Discover paradise at this top rated beach location.
Private garden
A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Near Donner Lake
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Truckee, CA
Donner Lake
Place, Donner Lake
5 min walk
Donner Memorial State Park
Place, Donner Memorial State Park
11 min walk
West End Beach
Place, West End Beach
14 min walk
Reno, NV (RNO-Reno-Tahoe Intl.)
Airport, Reno, NV (RNO-Reno-Tahoe Intl.)
64 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
Living room 1
2 Twin Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard w/ Firepit
Welcome to Donner Lake Cottage - a Tahoe Cohost Collective home.
Charming 3-bed+loft mountain cottage on Donner Lake's West shore, perfect for 7 guests (and up to 1 pup). Enjoy a stylish, open-concept living space, fully equipped kitchen, and a private backyard with a fire pit. Just a 5-minute walk to the beach and a 20-minute drive to ski resorts. Your ideal mountain escape for family and friends!
We respect our guests' privacy and aim to provide a seamless, independent stay. We will not be present on the property during your visit but are readily available via the messaging app should you need any assistance or local recommendations. We will provide you with a printed house manual and digital guidebook to help answer any questions that may come up. Our team is available 8am - 9pm PT.
There is so much to do at Donner Lake! Enjoy paddle boarding, boating, picnics on the Donner Docks, hiking, biking, water activities, and the Donner Museum.
You are an 8 minute drive to Truckee, and a 10 minute drive to downtown Truckee. In Truckee, you will find a lot of restaurants, shopping, outdoor stores, and more. Just down the street from the home, there is a local market you can walk to in under 5 minutes.
West End beach is just up the road - about a 9 minute walk. Take your morning coffee and sit out and enjoy the peaceful lake. Bring a picnic down and spend the day swimming in the lake! You can also head to the public docks on the North side of the lake - about a 5 minute drive. We are also close to our favorite breakfast spot - Donner Lake Kitchen - only 3 miles away. You will also find a small market, Sticks Market, where you can find groceries and pre-made items.
Donner Lake is a wonderful spot for a family vacation throughout the year. Because our lot is flat, you don’t have to worry about getting up and down steep hills or driveways! We are very accessible.
Plus, you can escape the traffic of Tahoe and really enjoy a vacation on the lake without the hustle and bustle of being on Lake Tahoe.
Guests will have private access to the entire house, with the exception of a few locked owner's closets. We invite you to enjoy our three distinct outdoor areas for complete outdoor living: - Private Backyard: Features a BBQ for afternoon cookouts and a fire pit for cozy evenings. - Front Yard: Offers a cute picnic table and a hammock for relaxing. - Front Porch: Enjoy your morning coffee from two rocking chairs, perfect for relaxing underneath the pines.
Discover your charming mountain escape at Donner Lake Cottage! This cozy 3-bedroom plus loft home offers the perfect blend of sophisticated style and blissful mountain peace, located on the gorgeous West shore of Donner Lake.
Step inside to a bright, open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area, recently redecorated with stylish furnishings. Relax on the comfortable couch in front of the 48” TV, or gather for meals at the farmhouse-style dining table. The updated, fully equipped kitchen features new appliances and everything you need for your stay. This main living space leads directly out to a private backyard.
The cottage comfortably accommodates up to 7 guests: - Downstairs Bedroom: Features a queen-sized bed and direct access to the backyard. - Upstairs Master Bedroom: Offers a comfortable king-sized bed. - Upstairs Guest Bedroom: Contains one twin bed and one full bed. - Upstairs Loft: An open area with two twin beds.
A full bathroom and a laundry room with a washer and dryer are also located on the main level for your convenience. The home is equipped with both heating and air-conditioning to ensure your comfort in any season.
10-12 minutes from downtown Truckee Close to multiple ski areas Sugar Bowl: 6.5 miles Squaw Alpine: 13 miles Northstar: 11.7 miles 20 minute drive to Tahoe City/Lake Tahoe
To ensure a transparent and wonderful stay, please review these important details: - Mountain Life: Dust and pollen can accumulate quickly on outdoor furniture. The BBQ and other outdoor furniture may be stored and unavailable during winter (typically October- May). - Weather & Travel: A 4WD/AWD vehicle, chains, or snow tires may be required in winter. - Uncontrollable Events: We are not responsible for uncontrollable circumstances such as poor air quality during wildfire season or snow during winter. We strongly recommend purchasing external trip insurance, as our cancellation policy will be upheld. - Safety: The home is equipped with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and a first aid kit for your safety. - Please refer to the Rental Agreement for a full list of the local STR Rules. - Pet fee must be paid prior to arrival. Please be aware that our pet fee is specifically for cleaning purposes.
