Donner Lake may not be as humongous as Lake Tahoe, but it does attract a large crowd of holidaymakers. This freshwater lake is one of the gems of Truckee Town located in Northeastern California and in Sierra Nevada’s eastern slope. Formerly called Truckee Lake, it was renamed after the Donner Party who tragically got stranded by the lake in 1946. Today, Donner Lake’s lovely picturesque lake scenery is a touristy site filled with hikers, skiers, boaters, swimmers, and fishermen. Several hiking paths and 154 camping sites spread around the Donner Memorial State Park and the lake await adventure seekers. Go trophy fishing in the lake, which is home to the state’s largest lake trout, Kokanee salmon, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Enjoy the best homestay for all seasons here. Read to find out our list of the best Airbnb vacation rentals near Donner Lake, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.
1. Private second-floor homestay (from USD 2000)
Guests have full privacy on the second floor of the owner’s house. It’s in a cul-de-sac near Donner Lake public beach and ski resorts. The property is located 10 minutes away from Truckee and 40 minutes away from the airport. Though it’s spacious for six guests, throwing parties and having extra guests are prohibited. The second floor was designed for a complete homestay with a country-style motif. It has a full kitchen so guests can cook their meals and eat on the bar counter or on the bench-style dining table. Relax on the L-type sofa by the fireplace while watching TV. Two spacious bedrooms have enough beds to sleep, six guests. Guests can sit on loungers or have their breakfast on the deck surrounded by lush greenery.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds and sofa were also very comfortablelots of open space big living room great for a larger groupvery cozy warm and welcomingthe beds were very comfortable and plenty of water pressure in the showerCleanliness:
the place was clean and comfortableall cabins clean and well equippedbeautiful clean place with everything you needit’s clean quiet warm and comfortablethe house was extremely clean and cozyHost:
highly recommend this hostthank you for being wonderful hostsjohn was a very good hosthosts were very nice and accommodatinggreat host and a great valueRead more reviewsLocation:
location is excellentthe location is perfectbeautiful location walking distance to donner lakethe location is super close to the lakethe location is amazing very close to lake donner
2. Family-friendly lakeside home
A large family can be hosted in this huge lakeside home across Donner Lake and minutes away from Truckee, Sugar Bowl, Northstar, and Squaw/Alpine. Four bedrooms with enough beds and sofas to sleep fourteen guests are spread on two floors. The heated floors and wood-burning fireplace will keep everyone warm during winter. The open kitchen is fully equipped to cook family-sized meals. Both floors have a deck where guests can hang out and enjoy outdoor views. During summer, they can dine al fresco and cook barbecues in the front yard. Kids can have fun, roasting s’mores in the outdoor fireplace. Modern entertainment like TV, game console, Wi-Fi access, and children’s books and toys are available.
Truckee, California, United States
33.94 km (21.1 mi) from Sand HarborAccommodates: 12
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the accommodations were spacious and everything was sparkling cleanred's place was fantastic great location plenty of space clean -- i wouldn't hesitate to book againeverything was clean the furniture in good condition and the location superbHost:
great place and great hostin addition red was extremely responsive before and throughout our stay herered responded quickly to my texts and was helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is fantasticgreat place in an amazing locationthe configuration and location was perfect for uswe loved the location we’d definitely come backgreat location across the street from the west end beach
3. Dog and kid-friendly cabin with awesome views (from USD 327)
Sierra Haven is your lovely mountain home in Tahoe Donner near Lausanne Way in Truckee and Northwoods Drive. It is also around 15 minutes away from the beach, pier, mountain trails, water sports, and golf courses. The main floor above the two-car garage is accessible by stairs. Under the cathedral ceilings sharing the open space is a lounge with sofas and TV, a U-type open kitchen, and a dining area. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer awesome views of the wilderness. Sliding doors from the dining area opens to the front deck for dining al fresco and grilling barbecue. All three bedrooms and two bathrooms that host six guests are at the rear of the house. The master’s bedroom has access to the back deck where you can sit back on Adirondack chairs and enjoy outdoor views. You can also ask for baby equipment when needed.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen had everything we needed and the beds were very comfortableCleanliness:
clean organized and simplevery clean and has great lightingvery cozy and clean homevery clean and comfortable we would absolutely stay here againcomfortable spacious modern and clean stayHost:
amazing house the host is very nicenicely decorated and the owner is responsiveholly has honestly been one of the best host i've come across on airbnbRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a wonderful place to stay in truckee
