Mountain lake adventure with room to wander.
Centered around the sparkling waters of Lake Almanor and framed by forested mountains and Lassen Peak, the Lake Almanor Basin is one of Plumas County’s favorite places to play, explore, and unwind. The communities of Chester, Lake Almanor, Canyon Dam, and Prattville each offer their own way to experience this spectacular corner of Northern California.
Whether you’re here for a weekend on the water, a mountain getaway, or an adventure into nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Lake Almanor Basin makes an ideal base for exploring.
Where to Wander
Spend the day boating, paddling, swimming, or fishing on Lake Almanor, tee off at one of the area’s golf courses, or head into Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest for hiking, scenic drives, and miles of trails.
Explore the shops and restaurants of Chester, take in the views from Canyon Dam, discover the quieter side of the lake around Prattville, or visit the iconic Olsen Barn. However you choose to spend your day, there’s plenty of room to slow down, explore, and Wander Your Way around the Lake Almanor Basin.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR LAKE ALMANOR BASIN
Caribou Cafe & RV Parks
63 fee sites along the shore of Butt Valley Reservoir. RV’s and tents are welcome with a limit of 6 persons per campsite. Pet Friendly.
Antlers Inn is in the best location in Chester close to shopping, restaurants, parks and trails. Best value in the Lake Almanor area.
The Dorado Inn is a waterfront boutique resort, retreat and healing center located on the east shore of Lake Almanor, California.
Relax and unwind at R & R Casa de Lago, a beautiful lakefront home in Big Springs, Lake Almanor. With a private dock and stunning views.
Stay at The Meyers Ranch in Greenville, a historic working ranch with cozy cabins, a secluded hot spring, creekside recreation and mountain views.
Close to the SW entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. A stay at the historic lodge includes full breakfast, option of dinner and a full bar.
300 feet from the water. Sleeps 2-22 and includes 2 deeded boat slips.
Year-round RV park in downtown Chester with full hookups, shady grounds, and proximity to Lake Almanor.
Lake Almanor Country Club Log Cabin near Recreation Area 2 & Golf Course.
Forest Backed Family Cabin with Studio – Sleeps 10 | Lake Almanor West
300 feet from the water and designated boat slip included for your stay.
Wonderful Lake Almanor Cabin on a deep water parcel with gently sloped lawn to sandy beach, waters edge, and dock.
This home is located in the heart of Chester. Minutes to Lake Almanor, for boating, water sports, swimming, kayaking, 40 minutes to Mt. Lassen.
True Lakeside Resort & Amenities. Full Kitchens, Smart TV’s, Multi Bedroom Rentals. Lake outside your front door.
Kids love our park, it’s perfect for kids of all ages! From swimming during the warm summer months to riding bicycles along the campground roads!
Family Cabin Near Boat Launch & Bike Trail – Sleeps 10 | Lake Almanor West
Golf Course Retreat with Patio – Sleeps 6 | Bailey Creek, Lake Almanor
Serene Lake Almanor escape with waterfront cabins & RV sites amid pine forests. Perfect for fishing and forest walks.
Charming lakeside B&B with private baths, homemade treats, and forest views at Lake Almanor Peninsula.
Private Lakeside Villa within walking distance of the Knotty Pine Marina!
Experience lakeside luxury at this stunning Lake Almanor home in the heart of the Lake Almanor Country Club.
Lake Almanor CC Vacation 4 Bdrm, 2 Ba Sleeps 10 2 Game Rooms, Free 90M WIFI Bedding, Towels, Soaps, Coffee Bar, Laundry Room, BBQ All-Season Rental
Big Springs Resort is among the tall pines with a quiet serene atmosphere. Family and pet friendly near Hamilton Branch.
Magical home with gorgeous lake and sunset views. Sleeps 10. Located in the Lake Almanor Country Club with all the amenities.
Family-operated RV park, cabins, and marina nestled in pine forest on Lake Almanor. Boat rentals & lakeside serenity.
Nestled in the pines this quiet clul-de-sac cabin is right up the road from your own boat slip at Knotty Pines Marina in Big Cove.
This home-away-from-home is well stocked for your next vacation with everything the family might need, and more.
Rocky Point is a PG&E operated Campground Located on the West Shore of Lake Almanor just North of Canyon Dam
Discover the nostalgic Almanor A-Frame, a charming mid-century a-frame cabin with the ambiance of a treehouse and a view of the lake.
