Antelope Reservoir (Antelope Lake) Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On Antelope Reservoir

Antelope Lake sits at 4,960 feet in the Indian Valley section of Plumas National Forest in northeastern Plumas County, California. The California Department of Water Resources built the earthen Antelope Valley Dam in 1964 on Indian Creek, creating a 931-acre reservoir with roughly 15 miles of forested shoreline as part of the Upper Feather River Project. The result is a mountain lake that feels genuinely remote without being difficult to reach — surrounded by conifer forest, managed for water storage, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation, and largely unknown outside the Plumas County regulars who have fished it for years. Services near the water are essentially nonexistent; plan to bring all food, fuel, and supplies from Quincy, about 55 miles southwest, or Susanville, about 45 miles east.

On the water

Fishing is the primary draw. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with rainbow trout and brook trout throughout the season, and smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and channel catfish are also present. The 15-mile forested shoreline creates a variety of water temperatures and depths suited to fishing from a motorized boat, a kayak, or a float tube. Swimming is permitted at the day-use area near the boat ramp; no lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk. The best trout fishing runs from spring ice-out through June when DFW stocks the lake with catchable rainbows, and again in early fall when water temperatures cool. Summer bass fishing is productive in the warmer, shallower sections near cover. A valid California fishing licence is required, along with a Trout Stamp for trout fishing; check current regulations and stocking reports at wildlife.ca.gov before making the drive.

What to do near Antelope Lake

The Antelope Lake Recreation Area, managed by Plumas National Forest, surrounds the reservoir with 194 campsites across several campgrounds including Lone Rock, Lone Rock Group, and Meadow View — all set in pine and fir forest within easy walking distance of the water. Trails in the surrounding Plumas National Forest connect to a broader network of forest roads and hiking routes. Hunting for deer, bear, and upland game is available in season within the national forest. The broader Plumas County lake corridor — Frenchman Lake and Lake Davis are both within reasonable range — rewards visitors willing to build a multi-lake itinerary around a stay in the area.

When to go and where to stay

Campgrounds are open seasonally, typically late May through October depending on snowpack; check current availability and reservation options through Recreation.gov before your trip. Fees apply for camping and for the day-use area. Forest roads in the area can be rough in places; a high-clearance vehicle is helpful though not strictly required for the main campground access road. Fire restrictions are enforced during dry summer conditions — confirm current restrictions with the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District before you go. Camping at the Antelope Lake Recreation Area is the primary accommodation for most visitors. For a roof and a full kitchen, the closest vacation rental options are in the Quincy area or around Lake Almanor to the south. Browse Lake.com for options in the broader Plumas County area, including pet-friendly rentals suited to a dog-friendly group weekend.