STR Permit # 001682 | Maximum Overnight Occupancy (Adults 13+): 8 | 3 Parking Spaces | Truckee’s STR Rules Listed in House Rules/Rental Agreement | Anytime a pet/service animal/emotional support animal is outside of the home and is not in a fully fenced backyard, the pet/service animal/emotional service animal must be kept on a leash and accompanied by the owner.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Quiet hours are between 9pm - 8am. STR county rules must be followed at all times.
Guests must sign a rental agreement and submit contact information to confirm their booking (for local compliance laws).
We ask that the person booking the home is the primary guest staying in the home and is at least 25 years of age.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 001682
Property # 1953136
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Truckee
Located in Donner Lake Woods, a neighborhood in Truckee, this cottage is in the mountains and on a lake. Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Donner Lake. KidZone Museum and Olympic Valley Park are also worth visiting.
Northstar California Resort - 27 min drive - 28.2 km
Palisades Tahoe - 34 min drive - 34.5 km
Getting around
Truckee Station - 15 min drive
Truckee, CA (TKF-Truckee Tahoe) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 10 min drive
Coffeebar Bakery - 9 min drive
Tahoe Donner - 18 min drive
Starbucks - 10 min drive
Upper Deck Bar (at Boreal) - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard w/ Firepit pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard w/ Firepit?
As of Jun 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard w/ Firepit on Jun 22, 2026 start from $602, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard w/ Firepit?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard w/ Firepit?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard w/ Firepit located?
Located in Donner Lake Woods, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tahoe National Forest and Donner Lake. Donner Memorial State Park and West End Beach are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Great location around Donner Lake - great dog walks and private (little but fun) dog beach. Love the towel bins - both bath and beach - plentiful, clean, fresh and rolled!Lots of sleeping options - only one (pretty spacious) bathroom Very responsive Host!
This place is even better than the photos. I love the décor, private yard, location, so clean and well maintained. And a great location! I highly recommend and we will definitely be back.
jory a.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Hi Jory! So happy you felt at home and enjoyed your stay. We look forward to having you back again soon. 😊
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Julie
Jul 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The home was very comfortable with lots of room for everyone. It had all of the amenities you need for a great vacation. The backyard is great to bbq and have a cozy outdoor fire. The neighborhood is great to walk in and it is walking distance to the beach and a delicious ice cream place. We had an excellent vacation here.
This is our second time renting this cabin and we are already planning our next visit.
It is charming, well maintained, great location and the owners are wonderful to deal with. We love the location, fire place and backyard.
Can’t wait to go again!
jory a.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Hi Jory! You and your family are some of our favorite guests. So so happy you enjoyed your stay and honored that you are already planning your next trip. Thank you for taking care of the cottage as if it were your own home. We look forward to hosting you again soon. 😊 -Cat
We had the best stay at the Donner Lake cottage. So well decorated, cozy, the softest sheets and so close to the lake. It was a perfect stay for our family of 4! Thanks again!
Sarah L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
We are so glad you love the home as much as we do Sarah! And we agree....those sheets are so cozy it makes it hard to get out of bed sometimes! Looking forward to hosting you again soon. Thanks Sarah!
This cabin is incredibly clean and comfortable. The neighborhood is friendly and very fun to walk around. We brought our dog with us on the trip and the cabin was perfectly set up to accommodate pets.
Amanda E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
So glad you loved the home and the neighborhood Amanda! Hope you and the pup can come back and stay with us again soon.
Comfortable & well equipped with everything to make your stay relaxing & carefree. Great set up for hanging out in the yard with nice lighting & Bbq. We will definitely plan to stay here again!
MaryAnn P.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay MaryAnn! It was a pleasure hosting you and we look forward to having you back again soon.
This is our third visit and we always have an amazing time. Great cottage, well maintained, easy and great communication with the owners. The location and enclosed yard makes it the perfect spot for us. We will be back again soon!
jory a.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
We are so appreciative that you choose our home again and again! We love having you Jory and will look forward to next time.
We continue to rent this cabin and enjoy every visit. The owner is amazing and so responsive and kind.
The property is well maintained and has an amazing backyard and a perfect location.
We are already talking about our next visit. Love this place!
We had a wonderful Christmas with the family! 10 minutes to downtown Truckee and Sugar Bowl. I highly recommend!
Paula A.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Thank you so much for the review! We are so happy to hear you were able to enjoy our home with your family for the holidays, and had time to enjoy some of the surrounding amenities. You're welcome back anytime!
Wonderful place, would stay there again. Well stocked kitchen for pots, pans, cooking. No other kitchen supplies ie spices, sugar, condiments bring whatever you need with,.
