01
Best overall pick
Gallatin Beach, Eagle Lake
South Shore Of Eagle Lake North Of Susanville • Wide Family-Friendly Lake Beach • Local Go-To For Summer Swim Days
A broad, sandy lakeshore with easy access, warm shallows in summer, and plenty of room to spread out.
Gallatin Beach is one of the most straightforward beach days you can have near Susanville, with a wide shoreline, designated swim area, and nearby campground facilities. The water stays shallow near shore, which makes it comfortable for kids and relaxed wading. Arrive earlier on busy weekends if you want shade and a picnic table close to the sand.
02
Closest low-key escape from town
North Shore Beach, Eagle Lake
North Shore Of Eagle Lake • Quiet Open Shoreline • Best For Uncrowded Swims
A more open, less developed stretch of Eagle Lake shoreline where you can find your own patch of sand and views of the surrounding hills.
On the north side of Eagle Lake, the beach feels wilder, with fewer crowds and long views across the water. The shore here is a mix of sand and small pebbles, so water shoes are useful, but the trade-off is a peaceful swim and big-sky sunsets. Pack everything you need for the day, as services are minimal compared with the south shore.
03
Best day-trip from Susanville
West Shore Beach, Lake Almanor
West Shore Of Lake Almanor Near Prattville • Classic Mountain-Lake Beach • Great Mix Of Scenery And Amenities
A scenic Lake Almanor beach backed by pines, with clear swimming water, nearby picnic spots, and big mountain views.
Lake Almanor’s west shore gives you the full mountain-lake experience, with a sandy swim area, space for blankets, and easy access to nearby food and supplies. The water tends to warm up nicely by mid-summer, and you can often watch kayaks and small fishing boats drift past. It makes a comfortable full-day outing if you want a change of scenery from Eagle Lake.
04
Best for a quiet forested feel
Honker Cove Swim Beach, Lake Davis
East Side Of Lake Davis Near Portola • Sheltered Forest-Framed Beach • Best For Relaxed Picnics And Paddling
A small, sheltered swim area on Lake Davis with a gentle shoreline and tall pines right behind the sand.
Honker Cove feels tucked away, with a protected cove that usually stays calm even on breezier afternoons. The beach is modest in size but pleasant, making it ideal for low-key picnics, floating near shore, or launching a paddleboard. Because it’s a bit farther from Susanville, it often stays quieter than the better-known lakes on hot weekends.
05
Most secluded adventure pick
Long Point Beach, Antelope Lake
Antelope Lake In Plumas National Forest • Remote High-Country Shoreline • Best For Campers And Explorers
A off-the-beaten-path lakeside beach with rugged charm, clear water, and a strong feeling of being away from it all.
Antelope Lake sits in a quieter corner of the forest, and Long Point’s shoreline gives you that remote, almost backcountry feel without needing a long hike. The beach areas here are smaller and more rustic, but the reward is dark night skies, minimal noise, and plenty of space to roam. It pairs especially well with a camping weekend if you want swimming by day and stars by night.