Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera

August 2025: LAKE IS FULL!
Winter rates in effect after Labor Day
PET FRIENDLY: Please read entire description for information and Pet Policy.

WINTER NOTE: During the winter we can only take 6 people in the Lodge. The camping cabins (Kiosks) are not winterized.

FINE PRINT: This is a nonsmoking lodge; smoking is permitted at the fire ring on the waterfront. The use of cannabis is not permitted. Medical cannabis must be consumed at least 50 feet away from all buildings.

SEE ALSO CABIN LISTING AT VRBO #33191.
CABIN RENTS SEPARATELY FROM THE LODGE.

Looking for a romantic weekend for 2 or large family vacation? Watanda Lodge, located 2 miles from downtown Nevada City is the perfect get-away for families or friends who vacation together. Our 10-acre site is a retired resident camp renovated for family enjoyment. Watanda Lodge alone can be rented by your family or a couple for a romantic weekend or both lodge and cabin (VRBO #33191). Watanda Lodge sits on Lake Vera which is shared by 3 seasonal working camps.

The non-smoking lodge contains a large stocked, gourmet kitchen for meal preparation for up to 30 persons. The lodge bathroom one toilet and one tub/shower. Adjacent bath house has 3 toilets and 3 showers. The Great Room has a large ten-foot fireplace with wood burning insert for chasing away the winter chill. Heat and A/C throughout lodge. Direct-TV/DVD & StarLink internet, phone for local calls. Large DVD collection & puzzles for your enjoyment. **Maximum in the lodge is 8 for overnight sleeping, additional guests use the camping Kiosks. Kiosks are not suitable for Fall/Winter use. Day guest use is 30 maximum.

Lodge sleeping accommodations for 8, rest of guests use the Camping Kiosks (not suitable for winter use). The large dorm style Lodge bedroom contains one king bed, (linens provided for king bed only), two twin bunk beds and one twin bunk bed in the great room. Only the king bed will be made up, linen sets will be provided for the bunks depending on the number of guests in your reservation. Additionally, there are 12 pillows. Toiletries and towels are provided for groups of 6 only, larger groups will need to bring own towels. Cabin rents separately from the lodge.

LAKE VERA is a small private lake, there are a variety of watercraft for your use including 5 canoes and 5 kayaks. Life jackets are provided and required for all boaters. No fishing license is needed. A picnic area and large fire ring are located on the waterfront, accommodating 30. There is little shade on the waterfront, we do provide two shade canopies, but you might consider bringing one. The lake is drained from about November 1 (depending on rainy season) to mid-April; water level begins to drop in August and can be quite low in dry summers. There is an ALL-Lake quiet from 9:30 pm-7:00 am in which only quiet activities that do not create a disturbance.

Minimum stay is 3 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Holidays, 2-day minimum the rest of the year. Small cabin on the property may be also rented at the same time if the entire site is not rented by your group. Motor Homes can navigate our entrance, but not large Coaches. We do not have RV hook-ups or the capacity to run extension cords.

NEVADA CITY: Nevada City has many year-round events, and the Fall colors and weather are not to be missed. December has Victorian Christmas and Grass Valley has Celtic Christmas; both are weekly events thru December. The fairgrounds are close by with many antique and quilt shows. There are also several wineries in the area and many fine restaurants and antique stores. Grocery stores, consumer services and hospital, are less than 5 miles away.

SUMMER USE: Great for families large or small, or friends who vacation together. The Yuba River is 3 miles away. Equestrian trails and staging areas along Hwy 20. Many developed bike trails in the area. We do not permit motorized biking on our 10 acres.

WINTER USE: Nevada City and Grass Valley both have weekly Christmas Fairs in December offering many local artisans. Great location for Tahoe skiers who do not want to pay resort prices. Cross country skiing 45 minutes away on Hwy 20, snow play less than 20 minutes up Hwy 20. We are at 2500 ft elevation and is located off main road which is plowed but has long driveway that is not plowed. There is parking at the road entrance if snow is a problem but rarely is. Saucer sleds available.

PETS: Well behaved owners with good citizen dogs are welcome, however dogs are not allowed in the kitchen or on furniture. Please help us to remain pet friendly by observing this.

Dogs must have current rabies vaccination. It is recommended that dogs be treated 3 days before your arrival with a topical flea and tick medication.

Dogs are not allowed to roam the property and must be under the direct control of the owner. Any dog showing aggressive behavior or interferes with guest enjoyment will be asked to board the dog(s) off site.

Check out our website for additional pictures and information. Online calendar is kept up to date daily.

** Directions and 'What to bring list' are on our website.

Keywords: Lodge, large groups, reunions, vacation rental