There are thousands of lake getaways in California, many of which are open to recreation and offer scenic getaway spots for travelers. But no matter what part of the state you’re in, what makes a good lake house is a proximity to the water and plenty of fun amenities to enjoy.
Here are the top lake house vacation rentals in California to check out for your next vacation.
Lakefront Cabin with Private Pier on Donner Lake, Southside Highlands
Available to rent on Vrbo, this lakefront cabin is about 2,100 square feet in size and sleeps eight people. It has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in a location where you can really unplug and get away from the stresses of daily life. The cabin is along Donner Lake and perfect for stays during all four seasons. If you come in the winter, you’ll enjoy the quiet snowfalls and snowplow service that is provided. In the warm months, you can bring along a boat, kayak, or paddleboard – or rent one from a local vendor for the day. Some perks of staying at this lake house are the large 82-inch TV, pool table, floor-to-ceiling views of the lake, and deck with outdoor seating.
Eagles Nest at Bass Lake near Yosemite, Bass Lake
You can live the lake life while staying at this seven-bedroom, four-bathroom home at Bass Lake. It sleeps 16 people comfortably and is just 18.6 miles from the Yosemite entrance. Some of the features of this lake house are a 75-inch TV with Bose surround sound, an outdoor grill overlooking the lake, remodeled kitchen, and a private boat dock with jet ski ramps. From here, you can walk to the Pine Resort and use the amenities there. Parking is available for up to six cars.
Mountain Location Lake House, Descanso
You can live the lake life along Lake Cuyamaca when you book this Vrbo home for your trip. This is a 1,350-square-foot house that sleeps five people and has two bedrooms and two baths. The home has a great kitchen and offers lovely unobstructed views of the lake, forest, and mountains. A few miles away is the historic town of Julian. This is an ideal place to get away from busy city days and truly relax. Onsite amenities include internet, TV, and laundry machines. Pets are welcome here, but just let the host know you want to bring your pup along.
Beautiful Lakefront Home, Lake Almanor Country Club
Known as “Evan’s Heaven,” this lake house has five bedrooms and two bathrooms in a 2,400-square-foot space. You’ll be located in the gated Lake Almanor Country Club and enjoy a peaceful getaway. There’s a large deck, propane fire pit, and great opportunities to watch the sunset. It’s also a family-friendly home that comes with a portable crib and high chair if you need them. Guests can use the many community amenities nearby, such as the two recreation areas, playgrounds, golf course, and amphitheater with summer concerts. The home offers something unique during all four seasons for travelers who love the lake and surrounding area.
Newest Luxury on the Lake, Big Bear Lake
If you’re looking for luxury and don’t mind splurging a bit on your lake house rental, consider this 4,300-square-foot house option on Vrbo. It sleeps up to 14 people and has six bedrooms and five bathrooms. It’s one of the best homes in Big Bear Lake and has lots of high-end offerings for the appliances, furniture, and technology. There are views of the lake and mountains from nearly every room, plus a 1,200-square-foot deck that overlooks the lake and has a grill. The outdoor area also offers a ping pong table, jacuzzi, hammock, deep water dock, gas firepit, kayaks, bikes, sleds, and snow innertubes.
Lakefront Best House at Shasta Retreat, Lakehead
Soak up the scenery at Shasta Lake with this Airbnb rental in a quiet family neighborhood. It sleeps up to 10 guests and has three bedrooms and two baths. There’s a marina next door to launch your boat and two large decks to enjoy the views. The distance to the water is between 50 feet to several hundred yards, depending on the lake level. This is one of three lakefront homes that are next to each other, and if you rent all three, you can accommodate up to 38 people. Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed here for a fee of $95 per dog.
Lake Tulloch South Shore Lake Front House, Jamestown
Travelers enjoy spending time at Lake Tulloch when they book this Airbnb lake house that’s 2,300 square feet in size. It sleeps up to 12 people and has three bedrooms and two baths. The home is close to Campsite Marina and has a deck, fire pit with chairs, and even extra sleeping space in the garage for large groups. You’ll find the closest store in Oakdale about 25 minutes away. The host provides a paddleboat for guests to use, but the other boats are off-limits.
Four-Bedroom Lakefront Home on Warm Water, Lake Wildwood
This 2,450-square-foot lake house is a highly rated choice for groups of up to eight people. It has four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in a true lakefront location where you can jump into the lake from the dock or backyard. It is along Lake Wildwood, which has warm water that is great for all water activities. It’s a kid-friendly home with lots of games and kids’ gear provided. When you stay here, you’ll be only about 15 to 20 minutes from the towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City, California.
Lakefront Chalet with Incredible View, Homewood
This lakefront chalet sleeps up to 12 people and has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is a great choice for three families traveling together. The home is just north of the Homewood Ski Resort and on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. You’ll have a private beach, shared pier, and walking/biking path at this property. Every bedroom has a lake view, and pets are welcome to stay with you for an extra $50 fee per night, per pet.
Lake Front Getaway: Casita d’Amore, Granite Bay
This lakefront home sleeps four people and offers lots of opportunities for recreation and relaxation at Folsom Lake. When you stay here, it’s easy to go biking, rent a boat, go horseback riding, swim, and hike. You can venture a bit further out to visit Tahoe, Napa Valley, and San Francisco too. Guests can access the lake at the public entrance that’s about five houses down the street. This casita has its own living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Pets and children under age 12 are not allowed here.
Lake Front House with Private Dock & Views, Jamestown
Here’s a Lake Tulloch rental option on the south shore that’s close to the boat launch and marina. You can swim off the dock and enjoy being here at the base of the Sierras with lots of outdoor recreation and wineries. The lake house is down a long private driveway to give you a sense of privacy. There is ample parking for cars, trailers, and boats here. Up to 12 people can stay in this house that has four bedrooms and three baths. The beach, playground, and boat rentals are just a five-minute walk away.
Panoramic Lake View - Steps Away from the Water, Crestline
Lake Gregory is just steps away from this 2,400-square-foot lake house that sleeps up to 12 people. It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as panoramic views of the lake. With this rental, you’ll enjoy the two balconies, open floor plan, multiple levels, and outdoor seating. It’s ideal for families with young children because it has a fully fenced yard and also a basketball hoop and tetherball to play. Pets are not allowed at this rental property. Guests should also know that they need to provide their own sheets and towels and that while there is no central air conditioning, there are portable fans situated throughout the house.
Lakefront House Near Yosemite, Groveland
This California lake house is just steps from the Pine Mountain Lake Main Marina and along the shores of the Marina Beach Cove. It is just 35 minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance for your day trips into Yosemite National Park. It will comfortably sleep 10 people and has a full kitchen, three bedrooms, and two baths. The waterfront home also comes with a TV and Wi-Fi. The home is in a gated community and near a golf course, stables, restaurant, and lounge too. Guests have access to three swimming beaches, a fishing beach, and a water taxi in addition to other fun community amenities.
