Family-friendly vacation rentals in New Melones Lake

The Shed in Vallecito

This charming little studio cottage was originally built sometime between 1910 and 1925 to house a bakery in conjunction with the butcher shop next door (main house). In the early 1930’s the bakery was closed and the shed was converted into a studio apartment for a young man who lived there for over a decade. In later years it has served as a polling place for Vallecito elections and as a storage facility for various owners. In 2010, after years of neglect, we began a major renovation project in the hopes of returning it to its former glory as a livable cottage. The renovation included new foundation and flooring, new exterior siding, energy efficient windows and doors, and the reframing of the interior walls in order to accommodate the 10” thick insulation. A new bathroom was installed along with the promise of a complete kitchenette to be added in the winter of 2014. The result is a refurbished cottage that is extremely quiet and very comfortable due to the extra thick walls, new insulation, and dual pane windows and doors. It is now completely handicapped accessible. The queen sized Murphy bed has a comfortable memory foam mattress, plenty of pillows and a down comforter and can be folded up for more space during the day. There is a private patio out side the sliding glass door for relaxing. The cottage sits back from the street and is surrounded by a beautiful garden area that offers visitors a quietly, serene setting in which to sip a morning cup of coffee or unwind with a nice glass of locally made wine. A visit to the Vallecito area offers a wide assortment of historical, cultural and outdoor activities. The small town of approximately 300 people is both quiet and welcoming. A short walk, can allow a visitor a peaceful journey into the surrounding countryside where cattle and horses graze in the pastures and birds sing in the trees. Within a 5 minute drive, visitors can wander the shops and sample the wines of the area along Murphy’s trendy Main Street; go spelunking in Moaning Cavern, hike the trail and swim the creek through Natural Bridges or hit the historic district of Angels Camp and a movie at the 75 year old Angels Theater. A 15 minute drive will take you to Columbia State Historical Park and it’s well known Fallon House Theater, New Melones Lake for fishing, boating and waterskiing and Calaveras County Fairgrounds, site of the historic Jumping Frog Jubilee. A 30 minute drive will take you to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the shopping district of Sonora, Mercer Caverns and Cave City or the Stanislaus River at Camp 9. Summer hikes, kayaking and fishing abound within a 1 hour drive from ‘The Shed’ in the Stanislaus National Forest. Winter activities include skiing or snowshoeing at Bear Valley or Dodge Ridge 1 hour away, even Kirkwood Resort is a 2 hour drive. For those with a passion for driving, we are situated about a 2 hour drive from Yosemite National Park, The San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento. When the pass is open in summer a 2-3 hour drive over the Hwy 4 National Scenic Byway takes you through the majestic scenery of the Sierra Nevada, past cold rushing streams, meadows of wildflowers and blue alpine lakes to Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs State Park, and the Lake Tahoe region. A drive along Historic Hwy 49 will take you through the heart of California’s Gold Country where the many small towns offer a bounty of antique stores, unique boutiques, small independent restaurants and interesting museums and mining sites.

The Knotty Pine A-Frame *Lake Access*

Cozy A-Frame with rare PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS nestled in a grove of tall pine and cedar. 90 minutes from YOSEMITE (Big Oak Flat gate), 20 mins from PINE CREST lake and 30 mins to DODGE RIDGE. Perfect for small families and couples looking for a quiet place to relax. Come enjoy a private, peaceful getaway from city life in the Twain Harte mountains. You'll love the sounds of birds singing, the stream trickling and fresh mountain air blowing through the pines. A quiet, peaceful and serene experience.

The Hideout: Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Game Room

Escape to your perfect retreat! Nestled in the serene surroundings of Arnold, this charming getaway accommodates up to 6 guests with 2 cozy bedrooms and a full bath. Enjoy modern amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, indoor fireplace, hot tub, and pool table. Relax by the fire pit or explore nearby attractions such as Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Bear Valley Ski Resort. With essentials like WiFi, air conditioning, and free parking, experience comfort and adventure in one inviting space.

