Vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Top guest favorite
An outdoor patio features several lounge chairs and plastic Adirondack chairs arranged around natural rocks and lush greenery. A tranquil river is visible beyond the trees, providing a peaceful backdrop for relaxation under the filtered sunlight.
Home in Truckee
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 348 reviews

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

Top guest favorite
The exterior of the duplex is framed by tall pine trees, with a light-colored facade and a sloped green roof. A staircase leads to a welcoming entrance, while a small path is visible alongside bushes and shrubbery, creating a natural setting.
Apartment in Soda Springs
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 240 reviews

Fort lost in the woods

Bottom floor of duplex located on Donner Summit. A hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Like a home on a golf course except up here the golf course is Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort and Soda Springs downhill ski resort. Sugar Bowl and Donner Ski Ranch ski resorts are only two miles down the road. Boreal is just one exit away on highway 80. Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and North Star are all about a 20-30 minute drive away (weather dependent) For rent is the bottom unit of the duplex

Guest favorite
This A-frame cabin is nestled among tall trees, surrounded by a blanket of snow. A spacious front deck with a railing is visible, complementing the tall glass windows of the cabin, inviting natural light into the interior.
Chalet in Truckee
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 262 reviews

Tahoe Cabin in the Trees

Welcome to the Cabin in the Trees. Great work from home location! This A-frame style cabin is located on a beautiful large wooded lot with green space surrounding the home, creating a private wooded sanctuary. This classic cabin has updated bathrooms and appliances, and a kitchen stocked with all the essentials. The front deck provides an outdoor living space and is fully equipped with a BBQ, fire table, and a new luxurious 7-person salt-water hot tub that sits right off the front deck.

Top guest favorite
A two-story cabin presents a dark exterior with a steep gabled roof. A wooden walkway leads to the entrance, flanked by green grass and young trees. Large windows provide natural light, while the overall design offers a blend of rustic charm and modern renovations.
Cabin in Truckee
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviews

Donner Lake Cabin | 1 block to lake 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.

Top guest favorite
The A-frame exterior is framed by tall pine trees, with large windows allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. A red umbrella shades the outdoor seating area, providing a pop of color against the dark wood facade.
Cabin in Truckee
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

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.

Top 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 Truckee
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 217 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.

Guest favorite
A wooden sundeck offers a serene setting with a dining table surrounded by four green chairs. Views of Donner Lake and surrounding pine trees create a natural backdrop, with a clear blue sky enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
Home in Truckee
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Donner Lake Cabin w/ EV Charger, Hot Tub & Views

Featured by Dwell Magazine and Interior Design Magazine! Our home has great views of Donner Lake throughout the house, a large sundeck, private lake view hot tub, and a real wood fireplace. Live in luxury with high-end finishes like Kitchen-Aid and Miele appliances, en suite bathrooms, heated bathroom floors, media room with 65-inch OLED TV and Sonos Arc Soundbar, and gigabit WiFi. Eco friendly features include solar panels, 12-hour whole home battery backup, and L2 EV charger.

Top guest favorite
Guest suite in Truckee
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 816 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
The exterior of a two-story wooden home is surrounded by snow-covered trees. A wooden fence encloses the property, providing privacy. Large windows and a balcony are visible on the second floor, allowing for natural light. Snow blankets the ground, creating a serene winter landscape.
Home in Truckee
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews

Cozy house at Donner Lake

Two story home with open area concept, three rooms and garage/game room that can accommodate up to 8 people. - Split AC units in bedrooms. - Kids playground & Game room for the grown ups (pool table, ping pong table, darts and an arcade machine). - 400 Mbps Internet with WIFI 6 mesh router for full coverage. - Roku TVs on every bedroom and living room. - Parking for three cars. - Restaurant and grocery store across street. - Close to all major ski resorts.

Top guest favorite
Large double doors open to reveal a snowy landscape framed by trees. A comfortable chair is placed beside a black stove, and warm light fixtures provide a cozy ambiance throughout the wooden interior.
Guesthouse in Truckee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 159 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.

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 Truckee
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 492 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

Top guest favorite
A spacious studio interior is featured, showcasing a comfortable queen-sized bed with soft linens and adjacent nightstands. A cozy couch with an arrangement of decorative pillows sits across from a wooden coffee table, complemented by a dining table in the foreground. Natural light filters through the window.
Guest suite in Truckee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 161 reviews

↟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.

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.

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