Vacation rentals with lake access in Polk County

A two-story house is shown with a light yellow exterior and a dark grey roof. There are multiple windows allowing natural light to enter. A driveway leads to a single-car garage on the right. Flower pots frame the entrance, and lush green grass surrounds the home.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 901 reviews

Unique "Little Italy" Apartment

SamRating, 5 stars1 week ago

Not only was I completely blown away by the space but by Greg’s hospitality. Great conversation and the place itself has a lot of character as well! Really exceeded all expectations. Comfortable and clean! Can’t recommend enough!

A modern dining area features a round glass table surrounded by four green chairs. The space includes a cozy brown sofa next to a soft, light rug. Natural light enters through a sliding door, creating a bright ambiance in the open floor plan.

4.73 out of 5 average rating, 79 reviews

Spacious Verdell!

AdrienneRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago

I appreciated how responsive Berhane was with my reservation—super easy to communicate with. This spot is right in the heart of downtown, making it perfect for a staycation. It’s within walking distance to great food spots and fun venues. I’d definitely choose to stay here again!

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 150 reviews

A spacious living area features a billiards table, a modern wood fireplace, and a casual seating arrangement. Light wood beams enhance the ceiling, while large windows allow natural light to fill the space. A dining area with stylish bar stools is visible in the background.

Home in Urbandale

RARE Mid-Mod Home. Spacious inside-and-out.

Don't miss your chance at this unique mid-century modern home located in the heart of Des Moines where you'll be just minutes from many local restaurants, bars and area attractions. Entertain your guests with 3,600sf of open-concept mid-century living while enjoying all the amenities this house has to offer! Relish in billiards indoors or escape outdoors for yard games, grilling or an evening bonfire. This newly remodeled 4 bed, 2.5 bath property has everything you need on your next vacation.

Guest suite in Des Moines

A single-story home features a gray exterior with a centrally located entrance. A manicured lawn is visible in front, along with landscaping elements and a large driveway leading to two garage doors. Trees provide shade, and a clear sky can be seen above.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 61 reviews

The Pirate Cove

Please read this listing in its entirety! You will enjoy easy access to everything from this centrally located place just minuets from the Des Moines International Airport and downtown attractions. Take advantage of the trail around Easter lake. Lots of nature and quiet. Walk or Bike 6 miles of trail around the lake. Slip into a comfortable king size bed for a great nights sleep. Take advantage of coffee or tea in the morning, or head into town to one of many restaurants that are close by.

A spacious living area features soft, neutral carpeting and a cozy seating arrangement, including an armchair and a round coffee table. Natural light filters through large windows, highlighting the fireplace and decorative accents. A kitchenette is visible in the background, adding convenience.

Guesthouse in Clive

5 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Beautiful and Serene Guesthouse.

Beautiful lower level guesthouse in pristine neighborhood. This location is minutes from the interstate with restaurants and grocery stores right down the street. We take pride in offering a very clean, quiet, and comfortable environment for guests while they are away from their home! There is a king bed in the bedroom and two twin beds right off of the living room and kitchenette area. Please feel free to reach out with any specific questions that might not be included in the listing details!

A single-story brick residence is highlighted with warm exterior lighting. The manicured lawn leads to a spacious driveway accommodating three vehicles, framed by well-kept landscaping. Large windows adorn the front, providing a welcoming appearance.

Guest suite in Ankeny

4.73 out of 5 average rating, 11 reviews

Ideal Property And Location For Traveling Nurse

This property and location is ideal for the traveling nurse. The location offers a private condo like apartment with views of the private lake queen bed and bathroom with shower/tub kitchenette and pull out sofa. Safe and upscale property. In Ankeny resort area minutes from major clinics and hospitals. Nurse Finders, Unity Point Hospital and Clinics, Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Iowa Clinic, Lutheran Hospital. Nursing home RN LPN facilities such as Mill Pond, Sunny View, Rock Creek.

The cabin's exterior features a rustic design with wooden siding and multiple peaked roofs. Surrounded by trees in a tranquil setting, the property includes a grassy yard and a decorative wooden fence with a wagon wheel, creating a charming landscape.

Cabin in Johnston

3.67 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Walk to Saylorville Lake: Spacious Home w/ Deck!

Families & Pets Welcome | Close to Hy-Vee Multiplex (Soccer Fields) | On-Site Wildlife Bask in the tranquility of Johnston when you stay at this 3-bedroom, 3-bath vacation rental. Spend the day at Saylorville Lake before exploring Big Creek State Park, or enjoy a day trip to Des Moines, Iowa! Then, come home to your cabin for a friendly foosball tournament. Afterward, unwind outside and fire up the charcoal grill for a family cookout. And don't forget your pets!

A gravel driveway leads to a welcoming home set on a spacious green lawn. Flowering plants are visible in the foreground, flanking the path. The house features a covered porch and is surrounded by trees, with a detached garage seen to the right.

Home in Johnston

5 out of 5 average rating, 7 reviews

Oma's House

Peaceful, conveniently located home on 1.2 acres with a walking path across road to Saylorville Lake shoreline & a boat ramp 1 mile away. Great location for water lovers, bicyclists, or motor cycle enthusiasts that like to do the loop around lake with secure garage available to store your toys inside. Parking space for pickup & your toy's trailer in drive. Relax on the front porch or back deck, play outdoor games, grab a book, puzzle or board game provided.

5 out of 5 average rating, 24 reviews

A dining area features a striking marble table surrounded by plush black chairs. The space is framed by dark walls and illuminated by a modern hanging light fixture. A bright living room with large windows is visible in the background, enhancing the room's open feel.

Home in Des Moines

The Lando

Welcome to The Lando, we truly hope you enjoy this fun family friendly home as much as we do. With a modern feel this home is great for multiple families and friends. It’s just a short walk to an amazing beach/lake area with swimming, fishing, and other fun outdoor activities. We’ve also added a pool table and games for the kids during your stay. With room to sleep up to 12 guests and an enormous back yard this home is perfect to host multiple families.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 50 reviews

The exterior entrance of the building features a clean concrete pathway leading up to a solid door with a small window above. A set of steps, accompanied by a handrail, provides access, while modern gray brick complements the overall architecture.

Home in Des Moines

New! Perfect downtown location!

NEW! Walkable to all the best attractions downtown including Grays Lake, concert venues, farmers market, I-cubs stadium, restaurants, etc! KEY FEATURES: - 3 luxurious bedrooms ; 1 king room, 1 king room and double queen room - 3 bathrooms; 1 including double vanity - full rooftop with views of the capital - full kitchen with gas stove, stainless steel appliances - family friendly - ample sitting area with two living spaces

A spacious basement living room features a comfortable couch and a large bean bag. A wall-mounted TV is positioned above a decorative fireplace, surrounded by textured wood paneling. Natural light enters through nearby doors leading to the upstairs, enhancing the inviting atmosphere of the room.

Home in Norwalk

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Beach Access/Kid Friendly/Park/Office/4BR/2B

Beautiful walkout ranch close to a beach and playground! Enjoy paddle boarding, the playground, and peaceful lake views from the spacious deck. With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a kid-friendly setup, basement living room/movie room, and office space, it's the perfect spot for families or a relaxing getaway!

Vacation rentals for every style

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Popular amenities for Polk County lake access rentals

Kitchen

Wifi

Free parking on premises

Air conditioning

Lake access house rentals

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

A serene landscape is captured, showing a house nestled among tall trees and colorful foliage. A gentle expanse of green grass is foregrounded by wildflowers in shades of purple. A round hay bale is also visible, contributing to the rural scenery.

Home in Carlisle

Quiet Country home, nature & fishing -5min to city

MiaRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago

This was the perfect place for our family to celebrate my Mother’s life. The tranquility was healing. We really appreciated the space for family to gather and the children loved all the outdoor space. They have done an amazing job of stocking the house with everything you can think of….games, towels, bathroom amenities, etc.

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 36 reviews

A spacious ranch-style house is visible, featuring a covered deck with a red umbrella and outdoor seating. A well-maintained lawn displays blooming yellow daffodils in the foreground, while mature landscaping and trees create a peaceful backdrop.

Home in Pella

New Pella, IA Airbnb

JasonRating, 5 stars12 months ago

This was a great place for our family to stay while in town for a wedding! Nice and clean and spacious.

5 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviews

A cozy living space features beige walls and soft carpeting. Natural light is invited in through large sliding doors, revealing a glimpse of the outdoor area. A small writing desk and chair are positioned near the windows, enhancing the functional appeal of the room.

Home in Pella

Doc Holiday's

JanetRating, 5 stars1 month ago

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay! We came to bike the trails and explore Pella. To our surprise it was just a quick bike ride to the beautiful paved Volksweg Trail from Kelly's place! It seemed we were about in the middle of the trail, so it worked great that one morning we rode one direction, and the next rode the other direction! Beautiful trail to bike. Was nice we could leave our bikes in the garage when we drove in to explore Pella. Also was nice in the morning and the evening to sit outside and listen to all the birds singing! We were there one week after the Tulip Festival. The majority of the tulips were past their prime, but the town has quite a variety of shops to explore and a beautiful town square. Would recommend staying at Kelly's place and exploring Pella and the Volksweg Trail!

Private room in West Des Moines

A cozy bedroom features light wood-paneled walls and a single bed dressed in a floral quilt. A bedside lamp stands next to the bed, and decorative artwork hangs above. A ceiling fan provides airflow, while light enters through a partially covered window.

5 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviews

My Little House 2

TeriRating, 5 stars10 months ago

We had a great stay with Bertha. Her place was cozy, and we slept well. She made us feel welcome with friendly conversation and provided a special parking spot on her property. Bertha also communicated clearly, ensuring we knew exactly what we needed for a comfortable stay. The room was private, and sharing a bathroom with another guest was no problem at all. We’ll definitely stay there again when we're in the area.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviews

An aerial view captures a picturesque neighborhood beside a lake, featuring clusters of homes surrounded by greenery. The winding road is visible on the right, while the lake stretches into the distance, framed by trees and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Home in Pella

Outdoor Enthusiast Escape

KatieRating, 5 stars1 month ago

Kathy and John were super hosts! Responded to questions quickly and were extremely friendly. We stayed for a girlfriend weekend get away to visit Pella. House was located perfectly for getting to and from town and other surrounding activities. The house was well appointed and had everything we needed. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area!

Private room in Des Moines

A cozy bedroom features a spacious bed with dark bedding, accented by decorative pillows and a throw. A small seating bench with a geometric pattern sits at the foot of the bed. Nautical décor elements, including red water skis, enhance the playful theme of the room.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviews

Best Value for the money. McCrackInn

KatelynRating, 5 stars9 months ago

We had a wonderful stay at Jay and Dee’s! The space was very nice and quiet. We were able to get a great nights rest and be close to the city to explore. They had great recommendations for food and things to do. I’d recommend staying here to anyone looking for a place near Des Moines.

The exterior of a home features a light gray siding with a welcoming entrance. A concrete pathway leads to the front door, flanked by a landscaped area filled with pebbles and a small shrub. Grass is visible in the background.

Private room in Altoona

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

Baileys Basement

PabloRating, 5 stars1 month ago

Felt way to comfortable, i enjoyed my stay she was a good host, did/ had everything right and it was cheap definitely would stay again

Superhost

A spacious living area is showcased, featuring a comfortable sectional couch and two wicker armchairs. A coffee table is centered on a soft area rug, while large windows allow ample natural light and offer views of the surrounding greenery.

Home in Nevada

New place to stay

Farmpond Retreat

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Lake access apartment rentals

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 901 reviews

Unique "Little Italy" Apartment

SamRating, 5 stars1 week ago

Not only was I completely blown away by the space but by Greg’s hospitality. Great conversation and the place itself has a lot of character as well! Really exceeded all expectations. Comfortable and clean! Can’t recommend enough!

4.73 out of 5 average rating, 79 reviews

Spacious Verdell!

AdrienneRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago

I appreciated how responsive Berhane was with my reservation—super easy to communicate with. This spot is right in the heart of downtown, making it perfect for a staycation. It’s within walking distance to great food spots and fun venues. I’d definitely choose to stay here again!

A comfortable living area features a plush, gray sectional sofa adorned with decorative pillows. A small, wooden coffee table rests in front. A light ceiling fan circulates air above, while natural light filters through nearby windows, highlighting a simple workspace with stools.

DavidRating, 5 stars1 month ago

Pleasant home near lake & city!

Perfect, everything is perfect

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 61 reviews

A serene landscape showcases a row of evergreen trees against a colorful sunset. The sky features hues of pink, purple, and orange, creating a tranquil atmosphere over the gently rolling terrain.

Apartment in Knoxville

Knoxville Sprint car racing, lake Red Rock, Roses

BrandiRating, 5 stars1 week ago

This was our second stay at this location and we would stay again! This place is cozy, clean, and well stocked. The bed is so comfortable! Jeffrey and Cindy were responsive to my questions before booking and helpful throughout our stay. You can tell they take pride in their property and providing a comfortable stay for their guests.

A modern living area showcases a sectional sofa with neutral cushions and a wall-mounted clock. Natural light filters through large windows, enhancing the tranquil space. A table is positioned near the windows, complemented by a television and decorative accents on the walls.