It’s a dream of many people to have their own lake house that’s a private retreat on the water for relaxation, boating, and water spots. Lake house Airbnbs are easy getaway destinations, but you don’t have to make a major real estate investment to experience one for yourself. Here are some of the best lake houses across America to plan your next boating adventure or just get away for some chill time.
Villa De Lago The Lake House, Dock and Buoy - Glenbrook, Nevada
Head to this 4-bedroom lake house for easy access to all the activities and amenities of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy the view of the ever-changing panorama from the main deck or take a dip off the pier and swim in the clear waters, while a 100-foot-long wood dock, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for guest use. Afterward, cozy up by the floor-to-ceiling fireplace inside or in the spacious Great Hall.
Lavish Lake Getaway with 180-Degree Views & Boat Dock - Knoxville, Tennessee
Plan a trip to Tennessee and stay at this 3-bedroom lake house, which sits on Loudoun Lake. A marina is 5 minutes away via boat and you’re a 10-minute drive from the city center, while on-site perks include a freestanding soaker tub, modern chef’s kitchen, and electric fireplace. Kayaks, a Dpadleboard, life jackets, and fishing poles are all available to use.
Happy Owl Lakehouse, Luxury 4-Bedroom on Canyon Lake - Canyon Lake, Texas
Set on Canyon Lake in Texas, this luxury four-bedroom home is located midway between San Antonio and Austin in the Texas Hill Country. Get a taste of the lake life and enjoy adventurous day trips to go boating, tubing, and cave exploring, then retreat to the home and admire the view from the spacious waterfront decks and balconies. You’ll have private access to the lake, a BBQ grill, hot tub for six, and an outdoor sound system, while kids will love the indoor kid’s zone with toys, games, and puzzles.
Adirondack LakeHouse - Saranac Lake, New York
Enjoy lakefront living in the heart of Saran Lakes, surrounded by the Adirondack peaks. The four-bedroom home has an impressive 170 feet of waterfront and beautiful views overlooking Lake Flower and the Sawtooth mountain range. You’ll have water access to the Saranac Lakes Chain, while other amenities include a large outdoor area with a fire pit, beach, and dock. Walk to downtown, or take advantage of the small beach area, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, lawn games, and a hammock.
Cozy Lake Anna Hideaway with Water & Beach Access – Mineral, Virginia
Up to eight guests will enjoy this Virginia lake house that has three bedrooms and two baths. It’s an ideal spot to escape the hustle of daily life and get away to an acre of wooded privacy. It’s a short walk to the lake and offers opportunities to swim, fish, play tennis and volleyball, and relax around the fire pit. You can park your boat trailer here and use the boat slip. The kitchen is stocked and has a Keurig coffeemaker, and the home also offers Wi-Fi and Roku TV. You’ll have access to the whole outside space and a common area that includes the beach picnic area, and boat launch.
Antigua on Plum Point Boat House – Lake George, New York
This is a highly rated boat house on Lake George that’s great for up to four guests. It has two bedrooms and one bath, as well as a kitchen, three balconies, a private gas grill, a picnic table, and lake views. It’s on the tip of Plum Point and just two miles east of Lake George Village. Guests enjoy the free rowboats and canoes here, private sandy beach, swimming raft, ping pong, horseshoes, and kids’ playground area. You can fish right from the boathouse and dock and have dock space for a boat or wave runner for an extra charge.
Exclusive Pewaukee Lake House Rental – Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Up to 13 guests can stay at this cottage that’s a beautiful lakefront vacation home in Wisconsin. It has four bedrooms and two baths and is ideal for family getaways. A pontoon boat rental is available with your stay, and there are lovely lake views from the windows and deck. The 2,112-square-foot rental gives you access to two kayaks and a pier for boat tie-up too. You’ll love spending time on Pewaukee Lake and taking the boat out to the beach and the public pier to spend time at the beach and downtown restaurants and shops. You can also bring your own boat to the dock. There is a seven-day minimum rental required here. Amenities include a kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV, and laundry machines.
Dockside on Bay Pine Island – Jacksons’ Gap, Alabama
Come enjoy the lake at this quiet cove with a full water view in Alabama. This lake house has three bedrooms and two baths to accommodate up to nine guests. It doesn’t allow pets and isn’t suitable for kids under age two, but older kids are welcome. There’s a brand-new kitchen here that’s fully stocked. Other features are the large covered back porch and deck for grilling. There’s an extra cabana lakeside and a large wood-burning fireplace for the winter. From here, it’s easily accessible from Highway 280 and just 30 minutes from Jordan Hare Stadium for Auburn football games.
Ivy Lane Lakehouse – Crosslake, Minnesota
It’s also fun to stay in this 16-person cabin that has five bedrooms and three baths for your lake house getaway in Minnesota. It’s on Ivy Lake on the Whitefish chain that is part of a chain of lakes in the Brainerd Lakes area. People come here for boating, fishing, water sports, and scenic views. On land, there are great bike trails, snowmobile trails, golf, and shopping nearby. You’ll enjoy the screened porch and patio here in a camp-like environment with your family. Guests have access to the entire home and dock to secure your boat or rented boat when you stay here.
Best Spot on the Lake with Private Boat Dock – Kingsland, Texas
Located in the Texas Hill Country, you can book this Airbnb lake house at the Rio Vista Resort and RV Park. It has its own boat dock on the waterfront and offers beautiful views. Known as the Santa Fe Lake House, the home accommodates 12 guests and has three bedrooms and two baths. One room has bunk beds that are fun for kids. You’ll have a private porch here to grill out and watch the sunset. Pets are allowed here. Guests also have access to the various resort amenities, including a pool, hot tub, water trampoline, pool table, and ping pong table.
Key West Style Boathouse on Channel on the Water – Lakeview, Ohio
Another awesome boat house option is this Ohio house that accommodates six people in two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. It’s on the north side of Indian Lake and lets you fish from the patio and use kayaks and canoes. The marina and launch ramp is a block from the house. Special rates are available here for longer-term rentals between October and March.
Gorgeous Garrison Lake House Near NYC – Garrison, New York
You only need to drive about an hour from NYC to feel like you’re a world away at this stunning lake house. It’s a relaxing spot with huge windows, comfortable furnishings, and high-tech features like Wi-Fi and Netflix. There’s a full kitchen here with various gadgets and a patio with a BBQ and furniture. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake, so it’s a quiet place for some chill paddling. The Appalachian Trail is nearby for hiking, and there are some discounts for extended stays. Pets are not allowed here but children are welcome and can be accommodated with high chairs and pack-and-plays.
Relax on Crescent Lake – Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Stay at this cottage on Crescent Lake to feel like you’re on an island with your own small sandy beach. Families with kids enjoy staying here and accessing the walking trail behind the property. There is a dock here where you can bring your boat up to 18 feet. The host provides kayaks and a canoe for you to use too. You can also walk to the center of Wolfeboro in about 15 minutes to get to shops, restaurants, and musical events.
Ideal Colorado Lakehouse – Heeney, Colorado
Colorado is also home to many great lake houses, including this one for up to six people. It has three bedrooms and one bath, along with a backyard that overlooks the Heeney Marina and Green Mountain Reservoir. The marina has boat rentals and a small convenience store. This home is less than two hours from Denver and allows pets for an extra fee.