Family-friendly vacation rentals in New Melones Lake

The Shed in Vallecito

This charming little studio cottage was originally built sometime between 1910 and 1925 to house a bakery in conjunction with the butcher shop next door (main house). In the early 1930’s the bakery was closed and the shed was converted into a studio apartment for a young man who lived there for over a decade. In later years it has served as a polling place for Vallecito elections and as a storage facility for various owners. In 2010, after years of neglect, we began a major renovation project in the hopes of returning it to its former glory as a livable cottage. The renovation included new foundation and flooring, new exterior siding, energy efficient windows and doors, and the reframing of the interior walls in order to accommodate the 10” thick insulation. A new bathroom was installed along with the promise of a complete kitchenette to be added in the winter of 2014. The result is a refurbished cottage that is extremely quiet and very comfortable due to the extra thick walls, new insulation, and dual pane windows and doors. It is now completely handicapped accessible. The queen sized Murphy bed has a comfortable memory foam mattress, plenty of pillows and a down comforter and can be folded up for more space during the day. There is a private patio out side the sliding glass door for relaxing. The cottage sits back from the street and is surrounded by a beautiful garden area that offers visitors a quietly, serene setting in which to sip a morning cup of coffee or unwind with a nice glass of locally made wine. A visit to the Vallecito area offers a wide assortment of historical, cultural and outdoor activities. The small town of approximately 300 people is both quiet and welcoming. A short walk, can allow a visitor a peaceful journey into the surrounding countryside where cattle and horses graze in the pastures and birds sing in the trees. Within a 5 minute drive, visitors can wander the shops and sample the wines of the area along Murphy’s trendy Main Street; go spelunking in Moaning Cavern, hike the trail and swim the creek through Natural Bridges or hit the historic district of Angels Camp and a movie at the 75 year old Angels Theater. A 15 minute drive will take you to Columbia State Historical Park and it’s well known Fallon House Theater, New Melones Lake for fishing, boating and waterskiing and Calaveras County Fairgrounds, site of the historic Jumping Frog Jubilee. A 30 minute drive will take you to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the shopping district of Sonora, Mercer Caverns and Cave City or the Stanislaus River at Camp 9. Summer hikes, kayaking and fishing abound within a 1 hour drive from ‘The Shed’ in the Stanislaus National Forest. Winter activities include skiing or snowshoeing at Bear Valley or Dodge Ridge 1 hour away, even Kirkwood Resort is a 2 hour drive. For those with a passion for driving, we are situated about a 2 hour drive from Yosemite National Park, The San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento. When the pass is open in summer a 2-3 hour drive over the Hwy 4 National Scenic Byway takes you through the majestic scenery of the Sierra Nevada, past cold rushing streams, meadows of wildflowers and blue alpine lakes to Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs State Park, and the Lake Tahoe region. A drive along Historic Hwy 49 will take you through the heart of California’s Gold Country where the many small towns offer a bounty of antique stores, unique boutiques, small independent restaurants and interesting museums and mining sites.

Hilltop Bungalow with Pool & View

Relax in a charming bungalow retreat, nestled in the trees on the hill above historic downtown Sonora. Yosemite, Pinecrest, Columbia State Park are all nearby, as is excellent dining, wine tasting & theater. You may swim, or relax, go hiking or mountain biking, all at your leisure. It's a short drive to downhill & cross country skiing, & snowshoeing. Many adventures may begin from your hilltop bungalow. CITY MANDATES LIMIT OCCUPANCY-TWO PERSONS/BEDROOM plus extra crib & mattress are available.

Cute & Cozy w/ Arcades, outdoor movies & fire pit

Outdoor Movie Theater & Arcade room! This cozy Little Blue Cottage is in the heart of California’s Gold Rush towns with an acre of land for privacy. We are conveniently located near all the most exciting attractions including Yosemite National Park, Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia State Park, 2 Casinos & many Lakes. We're Dog friendly with a fenced off area that provides a safe place for them to run. Each season offers a variety of outdoor activities. This Little Blue Cabin is the perfect getaway

Barnview Bungalow Farm Stay

Try on a slice of farm life from our Barnview Bungalow. This tiny house studio is right in the middle of our functioning farm. It comes with a large covered deck with views of our young apple orchard and big red barn. If you dream of wide open spaces, big skies, and farm animal encounters this is the place for you. Accommodations include: A full sized memory foam bed, kitchenette with mini fridge and two stove burners, stone-floored bathroom with a large walk-in shower, and washer and dryer.

