Plumas National Forest's Best-Kept Secret
Why Rent On Antelope Reservoir
Antelope Lake is a secluded 931-acre reservoir in the Plumas National Forest in Northern California, framed by conifer forest and granite hills with 15 miles of shoreline that see a fraction of the visitors that more famous Sierra lakes attract. It is everything a high-country lake should be: clean, quiet, and full of wildlife, with a natural beauty that rewards guests who make the effort to find it. If you value solitude and scenery equally, Antelope Lake belongs near the top of your California lake list.
Cabins and Campsites for the Unplugged Escape
The Antelope Lake Recreation Area offers nearly 200 campsites spread across several campgrounds, with boat launches and swimming areas on site. Vacation rentals and cabins in the surrounding area give families a more comfortable base, with full kitchens, real bedrooms, and the kind of wooded privacy that turns a good trip into a great one. A cozy cabin at Antelope Lake, stocked with good food and good company, is one of the most satisfying low-key lake experiences California offers.
Fishing, Kayaking, and Sailing
Rainbow and brook trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and channel catfish all thrive in Antelope Lake’s productive waters. Kayaking and sailing are ideal here, since motorboat traffic is light and the calm surface makes paddling conditions consistently excellent. Hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding forest add further dimension to a stay, with deer, osprey, and black bears all regularly sighted by guests.
Birdwatching and Big Quiet
Antelope Lake and the surrounding Plumas National Forest are exceptional for birdwatchers, with a variety of forest and water species easy to spot from the shore and nearby trails. The absence of crowds and development gives the lake a primeval quiet that is genuinely uncommon in California today. Evenings at the cabin, listening to the forest settle, are worth the drive in themselves.
Susanville for Craft Beer and Local Flavor
Supplies and provisions can be found in nearby Janesville, and a stop at Lassen Ale Works in Susanville on the way in or out is a highly recommended ritual: good craft beer, great food, and genuine northern California character. Antelope Lake is the kind of place you find once and immediately start planning your return. Bring the family, the dog, and a few extra days, because this one is worth it.
- Surface area (mi)
- 2.34
- Max depth (ft)
- 24.93
- Elevation (ft)
- 3149.61
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 14.91
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Antelope Reservoir has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, you can swim in Antelope Lake. There is a small beach area designated for swimming, and restrooms are available near the swimming area.
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Antelope Lake is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. It has boat launch ramps for fishing, water-skiing, and sailing, as well as camping sites with scenic lakefront views. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout and supports other fish species, making it appealing for anglers and nature enthusiasts.
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Fishing at Antelope Lake in California is allowed from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, as per general California fishing hours. There are no specific night fishing restrictions mentioned for Antelope Lake, but all fishing activities must comply with California Department of Fish and Game regulations.
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Yes, there is a small public beach area at Antelope Lake. This beach is part of the Antelope Lake Recreation Area, which also offers other amenities like water access and vault toilets.
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Towns near Antelope Lake for getting supplies and amenities include Genesee and Crescent Mills. Genesee has the Genesee Store, which offers groceries, a deli, and gifts. Crescent Mills has a post office, gift shop, and auto repair services.
