01
Best overall pick
Gold Lake Day-Use Beach
Lakes Basin Recreation Area • High-Alpine Lake Beach • Best Mix Of Scenery And Access
A compact day-use shoreline with big Sierra Buttes views, clear water, and an easy drive from Plumas-Eureka.
The day-use area at Gold Lake gives you classic Lakes Basin scenery without much logistical fuss. There is room to lay out towels, launch a small kayak, and linger over lunch at a picnic table while the light moves across the surrounding peaks. Go early or on weekdays if you want quieter water and easier parking in peak summer.
02
Most dramatic views
Sardine Lake Shoreline
North Side Of Lakes Basin • Scenic, Compact Lakeside Nook • Best For Wow-Factor Vistas
Tiny in size but huge on atmosphere, Sardine Lake pairs emerald water with sheer granite peaks.
Sardine Lake’s small public shoreline feels almost like a viewpoint that happens to have a place to get your feet wet. The water is cold but clear, making it better for quick dips, photos, and a lakeside drink than all-day lounging. Bring a camp chair and layers so you can stretch your stay as afternoon shade and mountain breezes move in.
03
Best for families
Lake Davis – Honker Cove Beach
North Of Portola • Family-Friendly Reservoir Shoreline • Best For Easygoing Lake Days
Gentle shallows, room to spread out, and nearby camping make Honker Cove an easy all-ages choice.
Honker Cove gives Lake Davis a relaxed, almost park-like feel, with gradual entry into the water and plenty of open shoreline for kids to roam. Anglers often work the nearby points while everyone else swims, paddles, or reads in a camp chair. Mornings are typically calmer; by afternoon, expect a bit more wind and chop on the open water.
04
Best full-day escape
Frenchman Lake Main Beach Area
Near Chilcoot In Eastern Plumas County • Wide, Open Lake Beach • Best For Combining Water And Scenic Driving
Farther from Plumas-Eureka but worth the drive, Frenchman offers long shoreline, big skies, and classic high-desert-meets-pines scenery.
Frenchman Lake’s main beach area feels expansive, with open views and plenty of space to spread out even on busy summer weekends. It is a good match for groups who want to mix swimming, paddling, fishing, and a lazy shoreline picnic without feeling crowded. Plan for sun and wind by bringing shade, extra water, and a warm layer for the drive back over the passes.
05
Best off-the-radar spot
Bucks Lake – Haskins Bay Beach
Bucks Lake Area, Southwest Of Quincy • Pine-Fringed Swimming Cove • Best For Uncrowded Summer Swims
Sheltered by forested slopes, Haskins Bay feels like a mellow mountain swimming hole with just enough services nearby.
Down at Haskins Bay, the shoreline is backed by tall pines and feels more intimate than many large reservoirs. The water stays refreshingly cool, so most people alternate between quick swims and time on the sand or in the trees just above the beach. A small resort and marina nearby mean you can grab a snack or rent a boat without leaving the lake for long.