Cute & Cozy w/ Arcades, outdoor movies & fire pit

Outdoor Movie Theater & Arcade room! This cozy Little Blue Cottage is in the heart of California’s Gold Rush towns with an acre of land for privacy. We are conveniently located near all the most exciting attractions including Yosemite National Park, Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia State Park, 2 Casinos & many Lakes. We're Dog friendly with a fenced off area that provides a safe place for them to run. Each season offers a variety of outdoor activities. This Little Blue Cabin is the perfect getaway

Country Studio Charm - Yosemite Gateway

This sweet, studio apartment features a large kitchen, with all the essentials. One bathroom and one comfy queen bed. This little gem is tucked away on a three acre parcel, in a quiet country setting, nestled on a tree studded hill. Nearby destinations include Yosemite National Park, Big Trees, Dodge Ridge, Columbia Historic State Park, Historic Downtown Sonora, Ironstone Vineyards, New Melones Lake, Pinecrest Lake, Moaning Cavern, Natural Bridges and other popular Gold Country destinations.

Bixel Bungalow-in Historic Columbia Gold Rush Town

Pets Welcome, no extra fee. Relaxing base for adventure in the Sierra Foothills. Detached house & garden. We put a lot of care into ensuring this is a comfortable, aesthetic and functional place to stay. 1 mile from Columbia State Historic Park, 5 miles to Sonora or Jamestown and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. 14 miles to Murphys , 37 miles to Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, 50 miles to Bear Valley Ski Resort. 53 miles to Yosemite. Guests always say "the best Air BNB we have ever stayed at!"

Blue Oak Ranch - 47 Acre Retreat in Gold Country

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas just 38 miles from Yosemite Natl Park, and 5 min from moccasin boat launch lake Don Pedro. Secluded on 47 acres, the newly built (2017) home is close to nature yet offers all the modern comforts. Outside you can enjoy activities in the mountains and lakes, or just relax and stargaze from the hot tub. The inside is spacious and tastefully decorated, including a modern gourmet kitchen and a luxe master suite with a fireplace and spa bathroom.

The Hideaway

The Hideaway is an enchanting one room casita situated on the outer crest of the property, The Confluence. Wake up to the sunrise with a lush *View* of the natural countryside from your private deck. The Hideaway is accessed by a foot path (200ft) from the Main House. The Private Bathroom is off of the Main House (200ft walk from the room). From the parking area to the room, it is roughly 400ft. There is no kitchen or cooking appliances other than a hot water kettle and a mini-frig.

Sonora Eco-Friendly Straw Bale House on pond

Modern, gorgeous, light filled home in the heart of gold country. Home resides on a seasonal pond and creek. Sit outside by the fountain and enjoy a glass of wine or coffee as you watch the turkeys and deer stop by. Perhaps catch a glance of the river otters that live in the pond, or catch a fish. Kayaks are available. Relax in the hammocks and watch the stars. Close to Yosemite, white water rafting, gold panning, hiking, caves, historic towns, wineries, Dodge Ridge & Leland

Camp Earnest King Yurt in Twain Harte

Welcome to Camp Earnest, a 21 acre former summer camp tucked into the Sierras in northern California, about 140 miles east of SF. You'll be staying in one of our brand new cozy yurts tucked into the trees and the hillside. Camp Earnest sits in a ponderosa, cedar and manzanita forest, with light snow in the winter and mild summers. We have a year round creek and hikes right off our property. Nearby are Dodge Ridge Ski Area, Pinecrest Lake, Calaveras Big Trees SP & Yosemite NP.

Glashaus | Lakeview Glass Dome + The Perch

Escape to Glashaus, an architecturally designed glass dome perched above New Melones Lake. Surrounded by ancient granite outcroppings, this private retreat combines luxury with nature, featuring panoramic lake views, an outdoor spa bath, open-air shower, and our signature outdoor kitchen and lounge—The Perch. Watch the sunrise from bed, cook dinner above the lake, and end the evening beneath some of California's darkest star-filled skies.

Treehouse! Views! Fire Pit! Hot Tub! K9OK! GameRM

The Arnold Treehouse Cabin is a one-of-a-kind luxury mountain retreat near Calaveras Big Trees, Bear Valley skiing, and Murphys wine country. Recently remodeled with a modern rustic design, this family-friendly cabin sleeps 10–12 and features an open floor plan, two-story deck with forest views, upscale cookware, luxury mattresses, premium linens, and central heat & AC for year-round comfort.