Rose Quartz Inn offers clean, up to date, well appointed rooms in a friendly & caring environment, all at the doorstep of Lassen Park & Lake Almanor.
Lakefront Cabin with Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 10 | Lake Almanor West
Your perfect basecamp in charming old town Chester, centraly located to Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic NP.
Lakefront Home with Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 8 | Lake Almanor Country Club
The Dome is an adorable geodesic home in Peninsula Village with 2 bedrooms, a loft, 2 bathrooms, a large deck with lake views, and air conditioning.
Escape to Joseph’s Eastshore Escape, a lakefront home with stunning views, a private dock, and cozy interiors. Perfect for families seeking relaxation
Beautiful resort along the shores of Lake Almanor. We offer a wide range of amenities including; cabins and rooms, an RV park, and a marina.
Offers comfortable accommodations for 12 guests in the heart of Lake Almanor Country Club, with access to nearby beaches, golf, and family-friendly.
Lakefront Home with Private Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 8 | Lake Almanor Country Club
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a two week vacation, Knotty Pine Resort and Marina offers you an opportunity to leave the city behind!
Lakefront cabin, sleeps 12, near historic Hamilton Branch Powerhouse.
A family owned/operated resort since 1928, featuring 9 cabins, 25 RV sites, marina, cafe and a commitment to providing an amazing vacation experience
Enjoy the outstanding views and tranquil atmosphere at Butt Valley Reservoir when you set up camp at Cool Springs Campground in Northern California.
Lakefront Retreat with Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 12 | Lake Almanor West
Step into our uniquely designed rooms in the heart of Chester.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a two week vacation, Knotty Pine Resort and Marina offers you an opportunity to leave the city behind!
Set in a quiet cove, off Peninsula Drive, this lake access home sleeps 10.
Caribou Cafe & RV Parks
UPCOMING EVENTS NEAR LAKE ALMANOR BASIN
DINING NEAR LAKE ALMANOR BASIN
Caribou Cafe & RV Parks
(530) 596-3902
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New Name, same owners, same great Italian food! Our home made pizza and pasta has been famous on the Lake Almanor Peninsula for over 40 years.
(530) 280-0767
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We carry a wide variety of merchandise including handcrafted items from local vendors. Antique hunters, ice cream lovers and espresso snobs welcome.
(530) 259-4343
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We offer a variety of different dishes to temp your palate, from burgers & steaks to fresh fish & pasta. We offer a full bar to enjoy and kick back.
530-259-2464
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The experience at Carol’s, whether dining, taking out, or catering your event, is best described as comfort food with a twist.
(530) 816-9056
Breakfast and Lunch Cafe with homemade baked goods made fresh daily! Full espresso bar with Boba, Red Bull Infusions, Ice Cream, and more!
(530) 256-2133
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Restaurant open only for special events. Each month we offer Afternoon Tea and evening dinner by reservation only. All American comfort food.
(530) 259-4221
Dutch bakery and coffee house. Out of this world pastries, cookies, breakfast and lunch quiches, and savory pastry wraps. Outside seating.
530-258-4226
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The Ranch House is a full service restaurant and bar with friendly staff and a beautiful back patio.
530-258-4112
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Chester’s 3rd space. Coffee, beverages, bagels, pastries and friends. And a drive through too! What could be better?
530-816-1426
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Seasonal craft beers are on-tap in the bar. The restaurant offers pub fare and a menu with a variety of entrees and sides.
530-258-2593
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Nothing is better than a burger or a dog through a window! A local favorite for ice cream treats, dinners, fries and more for over 40 years.
(530) 258-3382
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Hamburger, Steaks, and Seafood. Reservations requested. Open for Mother’s Day Weekend. Call for hours and reservations.
530-596-3500
Whether biking, boating jogging or just touring around, everything one needs from deli to spirts to groceries to butcher shop and your favorite coffee
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A nano-brewery, hand crafting small batches of ‘open fermented’ beer. Our ales & lagers are 100% naturally carbonated in the keg.
530-258-2229
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Specialize in traditional breakfast & lunch favorites made from scratch with tasty twists, and fresh baked goods.
(530) 280-7900
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Beer & wine garden located in downtown Chester and just a stone’s throw from gorgeous Lake Almanor. A garden setting for relaxing with friends.
