Vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Guest favorite
A view from the condo shows surrounding trees and a glimpse of distant hills under a partly cloudy sky. The wooden exterior reflects light from an outdoor fixture, enhancing the serene mountain atmosphere.
Condo in Truckee
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 269 reviews

Tranquil retreat at Truckee Ski Bowl

Enjoy the peaceful slopes of Tahoe-Donner. You’ll have the entire condo to yourself: two full bedrooms plus a large loft, and two full bathrooms with laundry on site. Beautifully maintained home with all you need for a getaway in the mountains! Perfect location for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, exploring Truckee or simply staying home and enjoying the peace and quiet. Walking distance to the lifts at Tahoe-Donner and a short drive to all the Tahoe resorts. Ten minute drive into Truckee.

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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, 140 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!

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Guest favorite
A spacious open-concept living area features large windows that provide ample natural light. The kitchen with wooden cabinetry and a breakfast bar blends seamlessly with the comfortable seating arrangement in the living room, which is accented by natural wood beams and cozy lighting.
Home in Donner Lake
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

DonnerDayz

Luxury Home + Salt Water Hot Tub + 2,548 sq ft. It has everything you need in our home, and everything in the area to make your trip absolutely perfect. Close to amazing beaches and ski sites. Sleeps 12 very comfortably in new Purple mattresses. Plus Family Room, Great Room, Reading Room, Mud Room, Garage. Two large outdoor patios. Large kitchen with granite counter, breakfast bar & huge pantry. 2 refrigerators and freezers. Located end of cul-de-sac for added privacy. (No pets).

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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 Donner Lake
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 225 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.

FamilyLocationHospitality

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace as its focal point. High wooden ceilings create an open atmosphere, complemented by large windows that frame forest views. A comfortable sectional couch and a wooden coffee table invite relaxation in this welcoming setting.
Cabin in Truckee
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 194 reviews

Cozy Family Mtn Getaway HotTub+2 Master Bdrms

Enjoy a spacious and gorgeous 2 story home that boasts 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The owners have taken immaculate care of this home and have created a gorgeous modern mountain feel, along with a very warm and inviting atmosphere. Bring the family and friends to this dream vacation home where there is plenty of room to gather and to retreat. Or explore the outdoors of Tahoe Donner area and enjoy the Tahoe lifestyle! The home is only 3 miles from Donner Lake .

FamilyLocationHospitality

Top guest favorite
An open-concept kitchen and living area is highlighted by a high-end gas stove, large island with seating, and modern cabinetry. Natural light floods through multiple windows, illuminating the wood ceiling. A cozy seating area is visible in the background, enhancing the spacious layout.
Cabin in Truckee
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviews

Designer Tahoe Donner Cabin with Hot Tub, Trails

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 high-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.

LocationFamilyOutdoor spaces

Superhost
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 Donner Lake
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 210 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.

FamilyValueWifi

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 Donner Lake
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 170 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.

LocationFamilyBeach

Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Donner Lake
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 162 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.

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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 Donner Lake
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 520 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

FamilyValueHospitality

Guest favorite
A charming cabin is situated among tall trees, with a wooden deck leading up to it. A group of six people and a dog are gathered on the deck, enjoying each other's company. Large windows provide natural light to the interior.
Cabin in Truckee
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviews

[Skislope Cabin] Hot Tub - Dog Friendly

Explore local hiking trails, ski mountains, and lakes just minutes away. Relax in a salt hot tub on the back deck overlooking the Carson Mountain Range. Bring your dog. Sit by the gas fireplace and unwind. Enjoy a free park pass to access D.L. Bliss SP, Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point SP, Emerald Bay SP, Kings Beach SRA, and even Donner Memorial SP for free!

ValueFamilyView

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 Donner Lake
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 359 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

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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.