The Carriage House on Barretta in downtown Sonora!

This beautiful refuge boasts the convenience of a 5 minute walk to downtown where you will find eclectic shopping, restaurants and nightlife. We provide off street parking with a private outdoor patio. Yosemite National Park West Gate is 1 hour away! Please be aware that Apr 13 thru Jun 30 and Aug 17 thru Oct 27 a park reservation is required from 5am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on May 27, Jun 19, Sep 2 and Oct 14. From Jul 1 thru Aug 16 a reservation is required from 5am to 4pm daily.

Country Studio Charm - Yosemite Gateway

This sweet, studio apartment features a large kitchen, with all the essentials. One bathroom and one comfy queen bed. This little gem is tucked away on a three acre parcel, in a quiet country setting, nestled on a tree studded hill. Nearby destinations include Yosemite National Park, Big Trees, Dodge Ridge, Columbia Historic State Park, Historic Downtown Sonora, Ironstone Vineyards, New Melones Lake, Pinecrest Lake, Moaning Cavern, Natural Bridges and other popular Gold Country destinations.

Bixel Bungalow-in Historic Columbia Gold Rush Town

Pets Welcome, no extra fee. Relaxing base for adventure in the Sierra Foothills. Detached house & garden. We put a lot of care into ensuring this is a comfortable, aesthetic and functional place to stay. 1 mile from Columbia State Historic Park, 5 miles to Sonora or Jamestown and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. 14 miles to Murphys , 37 miles to Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, 50 miles to Bear Valley Ski Resort. 53 miles to Yosemite. Guests always say "the best Air BNB we have ever stayed at!"

The Studio at Lavender Lane, Gold Country

Located in the historic Gold Country near the towns of Sonora and Columbia Ca. Very quiet, relaxing, close to many recreation areas. Tourists and adventure destinations nearby include Yosemite, Columbia State Park, Railtown St. Park, Big Trees St. Park, Black Oak Casino, Ski Dodge Ridge. Enjoy shopping or dining out at the many nearby shops and restaurants in Sonora, Jamestown and Columbia, all 5 minutes away. 1 new Queen size bed, 1 sofa/ fold out Queen bed. Very comfortable and clean.

Cottage at the Broken Branch

Experience the historic Gold Country and Yosemite national park staying in this newly renovated 1800s mining cabin. Originally built in the late 1800s for the miners of the Crystal Rock mine, the cottage now has heat, air conditioning, highspeed wifi, a kitchen, and bathroom. The Broken Branch is a small working ranch, so the beautiful sunrise views include several horses, donkeys, and goats. It's about an hour and a half to Yosemite and only minutes from downtown Columbia and Sonora.

La Casita Near Yosemite National Park

This tiny house (120 sq. ft) is newly built just for you, our Airbnb guests. Though small, it packs all the essentials for a comfortable stay including bathroom, fridge/freezer, microwave, coffee maker, heater and air conditioning. When the queen murphy bed is not in use, it converts into a couch leaving space for the table and chairs. It is conveniently located 71 miles from Yosemite Visitor's Center and a great stopping point between the Bay area and Yosemite National Park.

Sierra Foothills River Retreat

Enjoy a private guest suite on the Mokelumne river with no cleaning fees and a hassle free stay. Fall asleep to the sound of the river. Sit on 1 of 3 decks to enjoy the scenic views and watch the wildlife. Walk in the river, go fishing, pan for gold. The lower deck on the river has a hammock & 2 person swing. Visit Silver lake, Kirkwood, Big Trees Nat. Park or Lake Tahoe. Go wine tasting, antiquing or hiking.

Cabin. Horses&Goats. Dog Friendly. 10 Acres

A 10 Acre Escape with Goats, Horses, Birds, Trees, Fresh Air and A Full View of Stars at Night. Only 1 Hour to Sacramento 2 Hours to San Fran 30 minutes to Restaurants and Wineries Self Checkin Pet Friendly If you choose to venture out of the cabin we have over 10 acres to roam where you’ll have the opportunity to encounter our super friendly goats, majestic horses, wildlife and many plants and trees.