If you’re dreaming of a lakeside escape in California, I’ve got you covered! Having stayed in dozens of lake houses over the years—from the serene shores of Lake Tahoe to Big Bear Lake and Shasta Lake—I’ve experienced some of the best waterfront stays in the Golden State.
Whether you’re after a cozy cabin with mountain views or a luxurious retreat right on the water, these 13 stunning lake house rentals will make your getaway unforgettable. Let’s dive into the most beautiful lakefront properties California has to offer, perfect for your next nature-filled adventure!
Top 13 Lakefront Rentals in CA – At a Glance
Here are the best California cabin rentals by category, considering factors including amenities, trip types, and budgets. The subsequent sections will cover each listing in more detail.
- Most Private Getaway: Lakefront House for Rent in CA surrounded by Forest
- Best Views Enjoyed from a Hot Tub: Big Bear Lake Cabin Rental
- Most Beautifully Decorated: Cabin with Victorian-Style Interior & Spectacular Views
- Great for Water Sport Enthusiasts: California Getaway with Private Dock
- Top CA Lake House Rental with Beach Access: A Slice of Paradise in South Lake Tahoe
- Top World-Class Mountain Retreat: An Architectural Masterpiece in CA
- Best for Large Gatherings: Spacious California Lake House Rental
- Most Gorgeous Mountain Views: CA Vacation Home with Modern Amenities
- Top Vacation Home for Outdoor Activities: Eagle Lake House for Rent in CA
- Most Luxurious: California Lake House Rental with Private Saltwater Pool & Spa
- Best Amenities: Four-Bedroom Lake Cabin Close to Yosemite
- Best Place to Stay on Site: Bear Lake Hideaway
- Perfect Location for Exploring the Area: Pet-Friendly Lake House Rental in CA
1. Eagle Lake House California Rental with Lake Views & Trail Access
Location: Susanville, California
Rates from: $344 per night
Accommodates: 8 guests
If incredible views are what you’re after, this Eagle Lake home has got you covered. The four-bedroom California lake house rental is set in a private gated community. It boasts beautiful views overlooking the lake, where you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming.
In addition to a stylish interior, it has a fully-equipped kitchen for whipping up home-cooked meals and a dinner table with water views. Wake up and enjoy the quiet solitude and mountain views while sipping your morning coffee on the back deck.
When you’re done with water-based adventures, take advantage of the nearby hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle trails.
2. Spectacular California Lakefront Rental with Hot Tub + Private Dock
Location: Boulder Bay, Big Bear Lake, California
Rates from: $395 per night
Accommodates: 12 guests
This spectacular lakefront property on Big Bear Lake has all the bells and whistles. This includes a hot tub overlooking the water and snow-capped mountains. Offering some of the best views Big Bear lake has to offer, it features its own private dock on a half-acre. And beyond the accommodation itself, this property is located in one of the nicest nature areas of Southern California.
The three-bedroom lake house in California for rent also has an inviting interior. The cozy living room features floor-to-ceiling windows with lakefront views opening out to a furnished deck with dining table. After a long day of sightseeing, warm up by the crackling fireplace or play a round of pool in the game room.
3. Beautiful Lake Cabin for Rent in California with Beach Access
Location: Al Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, California
Rates from: $800 per night
Accommodates: 14 guests
Enjoy your own slice of paradise at this beautiful lakefront home in South Lake Tahoe.
Just steps from the lake, it has gorgeous water views from its outdoor hot tub and fire pit. With six bedrooms, it features an inviting outdoor space with tables and chairs to bask in the sunshine.
There’s also a modern kitchen, gas fireplace, and community bulletin board where guests can post things about their stay. Regan Beach is in front of the house and has a kid’s playground. During the summer, guests have access to kayaks and paddleboards.
4. Breathtaking Views of Lake Arrowhead from a California Lake House Rental with Modern Amenitites + Fire Pit
Location: Lake Arrowhead, California
Rates from: $365 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Stay at this cozy California lake house rental in Lake Arrowhead for incredible 180-degree water views. The 1,300 square-foot single-story 1950s cabin combines its vintage charm with modern amenities to create a top-rated lakeside getaway.
In addition to its location on a quiet lane, you’ll find a gas fireplace and large windows overlooking the water. The furnished outdoor deck is a treat during all seasons, while a gas firepit is perfect for cold nights.
Located in the historic and desirable Tavern Bay neighborhood, it’s only a 15-minute drive to the nearby public Lake Gregory Recreation area. Here, you’ll find amazing lake activities and rentals. It’s no wonder this is a top CA lake house for rent on Airbnb and VRBO.
5. Newly Remodeled Lake View Mountain Home – One of the Best Lake Cabins for Rent in California
Location: Lake Arrowhead, California
Rates from: $400 per night
Accommodates: 14 guests
Go all out with a stay in this beautiful lake-view mountain home in Lake Arrowhead.
With over 3,500 square feet, it’s an ideal space for 14 guests, offering natural light through its large floor-to-ceiling windows. The large foyer opens to a gourmet kitchen and huge living room, where you’ll find a fireplace and flat-screen TV.
The outdoor deck boasts a BBQ grill and an outdoor dining table for taking in the stunning views. Perfect for large family gatherings, this California lake house rental offers breathtaking lake views from every room.
6. Rent a Lake House in California with Private Saltwater Pool and Spa
Location: Terra Lago, Indio, Coachella, California
Rates from: $579 per night
Accommodates: 8 guests
It will feel like you’ve escaped California at this gorgeous vacation rental. Sunset Lake Villa offers incredible lakefront views and a private saltwater pool. The convenient location is just 15 minutes to downtown Palm Springs.