Superhost
4. Lakeside cottage with picturesque views (from USD 399)
This lovely home with its own boat dock is built right on the lakeshore surrounded by a forest. It is located 15 minutes away from Truckee’s shops and restaurants. Access to the house is challenging since you need chains on your four-wheel drive during winter. You also have to go down several stone steps and wooden stairs before reaching the front door. Enjoy picturesque views of the granite mountains from the property. Donner Lake is seen from the big windows that the house has. This self-catering home with two bedrooms and one bath hosts six guests comfortably. You can swim, fish, or ride the boat near the dock right outside this property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
view from every room was outstandingvery pretty views of the lake from both bedrooms and the living roomquiet cabin apartment on lake with private dock beautiful viewbeautiful views warm cozy and everything we neededcomfy beds and did i mention the view? stunningCleanliness:
very clean and the dock was great for fishingnice clean place on the shore of donner lakethe provided hand towels for drying hands/dishes smelled like they were used to clean up vomitthe place was clean and had everything we neededthe place was great spacious clean everything we neededHost:
hosts were very responsive always trying to help resolve any issuesthe hosts themselves were fantastic friendly helpful peoplereally responsive host made the experience very easyi'd highly recommend this place and especially this host to other travelersthe owners did provide great directions to the cabin essential as it's tucked awayRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is very beautifulgreat location on the lakegreat space and close to sugarbowl and townreally loved being so close to the lakelocation is amazing right on the lake
5. A modern rustic chalet (from USD 963)
This amazing rustic chalet with modern interiors is built on a ridge overlooking Sierra Crest and Donner Lake. The unique Great Room is a multi-level open space with several seating areas for lounging and dining on different levels. There’s a sunken lounge for chatting around the warm stone fireplace and two dining areas beside the open L-type kitchen. Another elevated area contains a couple of leather seats and a wet bar for intimate talks while on the other side are cozy velvet sofas for lounging while watching Netflix. There are only two bedrooms but there are enough huge beds to sleep, six guests. Outside are a two-car garage and a wide back deck with a hot tub and a fire pit.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were super comfywonderful view of lake enjoyed from all rooms and hot tubamazing views gorgeous interior and the most amazing kitchen setup of any airbnb that i have ever seenthe kitchen is incredibly well appointed and the style and aesthetic were amazingHost:
very gracious and attentive hosturban was also a very kind and responsive host quickly answering all questionsurban and kim are great hosts checking in is easy and everything is thought ofyou won’t find another one like it and the hosts are responsive and wonderful to work withRead more reviewsLocation:
if you appreciate finer things this is your place to stay
6. Large, amazing lakefront house (from USD 243)
This huge lakeside house is perfect for large family outings and long-term stays. It’s in front of Donner Lake West End Beach State Park. It has high cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy great outdoor views while you’re lounging on the leather sofas or dining by the open kitchen. Guests can watch TV and get toasty by the fireplace. They can also hang out on the deck to get a tan or dine al fresco. The house has 3 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms with enough beds to sleep 14 guests. Visitors can swim, have picnics, do paddle boarding, and play volleyball or tennis at the West End Beach State Park during their stay.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house was a comfortable fit for 6 adultsCleanliness:
the home itself is wonderful and could be amazing with a deep clean and a little tlcHost:
check in was super smooth with the lock box and the host was very responsive to questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to the lakelocation was really great toogreat location very short drive in comparison to diving 4 or5 hours to another locationlocation is amazing for sugar bowl and donner lakethanks for providing in excellent place for our family to come together and celebrate the holiday
7. Wonderful weekend getaway
The country-style cabin is near ski resorts, Squaw Valley, Donner Ski Ranch, Sugarbowl, and Northstar. It’s currently closed but will reopen once everyone has the COVID19 virus vaccine. A two-night stay is required in this lovely lakeshore home that offers splendid views of the lake and towering mountains. Enjoy the view from the vast private deck while dining outdoors and grilling some burgers. The spectacular view is also seen indoors through the large bay windows surrounding the kitchen, dining, and living room areas. This bungalow has three capacious bedrooms furnished with four beds big enough to sleep, six guests. Wi-Fi, HDTV, on-site parking, heating, indoor fireplace, and laundry facilities are provided.