(530) 596-1800
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Serving you the best steak, fresh seafood and elevated pub fare menu paired with selection of great wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails!
SHOPPING NEAR LAKE ALMANOR BASIN
(530) 258-2424
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Gather Home has everything for your aesthetic needs for home and entertaining! Table Top – Gifts – Interior Decor – Furniture!
530-280-7900
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Rural sophistication! Unique, good quality decor to enhance the look and feel of any indoor or outdoor space.
530-258-2525
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A wide variety of pet supplies are offered by owner Michele, who has over 35 years of experience with animals. T-F 10-5pm; Sat 10-4pm.
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A potter for 30+ years, Tom signature style is a piece with graceful lines adorned with “Prehistoric” texturing and crystalline glazing.
530-258-2275
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Cabin & lake house decor, clothing for men, women & children. Lazy One jammies & robes too. Children’s games and books.
(530) 259-4343
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Our store offers a little bit of everything. We have PPR souvenirs, snacks, beer, wine, fishing tackle or any last-minute camping essentials
530-258-2600
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Such talent in the great Lake Almanor basin, local artisans and crafters share their wares for locals and guest to bring home that unique piece.
530-258-2611
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Your local one-stop-shop! From paint and chainsaws, to fishing and hunting supplies. Serving the Lake Almanor community for over 75 years.
530-259-2727
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Seasonal Boat and Jet Ski Rentals on the west shore of Lake Almanor.
(530) 259-4295
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Fresh produce, deli sandwiches, smoothies, milkshakes and homemade pies.
(530) 596-3348
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We are your one stop for lake fun. We offer authentic cabin rentals too top of the line boat rentals.
(530) 521-9892
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Bookstore with classics to new releases, art gallery and gifts. Grab coffee, breakfast, lunch at Cravings while browsing! It’s the best!
530-258-2032
Historic Olde Town Corner Store, built in 1912, is now a one stop convenience store. Beverages, snacks and food, and an old town gas station as well.
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Hand poured candles, small batch soaps, bath and body products, leather goods, jewelry and socks. Something for everyone! Custom orders encouraged.
(530) 258-3327
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Big selection of Lake Almanor-Chester & Butt Lake Apparel for all family members. Large inventory of Fishing, camping, hunting, & marine supplies.
530-258-2100
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Surfs up at Almanor Wake Sports that has the latest in water sports items and apparel including the newest “toy,” Soul Craft Boarding.
(530) 258-3955
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Mountain hardware store. Excellent customer service & friendly staff. Home décor & appliances. Trusted brands-Stihl, Weber, Traeger, Ben Moore paint.
530-258-2212
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Packed with everything from furniture to house gadgets, this thrift store offers lots and lots of items at great prices.
(530) 256-2133
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Each month special events. Afternoon Tea and Specialty dinners. In building Mercantile with vintage and antique items. Updated monthly.
530-260-2421
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Women’s clothing for the stylish! Great seasonal selections along with jewelry, shoes, hats and more!
(530) 258-3010
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A unique shopping experience of curated home decor collections, accent furniture, jewelry and gifts. Celebrating life with all things beautiful.
530-258-2046
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Treasures always to be found with “new” items stocked daily and regular “sales” at Forget Me Not thrift store that funds the local hospice.
(530) 518-4565
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A nature-inspired boutique shop and full-service florist. Come in and discover the unique beauty that each season brings!
530-258-4543
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Custom floral arrangements, gifts, plants, and tuxedo rental located in mid town Chester.
530-280-0767
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Mercantile, old & new home decor, gifts and repurposed items. Great coffee & old fashioned milkshakes. DIYers & gift giving folks you’ll find it here!
(916) 258-2100
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Featuring Polywood Outdoor Patio Furniture. Made in the USA & 20 Year Warranty. Umbrellas, Firepits, Home & Lake Decor, Bears & Custom Wood Signs.
(530) 258-2338
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A friendly outdoor shop that is passionate about getting folks in the outdoors. We carry a variety of FUN! Bicycles, Hobie Kayaks and SUP.
Caribou Cafe & RV Parks
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR LAKE ALMANOR BASIN
Caribou Cafe & RV Parks
Wander With Care
The best adventures leave a lasting impression, not a lasting impact. As you Wander Your Way through Plumas County, help us protect the wild places and welcoming communities that make every journey so special.