Just below the mountains, Terra Lago is one of California’s best-kept secrets. The private gated community features a 20-acre lake and recreational facility with a billiard room and children’s pool. With these amazing amenities, it truly feels like top spa resort in the US!
The three-bedroom lake house for rent in California is beloved for its beautiful lake and mountain views. The gas BBQ grill, outdoor misting system, outdoor dining area, and lounge chairs for sunbathing are added perks. What more could you want in a lake rental in CA?
7. Lake House Rental in CA with Private Dock – Only 30 Minutes to Yosemite
Location: Groveland, California
Rates from: $775 per night
Accommodates: 12 guests
You can’t get any more scenic than this lakefront property, which looks as if it was plucked from a postcard.
The charming four-bedroom California lake house rental has a private dock on Pine Mountain Lake. There’s also a large outdoor space with endless entertainment options. Families will love the amenities at this gorgeous getaway, which is just 30 minutes from the iconic Yosemite National Park.
The outdoor space features a fire pit, patio tables, and BBQ grills. In addition, there are two lakefront decks, a kid’s California treehouse, chair swing, and outdoor gas fire. If that’s not enough to lure you, maybe the gourmet kitchen, large lake-facing windows, fireplaces, pool table, and jetted tub indoors will do the trick.
8. Red Roof Lake Cabin Rental in California – Great for Connecting with Nature
Location: Peninsula Village, Westwood, California
Rates from: $377 per night
Accommodates: 8 guests
Reconnect with nature at this beautiful lakefront cabin in CA. This home offers 180 unobstructed water views and a large lawn that leads to the water’s edge.
The kitchen is stocked with all the amenities, while an outdoor gas grill is perfect for family cookouts. You’ll have access to a private dock, which is great for docking your boat, swimming, and fishing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, get out on the water and enjoy wakeboarding, tubing, jet skiing, and kayaking. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at reeling in trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass.
With so many outdoor activities and plenty of space to kick back and relax, this is definitely one of the best lake house rentals in California.
9. Spacious Retreat in Lake Almanor Country Club – Lake House Rental in CA with Great Beach
Location: Lake Almanor Country Club, Westwood, California
Rates from: $1,125 per night
Accommodates: 14 guests
An ideal retreat for large families, this beautiful lake cabin for rent in California has five bedrooms accommodating 14 guests. It features a stylish room with a pool table and deck overlooking the backyard and lake. There’s also a game room with ping pong and a pinball machine.
Hang out in the family room or take advantage of the gourmet kitchen. Then, head outside to enjoy the water views and enjoy fun outdoor activities on the lawn. The house also offers access to two recreation areas with boat ramps, beaches, playgrounds, and tennis courts.
10. Luxurious Lakefront Rental in California Surrounded by Pines with Private Beach & Park Access
Location: Tahoe Woods, Tahoe City, California
Rates from: $390 per night
Accommodates: 16 guests
This California lake house rental has two structures, the main house with three bedrooms and another structure with two suites. Both are connected by a furnished deck that is located off the dining room.
You’ll have plenty of room to stretch out at this luxe getaway, which offers a secluded setting for all guests. Bask in the sunshine on the sun loungers or enjoy a soak in the relaxing hot tub. Then, retreat to the cozy living area with a foosball table.
There’s also a fire pit where you can share adventure stories, an outdoor shower, and horseshoe.
11. Gorgeous California Lake House Rental – World-Class Jewel of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Location: June Lake, California
Rates from: $2,700 per night
Accommodates: 20 guests
Bring everyone along to this 16,000 sq. ft. luxe getaway, which accommodates up to 20 guests. Dubbed “Victory Lodge”, this masterpiece is set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and directly overlooks Gull Lake.
In addition to views of Carson Peak and June Lake Ski Area, it’s among the largest log homes ever built. You’ll find luxurious finishes throughout as well as a towering wall of windows, an elk antler chandelier, and 30-foot ceilings.
There’s also a gourmet kitchen, in-bedroom fireplaces, game room, dry and steam saunas, a sports court, and media and arcade rooms.
Truly a jewel of the Sierra Nevadas, this luxurious retreat is among the most beautiful lake houses for rent in California.
12. Bear Lake Hideaway: Two-Story Lake Cabin Rental in California with Fireplace & Hot Tub
Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Rates from: $180 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Absolutely picture perfect, this two-story log cabin in Big Bear is a six-minute walk to the lake.
You’ll find plenty of reasons to stay on-site at the lake house rental in CA. There’s a Jacuzzi, fireplace, and fully stocked kitchen, while just down the block at Meadow Park there are tennis courts, volleyball, a dog park, and a kid’s playground.
Ski Beach, which sits adjacent to the park, offers a scenic path down to the lake. Here, you can enjoy water skiing when the water is full, which is one of my favorite things to do in SoCal.
13. Spacious, Pet-Friendly Lake House Rental in CA with Hot Tub & Pool Table
Location: Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe
Rates from: $415 per night
Accommodates: 10 guests
Just minutes from the ski resorts, lakes, beaches, and casinos, this renovated South Lake Tahoe vacation lake house for rent in California offers a welcoming atmosphere.
Along with four bedrooms, it features a large deck with a six-person hot tub, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a large living/dining area.
Perfect for large groups or multiple families, it also includes added luxuries such as a 70” Smart TV with a soundbar, a loft area with a pool table and three additional TVs, and a gaming system for the kids. In summer, you can barbecue and relax on the large deck and lawn area.
