Entire home
Donner Lake Cottage - Private Yard, Fire Pit
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 71120 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Truckee, CA
- Place, Donner Lake3 min walk
- Place, Donner Memorial State Park10 min walk
- Place, West End Beach10 min walk
- Airport, Reno, NV (RNO-Reno-Tahoe Intl.)57 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, Fire Pit
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.
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 of $100 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.
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.
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 of $100 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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
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.
Important information
You need to know
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
Property Registration Number 001682
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.

Truckee, CA
What's nearby
- Donner Lake - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Donner Memorial State Park - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
- West End Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
- Sugar Bowl Resort - 9 min drive - 6.1 km
- Northstar California Resort - 22 min drive - 20.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Starbucks - 10 min drive
- McDonald's - 10 min drive
- Coffeebar Bakery - 9 min drive
- Tahoe Donner - 18 min drive
- Panda Express - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
Aug 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Taylor B.
Aug 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dinner Lake get away
Taylor B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kathleen H.
Sep 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kathleen H.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lindsay G.
Jul 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property
Lindsay G.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Julie
Jul 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Julie
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
jory a.
Nov 3, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Location and Beautiful Property!
jory a.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
jory a.
May 9, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love this place
jory a.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sarah L.
Nov 2, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming and sweet cottage
Sarah L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amanda E.
Jul 14, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Cabin Near the Lake
Amanda E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
MaryAnn P.
Jun 30, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well equipped & cozy!
MaryAnn P.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
jory a.
Sep 19, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We continue to come back - great cabin!
jory a.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
jory a.
May 25, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Cabin and Location
jory a.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Paula A.
Dec 26, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cabin on the Lake and close to skiing!
Paula A.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Thomas S.
Nov 27, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Get away
Thomas S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mary K.
Oct 19, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Mary K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lindsay B.
Jun 20, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful family spot
Lindsay B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
maya l.
Sep 5, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Labor day
maya l.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tracy G.
Jul 12, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cutest Cabin in Donner
Tracy G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michelle M.
Oct 25, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great neighborhood and great house!
Michelle M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mackenize M.
May 29, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Cottage!
Mackenize M.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
cory p.
Jun 28, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Family House
cory p.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
W Scott K.
Sep 28, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bears
W Scott K.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Pat C.
Jul 24, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy and comfortable cabin.
Pat C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Erin V.
Jun 11, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the cabin
Erin V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Katie W.
Apr 28, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it!
Katie W.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
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.
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
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