Vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Guest favorite
Cabin in Truckee
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 151 reviews

Family Tahoe Cabin, Golf Course Views, Games

Come enjoy a wonderful mountain getaway at this beautiful Tahoe Donner cabin. Nestled among tall pines with lovely views of the golf course, our home is the perfect retreat for every season. You can relax by the grand fireplace, enjoy the spacious open living area, or have some fun playing foosball with friends. With access to resort pools, hot tubs, and a gym, plus easy access to skiing, hiking, and lake activities, this family friendly sanctuary is a great place for exploring the beauty of Tru

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Superhost
The exterior of a modern, remodeled home is showcased amid a grove of tall pine trees. Natural stone boulders line the front yard, and expansive wooden decks extend from the house, inviting outdoor relaxation. The garage is visible, along with a paved driveway.
Cabin in Truckee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 132 reviews

Tahoe Family Cabin- Kids love Arcade, Toys, Sleds+

🏡 A Kid's Dream! Family-friendly, modern 3 br. home in Tahoe Donner. Kids room is spacious with a secret hideout 🤫, arcade cabinet, fort kit, games, keyboard & Nintendo. Sleds, airhockey, pool table! Very close to world-class ski mountains, Donner Lake, TD ski hill 🎿 + other HOA amenities (shared hot tub, gym, golf and pool). Modern kitchen, gas fireplace🔥, king bed in master. Quiet hood with beautiful views from the deck and balconies. Top-rated home - we'd love to host you!

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Top guest favorite
A round dining table is set against a backdrop of large windows, offering sweeping views of the lake and surrounding trees. The tranquil blue waters are framed by lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere for meals and gatherings.
Cabin in Carnelian Bay
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

Tahoe Harris House Quaint Cabin-Spectacular Views

Enjoy a romantic getaway in this adorable "Old Tahoe" cabin! Beautiful lake views abound from just about every room as well as from the patio, the hot tub and of course from the covered porch! This darling home is about 1000 square feet, but not a single inch has been wasted! After four generations of The Harris family, we have now become the loving stewards of this charming, “Old Tahoe” cabin. We hope you will enjoy it and care for it just as we do! Tag us on Insta @tahoeharrishouse!

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Guest favorite
A spacious open-concept living area features large windows that provide ample natural light. The kitchen with wooden cabinetry and a breakfast bar blends seamlessly with the comfortable seating arrangement in the living room, which is accented by natural wood beams and cozy lighting.
Home in Donner Lake
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

DonnerDayz

Luxury Home + Salt Water Hot Tub + 2,548 sq ft. It has everything you need in our home, and everything in the area to make your trip absolutely perfect. Close to amazing beaches and ski sites. Sleeps 12 very comfortably in new Purple mattresses. Plus Family Room, Great Room, Reading Room, Mud Room, Garage. Two large outdoor patios. Large kitchen with granite counter, breakfast bar & huge pantry. 2 refrigerators and freezers. Located end of cul-de-sac for added privacy. (No pets).

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Top guest favorite
Chalet in Kings Beach
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

Vintage 60s Lake Tahoe A-Frame - Fall in love

Welcome to the Kings Beach A-Frame! Classic 1960s Lake Tahoe cabin perfectly located for a relaxing, memorable stay. Consistently a 5-Star Property! ✨ Close to the lake and ski resorts ✨ Sleeps up to 4 adults and 4 kids ✨ 2 Full Bathrooms ✨Wall of windows and deck with peak views ✨ 2 gas fireplaces (remote-operated) ✨ Well appointed kitchen ✨ Dedicated work space ✨ Smart TVs ✨ Fast WiFi (600 Mbps) ✨ Camp-inspired kid’s loft ✨ Washer/Dryer ✨ Quiet neighborhood / backs to the woods

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Guest favorite
A modern kitchen space features a rustic wooden bar with four high stools. A large stainless steel refrigerator and sleek countertops are visible, accompanied by pendant lighting that adds a warm glow. Natural light floods the area through large windows.
Home in Donner Lake
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 224 reviews

Rustic Contemporary Donner Lake Home

"Why is it among the most glacial mountain peaks I find the greatest warmth?`Ivan Granger Newly remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bath home just 1 block from Donner Lake. Enjoy a gourmet kitchen, loft, airlock for coats & shoes and a deck for relaxing and BBQ'ing. The public beach at the West End of Donner Lake is walking distance from the house. 7 minutes from Sugar Bowl ski area, 12 minutes to X-C skiing at Royal Gorge, 10 minutes into downtown Truckee. Parking available for 2 cars.

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Guest favorite
The outdoor deck features a hot tub under a pergola, surrounded by trees. A soft glow from string lights enhances the inviting atmosphere. The cabin's entrance is visible through large glass doors, and a warm light emanates from inside, indicating a cozy space.
Cabin in Truckee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviews

Ski A-Frame Escape: Hot Tub, Fireplace, Snow Play

Your cozy Donner Summit ski basecamp! Minutes to Sugar Bowl & Boreal, with Palisades and Northstar close by. Ski, board, snowshoe, or sled, then come home to snowy-night comfort. - Soak in the hot tub as the snow falls - Warm up by the fire + movie nights on the projector - 2 queen beds + loft twin, heated mattress pads - Full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, laundry & essentials From golden fall hikes to powder days, your mountain escape is here. Book your stay!

