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Vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Donner Lake

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Top guest favorite
A vibrant red caboose stands prominently on elevated tracks, surrounded by greenery and flowers. A pathway, lined with stones, leads to a wooden sign indicating 'TO TRAINS'. The bright blue sky adds a cheerful backdrop to the setting.
Train in Virginia City
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 396 reviews

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!

Guest favorite
Home in Truckee
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

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!

Guest favorite
A modern kitchen is presented with dark cabinetry and stylish stainless steel appliances. An island with seating offers a spacious area for dining. Soft lighting is provided by a pendant light, while natural light illuminates the countertop. The combination of textures adds to the contemporary feel.
Townhouse in Truckee
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 262 reviews

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?

Top guest favorite
The serene Truckee River flows gently through a landscape adorned with autumn colors. Lush trees line the banks, while quaint homes can be seen in the background. Soft hues of sunset light reflect on the water, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of the area.
Home in Truckee
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

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

Guest favorite
A wooden sundeck offers a serene setting with a dining table surrounded by four green chairs. Views of Donner Lake and surrounding pine trees create a natural backdrop, with a clear blue sky enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
Home in Truckee
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
Guest suite in Truckee
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 827 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.

Guest favorite
Home in Truckee
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 201 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
A modern kitchen features custom wooden cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. A large island with seating for three is complemented by a distinctive chandelier. Natural light is provided by a large window overlooking trees, enhancing the space's inviting and functional design.
Condo in Truckee
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 169 reviews

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.

Top 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, 159 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
A well-maintained cabin is surrounded by towering pine trees, featuring a wooden deck with a railing. A pathway with steps leads to the entrance, offering a rustic charm that blends with the natural surroundings.
Cabin in Truckee
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 506 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

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Truckee
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviews

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.

Guest favorite
A spacious living area features large windows with lake views and ample natural light. A comfortable couch and a dining table are positioned near the glass doors, which open to a deck. The wooden ceiling adds warmth to the open layout.
Cabin in Truckee
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 412 reviews

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

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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