It might be smaller, it might be a darker shade of blue, it might have an infamous past—but Donner Lake deserves its place alongside Lake Tahoe as a must-visit locale. While you can find a few humble lodges along its shoreline, a visit to Donner Lake all but begs for a cozy cabin in the woods. And that’s exactly what we’re here to bring you.
These Donner Lake rentals come with all the amenities of home, plus a few extra nice-to-have perks. Like, sitting just 10-minutes outside of Historic Downtown Truckee. Or, having four seasons of world-class Sierra Nevada recreation. And that’s before we move onto details like a hot tub, lake view, private pier, stone fireplace or outdoor balcony. So let’s get to it.
Our Favorite Donner Lake Vacation Rentals
Donner Lake might just be the ultimate getaway location. In the winter, the skiing is a dream. With more than 5 ski resorts within a 30-minute drive, backcountry options, cross country trails and everything in between, it’s the ideal winter vacation spot.
In the summer months, Donner Lake itself is the main attraction—kayaking, swimming, fishing, boating and beyond are all at your fingertips. Golf, beaches, hiking trails, Donner Memorial State Park and the great expanse of the Tahoe National Forest are minutes away. Plus, downtown Truckee and the north shore of Lake Tahoe offer endless entertainment options.
There’s no less than a million things to do, and these Donner Lake rentals make the perfect home base.
Cozy, Pet Friendly Cabin In A Quiet Neighborhood
Your home away from home should really feel like home. And that’s exactly what you get with this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Donner Lake vacation rental.
Homey details ooze from every room. Natural light pours into the main level, where a wraparound couch hugs the stone hearth and spacious dining room begs for family meals and game nights. Out the front door, a second-story deck is perfect for sunset grilling in the summer, and snowman competitions in the winter. Downstairs, three comfortable bedrooms—complete with mountain decor and bunk beds—share a spacious, extra living space.
We love the private balcony off of the upstairs master. The ridiculously well-stocked kitchen. The quiet, neighborhood feel. The short walk to West End beach. The quick drive to Sugar Bowl Ski Resort. And of course, that it’s pet-friendly so our four-legged friends can enjoy it all with us. It’s just what a home away from home should feel like!
(Psssst—Beyond Donner Lake, the good folks at Yeti Cohosting manage the best Truckee and north Lake Tahoe vacation rentals. Check out all their options & score a direct booking discount here.)
Lakefront Cabin With Spacious Outdoor Patio
With a sprawling outdoor patio overlooking Donner Lake, plus a private pier prime for relaxing, swimming and fishing, we honestly wouldn’t care if this Donner Lake vacation rental had a bed to sleep in.
But, thankfully, this cabin does have a bed. In fact, it has 8 of them, spread out between 3 bedrooms and a loft. It also has 2 bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, wifi, a grill, plus a washer and dryer.
There’s a rustic coziness to the interior, with plenty of pine details and warmly lit corners by the fireplace. Summer or winter, you’ll love time spent indoors. Surrounded by views of the mountains and lake, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. And, of course, when you want a little fresh air, there is no joy like that found on a lakefront patio. We promise you that.
Pet Friendly Cottage Near West End Beach
This 3-bedroom, 1-bath Donner Lake cabin is quite the charmer. With exposed wood beams, a massive stone fireplace, warm details and a lofted space, it’s comfortable, cozy and perfect for your next family trip.
Tucked away on the west shore of Donner Lake, you’ll be just minutes from the water’s edge, Sugar Bowl ski resort and all the alpine glory of Donner Summit. Ideal for families, this vacation home features two queen bedrooms and four twin beds. You’ll also have a washer and dryer, full kitchen, plus heating and air conditioning.
Perhaps most importantly, this adorable Donner Lake vacation rental is pet friendly, with a fully fenced backyard for Fido to roam free. In the summer months, fire up the grill after a day at the lake. In the winter, build a sledding hill or crush the kids in the a snowball fight.
Huge Family Rental With Hot Tub And Private Dock
The key to a successful Donner Lake vacation? Lots of time on Donner Lake, of course. And nothing makes that easier than a cabin rental on the water.
For that, look no further than this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom lakefront vacation home on the southwest end of Donner Lake. Lake views peek out from every corner—like the master bedroom and spacious outdoor deck. There’s even a hot tub and private dock. Now that we’re thinking about it, it’d be kind of hard to find a spot in this cabin that doesn’t have a view of Donner Lake. That’s something to love.
In addition, it is spacious and woodsy and has all the popular amenities you might hope for in a rental. Guests can retreat to the bedrooms for their own space, or join together in the full kitchen group meals. It’s all at your fingertips.
East End Cabin One Block From Donner Lake
No matter where you stay around Donner Lake, you’ll have the calm, quiet of the mountains at your doorstep. But if you’re looking for a little more action, then east end is for you. Ten minutes closer to downtown Truckee, neighboring the Donner Memorial State Park and museum and most importantly, just a two-minute drive from the ever loved Coffeebar Bakery.
Aside from one of the best locations in the area, what else does this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cabin have to offer? Basically everything. While indoors, enjoy amenities like wifi and board games, an updated kitchen and even a spacious bunk room for the kids to hang out in. Outdoors, chill on the deck, grill burgers or simply head across the street to enjoy Donner Lake in all its glory.
Compared to the west end, you’ll be a little further from Donner Peak and Sugar Bowl skiing in the winter. But we still love this sweet Donner Lake find for all that she is.
Luxury Vacation Rental With Lakeview Hot Tub
What’s a list of Donner Lake vacation rentals without a little luxury, right? With not one but two lakefront decks, a hot tub with 180 degree mountain views, modern furnishings and a bonus game room, this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom cabin fits the bill.
An epic find, full of comfortable amenities, this cabin has everything you could want and more for your Donner Lake getaway. Sip coffee in the mornings at the breakfast bar, snuggle in for game night around the stone fireplace, soak in the jetted tub after a day of skiing or relax for a sunset happy hour overlooking the lake. With 3 comfortable bedrooms, plus a bonus game room outfitted with twin beds and a foosball table, this spot is perfect for the whole family. (Pets included!)
And, of course, luxury extends beyond your front doors with this one. Located on the northwest corner of Donner Lake, you have lake access in the summer, with public piers, beaches, trails and beyond all minutes away. In the winter, Donner Summit and its wealth of local ski resorts promise the dream snow trip.
Whether you find yourself booking one of these vacation rentals, or browsing the area for your own find—the deal has been done. Donner Lake should officially be on your travel radar. No matter the season, the weather or the reason, you’re in for the ultimate mountain getaway.