Just a few miles west of the town of Truckee, Donner is a small-sized lake on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Besides the lake, the closest attractions of this region are Donner Peak, Donner Lake State Park, and Tahoe National Forest. Because it’s situated near the borders of the following two states, it’s among the favorite vacation destination for the people of California and Nevada. But the accommodation options are limited here, you either have lodges or cabins. The lodges are usually cheaper, but if someone would like to have the true Sierra experience, they should always go for private rentals. After searching many options, we have taken out some best Vrbo accommodations near Donner Lake, California. They are affordable and brilliantly situated. Please continue this read, if you’re interested in them.
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 07, 2024.
1. Treehouse with a gaming console (from USD 259)
This vacation home is surrounded by high trees, and they call it ‘The Treehouse’. The lodging area is on the upper level and the long deck before the door would present you the true treehouse feeling. The living area is well lit, thanks to the tall windows. You would see an inexpensive metal fireplace and ordinary coaches, but that’s okay because this cottage has the lowest rental tag, and can lodge eight guests. Besides, you get cable television, internet, VCR, DVD, and an Xbox console, though you’re required to come up with the gaming titles. The outdoor has a gas grill which is perfect for small picnics. It’s located near the eastern side of the lake, and the beach is walking distance.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
find the cabin to be both comfortable and relaxinghowever if the owners could replace the beds All of the beds are very worn and uncomfortablekitchen well appointed beds are very comfortableThe porch is a great place to cookout or eat on with plenty of roomand it was just outside the doors of the bedroomsCleanliness:
and it was so cleanThe house felt spacious and brightThe house was clean and organizedThe house was as described and photographed - spacious cleanHost:
They carried tri-tip ground beefall the experience was fantastic and we all drove off feeling very happy and relaxedThis is a great house Very well maintained and decorated/furnished with great tasteWe packed books and games for the kidsThe owner was very helpful and attentive I would recommend this propertyRead more reviewsLocation:
The house and location were perfectIt's a great location just a block away from Donner Lake to enjoy all of the summer lake activitiesBeautiful property with lots of spaceWe had a great stay in the Truckee area and loved the public access to Donner Lake just a short walk from the homeIt was the prefect get away to kick off our summer together Kids played on the beach at West End Donner Lake's public beach just 10 minutes away
2. Chalet on the lake with free canoe (from USD 350)
This time we are on the south side or the lake, and this is the best-looking location in our opinion. It’s a cedar wood chalet surrounded by giant trees, but most importantly it’s built just by the lake. As you step out of the back door, you would have your private deck. The host also provides a canoe boat, so fishing and water activities will be handy for you. Inside the cabin, you would have television, internet, DVD and stereo system, plus a barbecue is provided outside for your picnics. This peaceful rental unit is ranked good for a family stay, and considering the lodging capacity, the tariff also seems quite reasonable here.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The fishing was excellent right off the pierThe kitchen was well stocked with any appliance one might needThe view of the lake and use of the private dock makes this an extra special propertyThere were a couple small issues with Head bumps on the stairs leading down to the lower bedrooms but just be carefulthe aspen trees are turning and the crisp air makes for easy hikingCleanliness:
It felt like home Very clean andHost:
Great host and great spaceThe owners were very fast at replying to all questions and answered their phone promptly when we had some questions while at the cabinI had a question about arriving early or staying later than the check out times and messaged Susan and Bob prior to our stayThe Deck was super for an outdoor lunch and morning coffeeWe kayaked fished and explored the historic railroad tunnel Old Number 6Read more reviewsLocation:
Extremely convenient yet secluded Too many amenities to list hereThe views are amazing at this lakefront property Loved watching the geese and ducks andThe location of this cabin couldn't be more perfect - walk out the back doorThe place is very comfortable spacious and clean with a well-stocked kitchen Conveniently located and you can get to the restaurants in Truckee within 15 minutesVery nice and beautiful cabin by the Donner Lake
3. Cedarwood lodge with private pier (from USD 507)
Just some meters to the east of the street, this is another lakefront rental with private pier on shallow waters. The chalet is slightly bigger, can accommodate four extra people than the previous option at the same cost, but this may not be as peaceful as the former. You will get a covered deck patio overlooking the lake and the mountains, and some loungers on the dock. The cabin is scenic as it’s all wooden, the exteriors, interiors, bathroom, and even the beds are made of cedar. If something is not wooden here, it’s the marble countertops of the kitchen. For the entertainment purpose, you will get a television, DVD, and the internet.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The kitchen living roomand it was comfortable for everyoneSomewhat surprised at the buckets of snow that fell as I thought I would be sitting down at the lake having a beer in the sunmuch time was spent out on the deck and down on the dockThe kitchen was stocked with all the essentialsCleanliness:
The place was impeccably clean and furnishedCabin is clean and overall in good shape with well-stocked kitchenwareHost:
Holly answered every question and email quicklyIt was a wonderful trip Holly was extremely responsive and made our stay very enjoyableMy husband and I spent all nights hanging on the deck with our daughters and watching the starsAlso the property manager Holly was great to work with and very responsive to any needs we hadso the property was safe for kidsRead more reviewsLocation:
