project proposal form is available by point and clicking this webpage: http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/lands/FINAL7-2540-5-06ExpDate03312009.pdf
For information related to these permits, please contact our Administrative Office at 707/966-2111 during regular office hours (Mon-Fri, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).
Fishing Permits
California Department of Fish and Game fishing permits are required year round on Lake Berryessa. Please see Fishing page for more information.
Hunting/Firearms Permits
Hunting and shooting are not allowed on lands and waters managed by the Bureau of Reclamation at Lake Berryessa.
In the area surrounding and adjacent to Reclamation lands at Lake Berryessa, there are public lands managed by other agencies or private landowners (Bureau of Land Management (BLM), California Department of Fish and Game, etc.) that do permit hunting in designated areas. Often the only access to these lands is by crossing Reclamation-managed lands and waters.
In order to access these public lands for hunting, an individual must obtain a permit from Reclamation allowing them to carry a firearm across Reclamation-managed lands. To obtain a firearms permit (all guns and bows), you must bring a valid driver's license and a valid, current hunting license to our Administrative Office during our normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m). We do not provide firearms permits by phone, fax, or email. You can contact us at 707/966-2111, ext. 0.
For more specific questions on designated hunting areas, please contact BLM at 707/468-4000, or www.blm.gov.
For more information on fishing and hunting license requirements, please contact CDFG Ukiah Office at 707/944-5500, or www.dfg.ca.gov.