Free camping near Lake Berryessa?

This isn't really a fishing question, but I thought someone here might be able to help me out.

I'm planning on taking my kayak out to Berryessa this weekend to christen it with some camping and fishing, but I can't figure out where we're allowed to camp (outside of paid campgrounds). Does anyone know anywhere specific, or is there any way to find this information online? I tried looking for BLM maps, but they don't have enough detail to be able to figure out where to go. Thanks in advance for any help!

Nothing free on the lake that I know of. You would have to drive up into Knoxville/BLM land.


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Thanks. It doesn't have to be on the lake, just as close as possible.

I've been trying to look into Knoxville and Cedar Roughs as 2 options, but it's insanely hard to find any specific information on where this kind of camping is allowed. (I'm new to the US/California, so most of this is probably just struggling to adjust to the system)

Is there a reasonable map or resource that shows exactly what is BLM land and what isn't? Or is it as easy as just going to the general area and figuring it out?

You can camp in the cedar roughs area, but it is walk in/backpack in camping. It is a mix of private public land, so you need to make sure you are on public land.

It's an interesting idea which I've been thinking of but don't have a clear answer.  People camp "on" the lake with houseboats but there is no land based camping areas I'm aware of.  The entire Eastern side of the lake is inside of a wildlife area but I'm guessing much like Cedar Roughs, camping isn't permitted.

With that being said, the thought of leaving my vehicle overnight around lake Berryessa does not sound that appealing.  Markley Cove offers overnight parking for a nominal fee.  I haven't checked if other areas on the lake offer overnight parking or not.

The idea I've been bouncing around is leaving my vehicle at Markley Cove and paddling into the narrows area.  If you didn't want to paddle the roughly 2+ miles each way and do some night fishing as well, then you could  "rest" on shore in the narrows area and head back the following day.  Everything in the narrows is steep, as in a tent isn't going to happen, unless you tucked into the back of a cove.  I'm a hammock guy "Warbonnet Blackbird" and could care less about steep.  Campfires would obviously be a no go.

It's an interesting idea which I've been thinking of but don't have a clear answer.  People camp "on" the lake with houseboats but there is no land based camping areas I'm aware of.  The entire Eastern side of the lake is inside of a wildlife area but I'm guessing much like Cedar Roughs, camping isn't permitted.

With that being said, the thought of leaving my vehicle overnight around lake Berryessa does not sound that appealing.  Markley Cove offers overnight parking for a nominal fee.  I haven't checked if other areas on the lake offer overnight parking or not.

The idea I've been bouncing around is leaving my vehicle at Markley Cove and paddling into the narrows area.  If you didn't want to paddle the roughly 2+ miles each way and do some night fishing as well, then you could  "rest" on shore in the narrows area and head back the following day.  Everything in the narrows is steep, as in a tent isn't going to happen, unless you tucked into the back of a cove.  I'm a hammock guy "Warbonnet Blackbird" and could care less about steep.  Campfires would obviously be a no go.

You can camp in cedar roughs, it just wouldn't work really well for fishing the lake. I have backpacked there several times.

Hmm, maybe I'll try one of the boat-in sites at Lake Sonoma instead. I'm not so much worried about the cost, I'm just not a big fan of organized campgrounds.

Finding a place where I can camp, kayak and catch some trout all at once is proving to be pretty difficult! It's easy to have 2, but hard to find all 3 together...

Hmm, maybe I'll try one of the boat-in sites at Lake Sonoma instead. I'm not so much worried about the cost, I'm just not a big fan of organized campgrounds.

Finding a place where I can camp, kayak and catch some trout all at once is proving to be pretty difficult! It's easy to have 2, but hard to find all 3 together...

There are lakes up in the general area of truckee where you can camp free, fish and kayak. There is a fish and chill at Collins lake in April where you can camp kayak and fish. It is harder to do close to the Bay Area. Clear lake has lake side campsites. Berryessa does if the water is up high enough. At least it used to, I'm not as sure since all the old resorts were torn down.

Thanks traildad, lots to consider there.

After some more deliberation, we're going to head to Cedar Roughs and try that out. Not sure where exactly we're going or how we'll get the kayak to water, but I'm sure we'll figure something out.

Thanks for all the responses!

Thanks traildad, lots to consider there.

After some more deliberation, we're going to head to Cedar Roughs and try that out. Not sure where exactly we're going or how we'll get the kayak to water, but I'm sure we'll figure something out.

Thanks for all the responses!

Cedar roughs is not well marked. You would have to leave your kayak in your truck next to the road and hike maybe a mile up the hill. If you google it you might find enough info to locate the entrance. From the road you hike down to a creek and cross the creek then up hill till you find a good place to set up camp. The creek crossing shouldn't be much since it hasn't rained in a while. There is more camping all the way to the top of the hill. 

I found this here.

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ukiah/cedarroughs.html

Located off Pope Canyon Road 2.2 miles west of Pope Creek bridge, Lake Berryessa, or 6.3 miles east of Pope Valley airstrip.  Park on the south side of the brown and yellow gate, and follow Pope Creek upstream approximately 1/4 mile. Look for trail markers.  Cross Pope Creek and climb hill a short distance to an abandoned jeep trail.  The old jeep trail provides access into main block of public land.