Mary K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Thank you Mary for the great review! Hope to see you the next time you come up to Tahoe!
Our family of 4 + dog had a wonderful stay at Caternia's cottage. It was very clean and well stocked, and we had plenty of room. Having stayed in a lot of rentals over the years, I appreciated the quality of the items- thick fluffy towels, a well stocked kitchen, and even a cordless vacuum for quick clean-ups. Overall a wonderful stay and we would definitely return!
This cabin is darling. Furnished impeccably & immaculately clean. The whole thing has a loving touch that is hard to miss.
We had everything we needed to enjoy our family vacation to the fullest. Cat & her management team are extremely helpful and accommodating. I hope to stay here again and again.
Tracy G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Tracy you are the sweetest! We are so glad you loved the home as much as we do. Come back and stay again and again!
This house has everything you need for your stay. The fenced backyard was perfect for the dogs. We also met so many friendly neighbors on our walks. The location is great for access to many trails and we also enjoyed time on the public piers along the lake! So much fun! Will return.
Michelle M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Great to hear both you and your pups were able to enjoy the home, the lake and the trails! Always awesome to hear when people have a wonderful stay with us. Thank you!
This cottage is so great! Very clean, looks just like the pictures, and very comfortable and cozy for six of us! Although it is small on the outside, the inside has the perfect amount of space. The fenced in yard was perfect for the dogs and the fire pit and BBQ did not go to waste! Cat was incredibly helpful and communicative before, during and after the trip. Would definitely stay here again.
Mackenize M.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Hi Mackenzie,
So happy you loved the cottage and it was perfect for your trip! I hope you made some great memories. We look forward to hosting you again soon! 😊
Cat
House was exactly what we expected. Walkable to the West End of the Lake. Perfect for toddlers (ages 3 and 2….we know we bring the danger lol) Host replies super quick. We will be back next Summer!
cory p.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 5, 2024
Thank you for staying with us Cory! Can't wait to host you again!
How awesome? I was sitting at the table next to a giant window when.... Shock and awe... a mama bear and three cubs passed between this and the neighbor's property, but for the window, they were 5 feet away at 6:30 AM. How cool is that? That's old Tahoe cool.
W Scott K.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 30, 2023
So cool you caught a glimpse of the locals :) Thank you for sharing!
Loved the cabin. The weather was unseasonably cold, made me wish there was a hot tub, otherwise we loved it.
Erin V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
So glad you loved the cabin Erin! And yes, you did come during a weirdly cold time but we hope you were able to have some fun adventures nonetheless. Come back and stay with us again soon!
As others said, this place was so cozy and lovely! I was looking for a place where I could stay for a few days to get some work done without distractions, and this place worked out great! I felt super safe even though I was alone with friendly neighbors close by. And I loved it so much I also can’t wait to come back with family and friends!
Katie W.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2023
Hi Katie,
So happy you loved your time at the cottage and that it could be a safe haven for you for a few days to get some work done. We look forward to hosting you, your family/friends and your pup again soon! -Cat
About the host
Hosted by Caterina & the Tahoe Cohost team
Hi I’m Caterina, but most people call me Cat!
Here are some fun facts about me:
- I was born and raised in Sonoma County but my favorite place on earth is Donner Lake - I have been coming here ever since I can remember. - My favorite activities as a kid at the lake were trying to catch crawdads (with hot dogs) and minnows. - I bought my house through friends and without even thinking said “YES!” when they asked - the welcoming community here is unparalleled to anything I have previously experienced. - I re-vamped my house to be a home-away-from home sanctuary for anyone who visits. - My dream is to raise my future children coming up to Truckee and Donner Lake. - I am a fair weather skier so I mostly snowshoe in the Winter. - I love hiking and taking long walks in the Summer….and visiting Little Truckee Ice Cream after. - I love attempting to cook and bake. - I have a lab named Harley who is crazy but an absolute love bug.
Why they chose this property
This is one of the cutest lake cottages you ever did see! While small, it is private and has tons of outdoor space, perfect for all of your al fresco dining, grilling, and relaxing. The home is perfectly styled with brand new furniture and appliances. This cute little cottage is the perfect place for a family or a small group of friends any time of year. We are walking distance to the lake, minutes from some gorgeous hikes, and just a short drive to multiple world-class ski resorts.
What makes this property unique
Donner Lake is the BEST neighborhood. We love that when you stay here you literally don't have to drive anywhere if you don't want to. The beach is walking distance, if you want to go out there is a Pub in walking distance (as well as Little Truckee Ice Cream) and you can hang out the rest of the time at the house if you want (BBQ, lounge, etc.). You can also take long walks and access many hiking trails close to the area.
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests