01
Best overall pick
Gallatin Beach, Eagle Lake
Southwest Shore Of Eagle Lake • Classic Pine-Framed Lake Beach • Best Overall Lake Day Spot
A broad, sandy shoreline with easy lake access and wide-open views, popular with locals who want a full day by the water.
Gallatin Beach offers one of Eagle Lake’s most accessible stretches of sand, with a gentle entry that works well for wading and swimming. Picnic tables, nearby parking, and room to spread out make it easy to settle in for the afternoon. Expect a mellow scene in the mornings, with more boats and breezes picking up later in the day.
02
Best for camping and swimming
Merrill Campground Swim Beach, Eagle Lake
East Shore Of Eagle Lake • Family-Friendly Campground Beach • Best For Campers With Kids
A protected swim area tucked below the pines, steps from lakeside campsites.
If you want to roll out of your tent and straight into the water, Merrill Campground’s small swim beach is the move. The roped-off area keeps boat traffic away, and the shallow, usually calm water is comfortable for younger swimmers. Mornings are especially peaceful here, before the day warms up and paddlers and anglers spread out across the lake.
03
Most remote escape
Antelope Lake Recreation Area Beach
Plumas National Forest Northeast Of Taylorsville • Quiet High-Country Reservoir Shore • Best For Crowd-Free Days
A small but scenic stretch of shoreline where you can often claim the sand to yourself and watch ospreys hunt over the water.
Reaching Antelope Lake involves a winding drive into the forest, but the payoff is a quiet, lightly used beach with a wild feel. The shore is a mix of sand and small pebbles, backed by pines and granite outcrops, with clear water that invites a slow swim or paddle. Services are limited, so plan to pack in shade, snacks, and anything else you might want for the day.
04
Best for long summer weekends
North Shore Campground Beach, Lake Almanor
North Shore Of Lake Almanor Near Chester • Lodge-Adjacent Lakefront Beach • Best For Groups And Rv Travelers
A relaxed stretch of shoreline with room for chairs, coolers, and kids’ sand toys, set beside a well-run campground.
On Lake Almanor’s north side, the beach at North Shore Campground pairs easy water access with full hookups and amenities just behind you. The shallows warm up nicely in midsummer, and the wide views take in forested hills and the occasional fishing boat. It is a comfortable base if your group wants to mix swimming, boating, and lazy time around the campsite without a lot of driving in between.
05
Best for anglers who also want a swim
Frenchman Lake Beach
Eastern Plumas County Near Chilcoot • Laid-Back Reservoir Beach • Great For Swimming And Fishing Combos
A simple, no-frills beach where you can alternate between casting a line and cooling off in the water.
Frenchman Lake has a handful of accessible shoreline spots, and the main beach area is a favorite for combining fishing and swimming in one stop. The setting is open and sunny, with low surrounding hills and big-sky views across the reservoir. Expect it to feel breezy in the afternoons, so a windbreaker and secure picnic setup are smart additions to your gear.