Truckee, California, United States
30.21 km (18.8 mi) from Sand HarborTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the heated beds were amazing as wellthe view is amazing and the cabin itself very comfortable and cozycharming cozy and well-equipped cabin with a beautiful viewthe living room had so many board games and card games that kept all of us entertainedthe cabin has a rustic old school vibe but it's comfortable as wellCleanliness:
spotless clean and full of tahoe charmthe house itself was very comfortable clean and brightwe live your place my boyfriend took care of all the shutting on/off and i cleanedHost:
the hosts were very responsivethe host is very nicethe owner was very nice to respond every call we madethe owners were very responsive and helpful when we had questionsdefinitely nice place and hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location with easy access from the freewaywe absolutely loved the locationthis cabin is in an ideal location to enjoy all that donner lake and truckee has to offercute lil' town with shops and yummy foodgreat place great location detailed instructions great communication
8. Tiny mountain escape
Blocks away from Donner Lake, 10 minutes to Truckee downtown and Sugar Bowl, and 20 minutes to Squaw, Alpine, and Northstar is a modern mountain cabin. This rental has been remodeled to provide four guests a cozy homestay. The main cabin features a spacious open-plan living space that has a lounge, TV, a linear kitchen with an island, a pantry, and a private bathroom. Guests have to climb a ladder to the attic-style bedroom that sleeps two on a double bed. The tiny cabin beside the main house houses the second bedroom. Here, guests can dine al fresco by the fire pit with fresh mountain air. It also has a paved driveway that accommodates four cars.
Truckee, California, United States
34.43 km (21.4 mi) from Sand HarborTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great kitchen cooking utensils and appliances (sorry no dishwasher)the linens were wonderful and bathroom was like a spathe kitchen is extremely well stockedCleanliness:
the place was clean and modernthe cabin is modern comfortable functional and impeccably cleanHost:
stephanie was a great hoststephanie was also a great host responded quickly and was flexible with our requestsstephanie was an incredibly communicative and gracious hoststephanie was very responsive and helpfulshe was immediately responsive and helpful with questions we hadRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfect for skiing at sugar bowl yet close to picturesque donner lakethe cabin is very well located a short walk from donner lake and minutes from sugar bowland the location was wonderful - quiet/residential and conveniently located to everything in the truckee/tahoe areaits very cozy modern and in a great locationcute place layout decor and household items well thought out
9. Private home with a hot tub
This luxurious lakeside home with a private deck is five minutes from Negro and Coldstream Canyon hiking trails. This modern country cottage features stylish interiors with an open concept on the main floor. Big picture windows are placed in all rooms so you have awesome outdoor views from any part of the house. The gourmet kitchen, classic dining area, and cozy living room share the main floor. There are enough cozy big beds in four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms to host eight guests on two floors. Out on the deck, guests can soak in the hot tub, grill barbecues, and have family meals on the patio table with a partial view of the lake.
31.93 km (19.9 mi) from Sand HarborAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is clean and cozy with a lovely view from the hot tubCleanliness:
the bedrooms felt and looked tidy + cleanplace was clean nice with lot of good amenitiesHost:
a nice cozy cabin that is family friendly and very warmRead more reviewsLocation:
fun place with easy access to donner lake and sugarbowl ski resortgreat location turn key is very responsive to needs
10. Elegant pet-friendly mountain home
This stylish mountain home offers the best views of both Donner Lake and North of Lake Tahoe. Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Squaw, and Alpine are 10 minutes away. It’s a relaxing home base for guests wanting to swim, kayak, paddle, and windsurf on Donner Lake. The rental is on the ground floor of the owner’s home, and it has a separate entrance. The living room and the open kitchen share the common area that is warmed by an electric fireplace and heaters. A queen bed in the bedroom and a leather sofa bed in the living room sleep four guests comfortably. The wide yard has a cozy seating area where guests can enjoy lake views from across the street while their pets play on the grass.
Truckee, California, United States
31.31 km (19.5 mi) from Sand HarborAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the sofa bed was also very comfortablejanet’s place is amazing and very cozy it looks just like the picturesthe apartment exceeded our expectations in comfort and convenience and we can't wait to visit again soonwe loved staying for a night in janet’s guest apartmentvery comfortable and set up with everything you need to make it a good stayCleanliness:
it was very cleanthe place was clean and as describedthey keep it really clean and fairly updatedthe place is perfect clean cozy and practicalthe place was cozy and cleanHost:
the hosts are great and responsivegreat place and great hostsgreat stay the host is very friendly and quick to respond with any questions i hadappreciated janet’s quick friendly responses and hospitalitywonderfully communicative and flexible hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location near donner lakelocation is great short drive to everythingbeautiful location right across from donner lake walking distance to the docksgreat location being so close to donner lake (literally steps away) and downtown truckeethe location is absolutely perfect
Lovely lakeside lodgings
The areas in and around Donner Lake offer a variety of luxurious lakeside lodgings. They provide a warm and relaxing family home with beautiful views of the lake and mountains. These Airbnb vacation rentals near Donner Lake, California will definitely meet your standards for the perfect lakeside homestays.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to