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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, 347 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
Condo in Truckee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Beautiful, Convenient Truckee Condo

We think you will love our condo as much as we do! *It is a beautiful end unit with wonderful light, open floor plan, gas fire place, and a well stocked gourmet kitchen. *Minutes to Historic Downtown Truckee and 15 minute drive to Palisades at Tahoe (Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows), Sugar Bowl, and NorthStar ski resorts. *Walking distance to hiking trails, stores, and restaurants. *Includes one car garage, 2 bicycles, sand volleyball, horseshoes, and bocce courts, and BBQ picnic area near by.

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Truckee
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 163 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, 110 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.

Guest favorite
A cozy studio space features a full-size Murphy bed with a plaid blanket. A small wooden table and two chairs are positioned near large glass doors, which provide access to the outdoor deck. A wall-mounted TV is visible beside light wood cabinetry.
Condo in Truckee
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 209 reviews

Base Camp for Your Next Tahoe Adventure

Welcome to Base Camp! Our cozy studio (308 SF) is located in the Tahoe Donner Lodge Condominiums. The Lodge HOA is less than 50 yards from the Tahoe Donner downhill ski resort - consistently voted as the best place to learn how to ski. Alder Creek Adventure Center (cross-country skiing, hiking, biking) is less than a mile away. A private parking lot is available for our guests. Please note that our condo is not appropriate for more than two guests, including children of any age.

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, 215 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.

Top guest favorite
The exterior of the condo is showcased among tall trees, featuring a welcoming porch with a wooden railing. Natural landscaping enhances the serene setting, while large windows allow ample light into the living space. The blue-gray structure maintains a modern yet rustic aesthetic.
Condo in Truckee
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 254 reviews

Tinopai Tahoe Donner Condominium

Tinopai means 'most excellent' in Maori (indigenous to New Zealand) This is a sweet, comfortable 2 bedroom condo located across the street from the Tahoe-Donner Rec Center. It offers a beautiful living space with streaming light and privacy for up to four adults and two kids. It’s a perfect resort retreat near eight major ski areas, golf, mountain biking, XC skiing, boating and more. The condo offers guest access to all Tahoe Donner's world class amenities. Some require a fee.

Guest favorite
Cabin in Truckee
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Truckee Winter Cabin: 9 Beds, Foosball, Fireplace

Tahoe Donner cabin, sitting on a beautiful property, in a quiet neighborhood, filled with tall pines and Tahoe Donner's golf course in the backyard. This is a great location and home, for all seasons. Entering the home you will notice a large open lower level, with tall windows and beautiful views of pines, plenty of room to lounge around on the large sectional, and a huge fireplace between the kitchen and living room. Upstairs you will find foosball table and a bunk room.

Top guest favorite
Guest suite in Truckee
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 815 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
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 Truckee
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 169 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.

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, 156 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
The cozy cabin is surrounded by a snowy landscape, with tall pine trees framing the scene. Soft lights adorn the exterior, providing a warm glow. A wooden staircase leads to the entrance, emphasizing a welcoming atmosphere amidst winter's beauty.
Cabin in Truckee
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 488 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

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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