
Vacation rentals in Donner Lake
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake
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Ruby the Red Caboose
Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV. Authentic 1950s caboose converted into a private guest suite that captures the glory days of train travel. Enjoy the famous 100-mile view from the cupola as you sip your coffee in the morning or your cocktail in the evening. Watch the steam engine (or the wild horses) go by from your private covered deck. Easy access to the V&T Railroad, bars, restaurants, museums, and all that VC has to offer. Choo choo! Please note the pic of the stairs!

Skiview Retreat: 9 beds, Game Room, Fireplace
Tucked away on a quiet wooded lot in Tahoe Donner's world-class resort neighborhood, there's plenty to enjoy inside and outside our cabin. This is a 2,900 sq foot home, with multiple areas for groups to spread out and relax. From the open living area with a wood burning fireplace to the large kitchen, cozy loft, game room, and private office. Bedrooms include a bunk room, two main level / easy access rooms, and extra sleeping in the game room. Kids love the bunks, PS5, and pool table room!

Modern Retreat steps away from downtown Truckee.
This is a 2 story unit with bedrooms upstairs and living space downstairs that underwent a top-to-bottom renovation of our 900 sq. ft. Truckee home in December 2017. Super convenient location perched above Downtown Truckee with views to Northstar, the Carson Range and surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. Enjoy a night out on the town with a short walk home, or just sit on your deck over the bustle of historic downtown while the setting sun provides a painted backdrop, get the picture?

It Doesn't Get Any Better - Downtown + Riverfront!
Downtown Truckee and RIVERFRONT! Historic home tastefully remodeled and furnished. Walk to all downtown has to offer, yet feel alone in your private riverfront oasis. See "other details" for info on rates for smaller and groups larger than 4. Extended family and friends? Lovely one bedroom with gated access between backyards also available! NOTE: Due to a severe allergy of staff, we cannot allow service animals. Max guests 6. No children under 6. No smoking or parties. STR#011510

Donner Lake Cabin - VIEWS, Hot Tub, EV
Featured in Dwell Magazine and Interior Design Magazine! Our home has great views of Donner Lake throughout the house, a large sundeck, private lake view hot tub, and a wood-burning fireplace. Live in luxury with high-end finishes like Kitchen-Aid and Miele appliances, en suite bathrooms, heated bathroom floors, media room with 65-inch OLED TV and Sonos Arc Soundbar, and gigabit WiFi. Eco friendly features include solar panels, 12-hour whole home battery backup, and L2 EV charger.

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

1 block to Donner Lake, Yard, Game Room
One block to Donner Lake's public piers. 10–20 minutes to 5 ski resorts. 5-minute walk to lakefront brunch at Donner Lake Kitchen. Remodeled 3BR cabin with kitchen lake view, gas fireplace, pool table, big backyard, and 4 workspaces with monitors. Max 7 guests, 3 cars/2 in winter. Truckee STR Permit: 003384.

Donner Lake Cabin | Lake View, Deck+BBQ, A/C
Donner lake cabin with LAKE VIEW and AC, perfect for a couple or a small family, walk to the lake and the ice cream shop. Short drive to Sugar Bowl skiing. Enjoy the large deck w/ gas BBQ grill & outdoor seating. Very steep driveway with curve/turn, no trucks. TOT RCN: 003728
Popular amenities for Donner Lake vacation rentals
Houses for rent in Donner Lake

Kings Beach Oasis! Cozy Home.

Boho Bosque: Private spa in Tahoe Donner awaits!

Tahoe Donner A-frame - Private Hot Tub & Firepit

Casa del Sol Tahoe Truckee

West Shore Cabin - Walk to the Lake & Sunnyside!

Perfect Tahoe Donner location

Secluded 3BR Forest View Mountain Chalet

Gorgeous Mountain Modern /Spa, BBQ, Chef’s Kitchen
Lake side house rentals in Donner Lake

*NEW*Donner Lakefront Luxury*

Gorgeous Donner Lake 3BR + Loft Modern Home

Bear's Lair Walk to West End Beach Donner lake

Incline Village Chalet

Donner Lake Retreat: Cabin w/ Deck + BBQ + Trails

Beautiful family friendly home near rec. center

Walk to Lake! Dazzling Chalet | 3+bd 2.5ba 2100sf

Look both ways & cross the street to Donner Lake
Other great vacation rentals in Donner Lake

Charming 3 Bedroom House with Lake View

Tahoe Home with Donner Lake View WalktoLake Dog OK

Stunning Donner Lake 2 BR House with lake access

Boreal ridge walk to lifts or PCT

Peek of Donner Lake - by Beach & Pub

Donner Lake walk to beach, hot tub, gorgeous views

Donner Dreamin' A Frame + Hot Tub + Dog Friendly!

Donner Summit Cabin w/ 2 Ski Lift Passes Included
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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