
Vacation rentals in Donner Lake
Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

AMAZING Downtown & On The RIVER! (13.25% tax incl)
Downtown Truckee, On The River, with a generator! Beautiful, comfortable, fully remodeled one bedroom apartment tastefully decorated. Small weekday office upstairs. 80' of river frontage, large patios, stone stairways to river, on site parking. Walk downtown yet totally private. Note: Due to a very serious allergy of a cleaner, we cannot accommodate animals including service animals. NO smoking, max of 2 guests. No children under 13. 3 bedroom house next door also available STR lic. #008814

Amazing Cabin w/ Soaking Tub, Woodstove!
Cleanest and Newest Home in Tahoe! Relax in this architecturally interesting, immaculate, and spacious home. The spa-like master bedroom includes a large soaking tub, a tile shower with two powerful shower heads, and a KING bed. The cozy, light-filled guestroom with QUEEN bed and custom bathroom is the perfect retreat. Fully stocked, the modern kitchen will inspire gourmet meals. With its vaulted ceiling, QUEEN bed, and smart entertainment, the living room is perfect for apres and movie night.

Donner Lake Ski House | Remodeled 3BD/2BTH
Lovingly remodeled lake home, popular location—1 block from Donner Lake piers and a quick drive to 5 ski resorts (Sugar Bowl, Palisades, NorthStar) in winter (10–20 mins), and a 5 minute drive to charming downtown Truckee! A must do 5 min walk to the lakefront brunch at Donner lake Kitchen, or cozy up with the gas fireplace, board games, pool table and an updated well stocked kitchen. Easy Bay Area access with flat driveway. Max 7 guests, 3 cars/2 in winter. Truckee STR Permit: 003384.

Studio condo at base of Tahoe Donner ski hill
Small condo at base of Tahoe Donner ski hill. Its really ideal for 2 people. However, there is a couch that folds down can becomes a bed (suitable for someone under 5.8). Deck overlooks the ski hill and has a killer view. There is a full size fridge, coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven and induction hot plate. Full bathroom. The unit has a table / work station. There are two chars and there are two black side tables that can act as extra seats so 4 people can sit at the table.

Donner Lake A-frame Cabin with a view
Cozy, classic and updated A-frame features a view of Donner Lake, a quiet neighborhood, and thoughtful modern updates making it the ideal place to unwind and enjoy all that Truckee has to offer! PLEASE NOTE: There are TIGHT STEEP STAIRS INSIDE OF THE HOME, as well as STEEP STAIRS OUTSIDE to get into the home from either entrance. WINTER - 4WD & CHAINS REQUIRED. We have the driveway plowed professionally and you will be responsible for shoveling the stairs and deck during your stay.

Designer Cabin: Hot Tub, Arcade Game, Trail, More
Newly remodeled with higher-end and modern designer touches, and a hot tub on the back deck! Single story and open-concept living area, chef's kitchen with higher-end gas range, larger dining table and extra seating at the breakfast bar, door opening up to fresh pines, large deck, and large open area for kids to play. Kids reading loft, bunk beds, arcade table, Smart TV's. Located in Tahoe Donner's resort neighborhood, guest access to pools, saunas, gym, and other amenities.

Truckee River Bike House
ON THE TRUCKEE RIVER right in the historic downtown area, our little place is a 2 block walk to restaurants and shopping. You’ll love our place because you can sit inside or in bed and watch the river flow by. It's a peaceful place, new and modern, private and the middle of it all. It's not just a place to stay, it's a destination. QUIET people only please. We have a firm sofa sleeper. we have a couple of other mattresses we can bring in if you prefer a softer bed.

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.

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

↟Your Happy Place↟ Tahoe/Truckee Studio Retreat
Welcome to your little home away from home. The mountains are our happy place, and we hope our studio will help make them yours too. This hillside escape is located in the Truckee-Tahoe area with quick access (very!) to the i80, adorable downtown Truckee, Donner Lake, North Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. A perfect summer or winter getaway for the solo-traveler or for two.

Ski-In Ski-Out Tahoe Donner Condo
The perfect quiet mountain getaway minutes from downtown Truckee. All the extras including coffee bar with local coffee and complimentary wine. Enjoy floor to ceiling windows to take in the ski hill. Hiking trails, creeks, world class golf and skiing are right outside your door. Private cards to sauna and pool at the clubhouse are included (extra fee applies for all guests).

Donner Lake Cabin | Lake View, Deck, 10 min to Ski
Donner lake cabin with LAKE VIEW and AC, perfect for a couple or a small family, walk to the lake and the ice cream shop. Short drive to Sugar Bowl skiing. Enjoy the large deck w/ gas BBQ grill & outdoor seating. Very steep driveway with curve/turn, no trucks. TOT RCN: 003728
Popular amenities for Donner Lake vacation rentals
Donner Lake fishing vacation rentals

Mountain Modern Tahoe A-Frame with Private Pier

A Couples Mountain Retreat/ Chef’s Kitchen

2br | peaceful | easy access | dog friendly

Warm Guest House w/Modern Touches

Base Camp for Your Next Tahoe Adventure

Cozy house at Donner Lake

Dreamy Mountain Cabin Near Lake, Skiing, & Trails

Relax. Unwind. Recharge. | Serene Lake House
Houses for rent in Donner Lake

Tahoe Donner Base Camp

Rustic Contemporary Donner Lake Home

Perfect 3BR Cabin in Tahoe Donner

Tahoe Modern Gem / Hot Tub, Views, Chef's Kitchen

Truckee Oasis 10min to Lake+Hot Tub+Private Beach

Prosser Dam Paradise- Close to town and reservoir

Updated Stylish Carnelian Cabin-Hot tub and Garage

Truckee Tahoe Paradise
Lake side house rentals in Donner Lake

Kings Beach Oasis! Cozy Home.

Beachfront Retreat | Deck | Lake Views | Sleeps 10

Bear's Lair Walk to West End Beach Donner lake

Incline Village Chalet

Beautiful family friendly home near rec. center

Dazzling Chalet | 3+bd 2.5ba 2100sf By Palisades

"The Deck” at Speedboat Beach - Walk to the lake

BlackDog Hideaway_Hot Tub, 2 Arcades, Ping Pong
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.
Destinations to explore
- Northern California Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Bay Area Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Vacation rentals
- Gold Country Vacation rentals
- Central California Vacation rentals
- San Francisco Peninsula Vacation rentals
- San Jose Vacation rentals
- Silicon Valley Vacation rentals
- North Coast Vacation rentals
- Wine Country Vacation rentals
- Oakland Vacation rentals
- South Lake Tahoe Vacation rentals
- Lake Tahoe
- Northstar California Resort
- Wild Mountain Ski School
- Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort
- Diamond Peak Ski Resort
- Homewood Mountain Resort
- Fallen Leaf Lake
- Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
- Crystal Bay Casino
- Tahoe City Public Beach
- Tahoe Donner Trout Creek Recreation Center
- Nevada Museum of Art
- Apple Hill
- Kings Beach State Recreation Area
- Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe
- Sugar Bowl Resort
- Emerald Bay State Park
- South Yuba River State Park
- Boreal Mountain California
- Sparks Marina Park Lake
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
- Edgewood Tahoe
- Reno Sparks Convention Center




