Explore lake cabin rentals in California
From Pacific Ocean beaches and the deserts of Joshua Tree to the bright lights of Los Angeles, wineries of Napa Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California’s delights know no bounds. It’s also the perfect destination for lakeside cabin rentals, with a huge number of scenic lakes to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a waterfront stay in Northern California, something near Yosemite, or a cozy spot among Southern California’s snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains, there’s a lake cabin rental in the Golden State waiting for you.
Northern California cabins have it all
If it’s lakes you’re after, Northern California boasts several gems, and you’ll find Donner Lake cabins and Lake Tahoe cabins are particularly popular options throughout the year. Both lakes can be found just northeast of Sacramento, the state capital, while San Francisco and other Bay Area cities are just a few hours away by car. Further north, other lakes to consider include Shasta Lake, which lies near the mighty Mount Shasta, and Lake Oroville, which is especially famous for its king salmon fishing.
Lake Tahoe cabins
In the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, Lake Tahoe is a vast freshwater lake that attracts visitors to its shores all year round. In summer, you’ll find water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and jet skiing on the lake, while the area transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. Lake Tahoe cabins come in all shapes and sizes, but most tend to be chic, sleek, and comfortable while also offering traditional log cabin-style decor, plus features like hot tubs, saunas, decks, and wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
Donner Lake cabins
Just north of Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake is located a few minutes’ drive outside of Truckee. The lake is surrounded by mountains, with great ski spots on Sugar Bowl, Mount Judah, Mount Lincoln, and Boreal Ridge just minutes from your Donner Lake cabin. If you’re looking for a romantic retreat, you’ll have plenty to choose from with Donner Lake cabins, and larger parties will find plenty of spacious options, too. Cabins here often offer lakefront access, decks with water views, spacious living areas, and well-equipped kitchens.
Vacation rentals in Central California
A few hours’ drive inland from the Pacific Ocean, California’s Central Valley is the state’s hothouse, where farmers grow everything from spinach and lettuces to almonds, apples, and strawberries. Bordered to the east by the majestic peaks and evergreen forests of the Sierra National Forest, this region boasts a great selection of lake cabin rentals. Here, you can find great vacation home rentals in Bass Lake, just south of Yosemite, or head a little further north and east for the scenic views at Mono Lake.
Bass Lake Cabins for all types of vacations
Bass Lake is a popular location from which to explore the Yosemite Valley, but it’s also a popular summertime spot in and of itself. Bass Lake is a haven for water sports, and also offers plenty of activities on land for hikers and cyclists. Bass Lake cabins offer something for everybody, whether you’re looking for a quiet, romantic weekend away, or hoping to find somewhere the whole family can enjoy. Cozy pine cabins come with full kitchens and outdoor space, and some boast water views or direct lake access.
Visit Mono Lake
Just east of Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mono Lake is easily one of the most scenic waterfront spots in the region. One of the oldest lakes in the western hemisphere, Mono Lake is thought to have formed over 760,000 years ago. Because of this, the lake itself is highly protected—so while you won’t find any lakeside cabins here, you can stay in nearby Lee Vining and make the short trip to Mono for breathtaking natural views.
Radical rentals in Southern California
Southern California lake cabins offer easy access to Los Angeles and other coastal cities, including San Diego. Just a few hours’ drive from these urban centers, lakes here are great spots for a weekend getaway—although once you’ve experienced the beauty of Big Bear Lake, you may wish you were staying even longer. Other popular spots for lakeside cabins in Southern California include Lake Havasu and Silverwood Lake, both of which offer stunning scenery and plenty of space for water sports, swimming, and hiking.
Big Bear Lake cabins are an excellent choice
Less than a 2-hour drive from central LA, Big Bear Lake makes a popular weekend getaway for Angelenos looking for a quick shot of nature. Vacation home rentals here offer everything from quaint cabins built for romance, to spacious alpine-style chalets and lodges that are perfect for group getaways. Thanks to excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, Big Bear is as popular in winter as it is in summer, and some cabins by the lake offer fireplaces and wood-burning stoves to make things extra cozy.
Check out cabins on Silverwood Lake
Not far from Big Bear you’ll find Silverwood Lake, which is roughly 90 minutes’ drive from the heart of Los Angeles. The lake is particularly popular on summer weekends, when LA residents drive out to the lake for a day of swimming, sunbathing, boating, and fishing amid the lake’s idyllic surroundings. Cabin options in Silverwood Lake range from traditional to chic, and many come with docks, decks, game rooms, fireplaces, and lake views.