
Vacation rentals in Donner Lake
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake
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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.

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.

Studio condo at base of Tahoe Donner ski hill
Small condo at base of Tahoe Donner ski hill. Its really ideal for 2 people. However, there is a couch that folds down can becomes a bed (suitable for someone under 5.8). Deck overlooks the ski hill and has a killer view. There is a full size fridge, coffee maker, microwave, toaster oven and induction hot plate. Full bathroom. The unit has a table / work station. There are two chars and there are two black side tables that can act as extra seats so 4 people can sit at the table.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

↟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.

Ski-In Ski-Out Tahoe Donner Condo
The perfect quiet mountain getaway minutes from downtown Truckee. All the extras including coffee bar with local coffee and complimentary wine. Enjoy floor to ceiling windows to take in the ski hill. Hiking trails, creeks, world class golf and skiing are right outside your door. Private cards to sauna and pool at the clubhouse are included (extra fee applies for all guests).

[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!
Popular amenities for Donner Lake vacation rentals
Donner Lake fishing vacation rentals

SkiView Tahoe: 9 beds, Game Room, Fireplace

Lighthus: A Contemporary Tahoe Retreat

Warm Guest House w/Modern Touches

Dreamy Mountain Cabin Near Lake, Skiing, & Trails

Bohemian Chic Chalet

Refined Mountain Luxury - A Lake Tahoe Getaway

Tahoe Donner Family Friendly Condo

Fresh powder! Luxury Cabin with Hot Tub!
Houses for rent in Donner Lake

Boho Bosque: Private spa in Tahoe Donner awaits!

Tahoe Donner Base Camp

Perfect 3BR Cabin in Tahoe Donner

Cabin on 1/4 Acre - Hottub, Skiing, Lake

Hot tub, AC, beautiful Tahoe Donner 4/3 house

Prosser Dam Paradise- Close to town and reservoir

Dazzling Chalet | 3+bd 2.5ba 2100sf By Palisades

Bluebird Chalet - Hot Tub, 3 Decks, Pet Friendly
Lake side house rentals in Donner Lake

Beachfront Retreat | Deck | Lake Views | Sleeps 10

Bear's Lair Walk to West End Beach Donner lake

Spacious Donner Lake Family Home & Hot Tub

Incline Village Chalet

Peaceful Creekside Hideaway | Incline Village

Beautiful family friendly home near rec. center

Close to TD Downhill Skiing with Amazing Mtn Views

Updated Stylish Carnelian Cabin-Hot tub and Garage
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.
Destinations to explore
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- Lake Tahoe
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- Kirkwood Mountain Resort
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- Crystal Bay Casino
- Apple Hill
- Kings Beach State Recreation Area
- Emerald Bay State Park
- Boreal Mountain California
- South Yuba River State Park
- Nevada Museum of Art
- Reno Sparks Convention Center
- Sugar Bowl Resort
- Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe
- Donner Ski Ranch
- Tahoe City Public Beach
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
- Granlibakken Tahoe
- University of Nevada Reno




