Vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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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, 333 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

Guest favorite
The cabin is nestled among snow-covered trees, illuminated by warm light from its windows. The sloped roof is blanketed in snow, and the entrance features a glassed-in porch, creating a welcoming atmosphere in the winter landscape.
Cabin in Soda Springs
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews

Cozy Kingvale Cabin - Ski lease available

The heat of summer is cooling as we settle into cozy fall, with winter right around the corner. Plan a getaway for hiking, mountain biking or snuggling by the fire with a book. Or plan ahead for the ski season! We get epic snow every year with easy access to Boreal, Sugar Bowl and Royal Gorge just a few mins away. Expect tons of charm in this rustic, "old Kingvale" cabin. Accommodates 4-6 comfortably. Situated conveniently near the freeway but feels like the backcountry. Best of both worlds!

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, 245 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
The charming A-frame structure is framed by tall pine trees, displaying a combination of green and rust-colored accents on the exterior. A stone pathway leads to the front door, and a balcony extends from the upper level, which overlooks the serene, snow-covered landscape.
Cabin in Soda Springs
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

2br | peaceful | easy access | dog friendly

The Chickaree Mountain Retreat is our lovingly cared for 1965 A-frame with the classic architecture we know and love. The A-frame features two upstairs bedrooms, a darling kitchen, and a comfortable living room warmed by an inviting gas fireplace. Make lasting memories during any season with your family or friends. With the Serene Lakes and Royal Gorge trails only a few blocks away and five ski resorts within short driving distance, the CMR sets you up for an adventurous Sierra getaway!

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, 103 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!

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
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 102 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 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, 208 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
Two Adirondack chairs are positioned on the riverbank, facing the flowing water. A small wooden table is placed between them, surrounded by natural vegetation and various river stones. Sunlight dapples the scene, highlighting the tranquil setting by the river.
Guest suite in Truckee
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 784 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.

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, 154 reviews

3BD+ Stylish Lake House 1 Block from Donner Lake

Lovingly remodeled lake home, popular location—1 block from Donner Lake piers in summer and a quick drive to 5 ski resorts in winter (10–20 mins), and a 5 minute drive to charming downtown Truckee! Walk to Donner lake memorial park, bike trails nearby or chill in the park like backyard. Pool table, BBQ, Kayak, available and a modern kitchen. Easy Bay Area access with flat driveway. Max 7 guests, 3 cars/2 in winter. Truckee STR Permit: 003384.

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, 150 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, 456 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

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, 150 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

Your guide to Donner Lake

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.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Donner Lake

The ski season usually lasts from mid-November until early April, and there are plenty of nearby spots to try out your skills or just take in epic vistas from the lifts. Cross-country skiing is also a popular activity here. In the summer, people head to the Eldorado National Forest around an hour away to discover its miles of hiking trails with far-reaching views. The winter and summer seasons are the busiest times of the year, while spring and fall offer a quieter time to stay at rentals on Donner Lake — and the cottonwood and quaking aspens turn shades of ochre and gold before they shed their leaves. An annual triathlon draws athletes each July, while September brings the Truckee Tahoe Air Show and Family Festival with live music and acrobatic displays.


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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