feel The views from both decks are incredibleThe stairs will definitely keep you in shape but the location and views are unbeatableand we traveled back and forth between Reno and the cabin easily (45 minutes)The cabin looked newly remodeled and beautifulDonner Lake is beautiful and much less crowded than the Tahoe area
4. Inexpensive cottage supplied with many bicycles (from USD 250)
Speaking arithmetically, this is the most economical rental on our list when we divide the total tariff to the total vacationer count. This cottage gives direct access to the Donner Lake, and the front decks of it present the most scenic views of the area. The living area is combined with the dining, and you would see a fireplace next to the sofa. The kitchen is well equipped, and baby high-chairs are also provided. For the pastime, you will have television, internet, DVD, stereo, and some games. However, it is the outdoors which is interesting in this area, thus some bicycles are supplied in the garage for the guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The decor is comfy cozyThe beds are very comfy along with the beddingso we could sleep with the windows openBeautiful view of the lakeIt is a rustic cabin with modern amenitiesCleanliness:
The cabin was very clean and well maintainedThe hot water and showers were amazingIt was clean beautiful and comfortable with awesome viewsThe showers were very goodwe kept our inflatables and kayaks in the carHost:
Well taken care of and nicely decoratedThe owners are very responsive and let us check in early Hope to be back soonFamily friendly and the best spot for family vacationThere was plenty of room for our family and having the fire wood handy was greatThey are quick at responding and always has the house stocked with basic itemsRead more reviewsLocation:
and you're at Public Pier 27The house location is amazing along with great neighborsThere is a busy street in front between the house and lakeMy two best friends from high school andWhile the views are by far the best feature of this cabin
5. Spacious condo next to the lake (from USD 369)
Our final proposal is neither a chalet nor a cabin, it’s a condo by the lake. This recently remodeled house is one of the few properties of the area which can deliver a full 180-degree unobstructed Donner Lake views. It’s best to rent a boat as well from the marina if someone books this property, as it comes with a private mooring spot. Coming to the inside of the house, you would notice rustic wood furniture and river rock frame metal fireplace. Never miss your favorite shows as televisions are multiple here, besides you also have internet access and a Blu-ray DVD player with a video library. If you’re into reading, there is a big-size bookshelf. The lodging is limited to just six people, thus stay is very comfortable.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The bathroom upstairs is shared and could use some updatingThe boat slip that is designated for the rentalFrom the soaking tub to the gournet kitchen to being right on the lakeThe stairs could be treacherousVery comfortable Great viewCleanliness:
Kitchen clean and well equippedThe setting was lovely and the area was very quiet (we were there in early Oct )The beds were extremely comfortable and even after we left our family commented how comfortable the beds wereEverything was in working orderHost:
We have rented homes up the hillthere was no central heating control that we could see Tons of books games and movies for the entire family(we rented a boat wave runner and paddle boards while there)when I spoke with Holly she offered to bring one overWe thoroughly relaxed and would love to visit againRead more reviewsLocation:
We were able to get ice right across the street at a small general storeand we had plenty of space to spread out Very convenient to get to Truckee shopping/restaurantsThe shared BBQ area was not a problem and a great way to meet peopleThe plus side of not having in internet connection is that we got to watch a few movies from the collection of DVD's that the owner hadThe launch is literally 3 houses down from the location of this rental
6. High capacity lodging next to the lake
Planning a family reunion or coming with a larger group? there cannot be a cheaper alternative than this cottage. This three-story cottage can comfortably lodge up to 14 guests, plus multiple cars can also be parked here, many thanks for the spacious garage. Some notable amenities of this cottage are multiple fireplaces, multiple upper decks, extra long bunk-beds, and barbecue. For the entertainment part, you will see a 40-inch LED television incorporated with DVD, CD and cable network. To keep children happy, some beach toys and card/board games are also available. This rental unit is just a one-minute walk from the lake.
Accommodates: 14
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
There is plenty of room beds were comfy and the view from the deck amazingTwo living rooms on two different floors allowed our four families to have the kids play downstairs while the adults played cards at the large dining room tableIt came with all the aminities to cook and bbqLocation was great walkable to the lakeit has all of the supplies in terms of kitchen/bathroom necessitiesCleanliness:
The house was clean and spaciousHouse was clean with lots of roomThe cabin is clean and the Tice's are easy to work withVery well maintained and spacious houseReally nice and clean houseHost:
so we arrived to an already full garbage canMaybe in the future the cleaning service can help by taking some of that to the dump before weekend renters arrive?Thank you Tice family for renting out your beautiful home for our weekend getawayThe Owners made themselves easily available by telephone and were most graciousVery responsive owners Would definitely stay againRead more reviewsLocation:
the house is located just one block from Donner LakeHouse is conveniently located next to Sugarbawl and Sqaw ValleyWe loved the View of the Lake and it is only 3 mins walk to it from the houseIt is a quick walk but not 100% safe for kids since you have to cross a main road to get to the waterThe neighbors were not very friendly
Don't miss out the location
You have another gorgeous lake in the vicinity, which is remarkably greater in size than Donner. It’s Lake Tahoe, which is only a few miles south of our proposed Vrbo accommodations. It’s also picturesque, and we urge you to visit Tahoe too while you’re still in the Donner region.
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