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.

1 of 1 pages1 / 1
Guest favorite
The open living area features high wooden ceilings and large panoramic windows, allowing natural light to fill the space. A sleek kitchen island with seating is present, along with a dining table and a comfortable seating area that invites relaxation.
Cabin in Truckee
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews

Newly Renovated! 2BR, Big Window Views, Dogs OK

Located in a quiet setting in beautiful Tahoe Donner, this cozy family 2BR/1B cabin is ideal for all seasons. Large windows look out into the peaceful forest and sliding glass doors lead to a deck ideal for grilling during the day and star gazing at night. The property allows access (for a fee) to all Tahoe Donner amenities including pools, hot tubs, saunas, gym and beach. The cozy cabin is 10 minutes from downtown Truckee and in close proximity to Donner Lake, Northstar, Palisades & Sugar Bowl.

Guest favorite
Cabin in Homewood
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 186 reviews

Dreamy Mountain Cabin Near Lake, Skiing, & Trails

Welcome to Little Blue - Nestled on the picturesque west shore of Lake Tahoe, our cozy cabin, lovingly named "Little Blue," offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to unwind in the serenity of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Tucked away in a beautiful woodsy landscape, Little Blue provides utmost tranquility while still being a short walk to the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe. 20 minutes in either direction, you will also find Lake Tahoes best attractions!

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, 132 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!

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
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 221 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 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
Guesthouse in Truckee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 160 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 cabin's exterior showcases a modern design with a combination of wood and large windows, nestled among towering trees. Natural rocks and a gravel pathway enhance the serene forest ambiance, while spacious entry doors lead into the retreat.
Cabin in Soda Springs
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews

New|Luxury|Hottub|KidPetFriendly|Fireplace|EVchrg

Top 10% of homes, and guest favorite badge by Airbnb. Welcome to LuxCabin - A brand new, luxury cabin with a hot tub nestled in the heart of Tahoe Donner Summit! Look no further if you're searching for the perfect mountain retreat to unwind and indulge in nature. ☞ Hot Tub ☞ Cozy & Stylish picturesque cabin ☞ 2-mins walk to a fully stocked market ☞ Baby & pet friendly ☞ More photos: IG @luxcabin.tahoe

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, 510 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, 164 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.

Guest favorite
A modern living room features a spacious sectional sofa and a rustic coffee table. Large windows provide expansive views of the surrounding mountains and lake. A wood-burning stove is centered on a stone fireplace, and soft curtains frame the windows, enhancing the warm ambiance.
Condo in Truckee
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviews

Amazing View!

Updated, spacious and cozy cabin/condo at Tahoe Donner with gorgeous mountain views. Ski in, ski out. Two bed, two bath with sofa sleeper in the loft. Master has a queen bed and second bedroom has two twins. Beautiful kitchen and wood burning stove. Pet friendly, garage access and fast wifi. Come see why we have so many return guests!

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 Truckee
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 347 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

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Truckee
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 179 reviews

1 block to Donner Lake piers Kayaks & Paddleboards

One block to Donner Lake's public piers. 10–20 minutes to 5 ski resorts. 5-minute walk to lakefront brunch at Donner Lake Kitchen. Remodeled 3BR cabin with kitchen lake view, gas fireplace, pool table, big backyard, and 4 workspaces with monitors. Max 7 guests, 3 cars/2 in winter. Truckee STR Permit: 003384.

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.

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. California
  4. Nevada County
  5. Truckee
  6. Donner Lake