Chester is a census-designated place (CDP) in Plumas County, California, United States. The population was 2,316 at the 2000 census. The town is located along State Route 36 and on the shore of Lake Almanor. The US Postal Service ZIP code for the community is 96020. The primary industries in Chester are lumber manufacturing and tourism. Chester serves as the retail center for the Lake Almanor region of California, and derives a significant portion of its economy from the tourist trade, and to a lesser degree from construction to service new residents and businesses.