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Guest favorite
A modern kitchen features custom wooden cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. A large island with seating for three is complemented by a distinctive chandelier. Natural light is provided by a large window overlooking trees, enhancing the space's inviting and functional design.
Condo in Donner Lake
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 170 reviews

Donner Lake Getaway

This newly remodeled lovely condo is right on Donner Lake, 4 miles from SugarBowl and right off exit 180 on interstate 80. In the winter this is great access to town, all ski areas, and Donner Memorial State Park. In summer, you are on the lake, across the street to the boat ramp, and have access to a private beach that is a 5-10 minute walk. Perfect for families this condo can sleep up to 6 people. The condo was just renovated in December 2023.

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Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Donner Lake
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 162 reviews

Aspen View Carriage House

Beautiful new studio space over the detached garage of the main house. Spacious and bright. This waterfront property is located on the shores of Summit Creek. Easy backyard launching for your canoe, kayak or stand up board with just a short paddle to Donner Lake. Close to everything - rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hiking. Sleeps four, no pets. No more than four people. Tesla charger.

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Guest favorite
A well-maintained cabin is surrounded by towering pine trees, featuring a wooden deck with a railing. A pathway with steps leads to the entrance, offering a rustic charm that blends with the natural surroundings.
Cabin in Donner Lake
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 517 reviews

Donner Lake Family Cabin

Hi, I’m Rob and this is my family cabin! Only minutes off the I-80 Truckee exit, it’s a 1-bedroom/1 bath with a loft. Approximately 800sf and a mere block from the public docks on Donner Lake, downtown Truckee is also only minutes away! Ideally situated near all the big ski resorts; Sugar Bowl, Squaw/Alpine, and Northstar, I invite you to a taste of mountain living in the beautiful Sierra’s! -Rob

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Guest favorite
A charming cabin is situated among tall trees, with a wooden deck leading up to it. A group of six people and a dog are gathered on the deck, enjoying each other's company. Large windows provide natural light to the interior.
Cabin in Truckee
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviews

[Skislope Cabin] Hot Tub - Dog Friendly

Explore local hiking trails, ski mountains, and lakes just minutes away. Relax in a salt hot tub on the back deck overlooking the Carson Mountain Range. Bring your dog. Sit by the gas fireplace and unwind. Enjoy a free park pass to access D.L. Bliss SP, Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point SP, Emerald Bay SP, Kings Beach SRA, and even Donner Memorial SP for free!

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Guest favorite
An expansive view of Donner Lake is presented, surrounded by lush forest and rolling mountains. The sky is painted with shades of pink and purple, reflecting gently on the water surface, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.
Apartment in Donner Lake
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 357 reviews

Donner Lake Birdhouse *EV charger

Unwind at the lake and enjoy the AMAZING view. This is a duplex with the Owner living space upstairs part-time and the Guest living space downstairs with a separate entry. Great access to Sugarbowl, Alpine and Squaw. * during snowy conditions you will need all wheel drive and snow tires or chains to get up the road

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Popular amenities for Donner Lake vacation rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is Donner Lake located?

    Donner Lake is nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near the town of Truckee. Surrounded by forested slopes and alpine scenery, the area has easy access to outdoor recreation year-round.

  • When is the best time to visit Donner Lake?

    Summer months are often recommended for swimming, boating, and hiking, with moderate temperatures and minimal rain. Spring and fall bring lighter crowds and mild weather, while winter has opportunities for nearby snow sports.

  • What are some things to do near Donner Lake?

    You can explore swimming, kayaking, or fishing on the lake, and hike the nearby trails surrounded by pines. Around Donner Lake, there are picnic spots, scenic lookouts, and opportunities to learn about regional history.

  • How is the weather near Donner Lake?

    Donner Lake experiences cold, snowy winters around 26–48°F (-3–9°C), while summers are warm and dry, reaching 60–94°F (16–34°C). Most rain and snow fall between November and April, with clear days common in summer and early fall.

All about Donner Lake

Located on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northeastern California, Donner Lake sits less than half an hour northwest of Lake Tahoe, which straddles the Nevada border. With its cerulean water and stretches of sandy beach fringed by towering pine trees, Donner Lake is a haven of calm. The lake’s small size makes exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard popular activities, and these waters are home to some of the biggest lake trout in California, attracting anglers from far and wide.

The neighboring town of Truckee has a small, historic downtown dating from the 1840s, when travelers made their way along the Truckee Basin to settle on the California coast. Today, Main Street’s 19th-century brick buildings house a string of family-owned boutiques and local breweries. The lake also boasts easy access to the world-famous waters of Lake Tahoe, which are popular with sailors, hikers, and wildlife-spotters — the region is renowned for black bears and mountain lions.

What are the top things to do in Donner Lake?

Donner Memorial State Park

This tranquil alpine park extends along the eastern and southern end of the lake and offers eight miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, while the waters are home to kokanee trout. The 23-foot tall Pioneer Monument commemorates 19th-century emigrants who made the move west, and the Visitor Center provides an insight into the region’s Native American communities and construction of the transcontinental railroad.

Boreal Mountain

Less than 15 minutes’ drive from Donner Lake, year-round outdoor activities are on offer at Boreal Mountain. Skiers and snowboarders head here to explore over 350 acres of fresh powder and make the most of the only night skiing in the area, while mountain biking trails and renowned skate parks offer plenty of warm weather fun.

Lake Tahoe

Around 20 minutes southeast, Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic spots in northern California and the largest alpine lake in the United States. Visitors line its sandy shores and head out on sailboats on summer days and marvel at the surrounding snow-capped peaks in winter. On the southwestern shore, Emerald Bay State Park features a granite cliff and jaw-dropping panoramic views, and there are miles of hiking trails to explore throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains.