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

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!

Donner Lake Ski House | Remodeled 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.

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.

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.

Designer Cabin: Hot Tub, Arcade Game, Trail, More
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 higher-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.

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.

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.

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.
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Tahoe Treehouse | Hot Tub, Private Pier, Dome Loft

Base Camp for Your Next Tahoe Adventure

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Donner Lake house rentals

Luxurious A/C 2650 Sqft, PS5, EV Charger, 500 Mbps

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

Bear's Lair Walk to West End Beach Donner lake

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

Bluebird Chalet - Hot Tub, 3 Decks, Pet Friendly

Bohemian Chic Chalet

Acorn Cabin

BlackDog Hideaway_Hot Tub, 2 Arcades, Ping Pong
Lake side house rentals in Donner Lake

Kings Beach Oasis! Cozy Home.

Incline Village Chalet

Mountain Modern Home & Hot Tub, Chef's Kitchen

Beautiful family friendly home near rec. center

Hot tub; near world-class skiing and snow play

Updated Stylish Carnelian Cabin-Hot tub and Garage

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

"The Deck” at Speedboat Beach - Walk to the lake
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.
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