California’s lakes hit differently, and I mean that in the best way possible. From watching the sunset paint Lake Tahoe golden to kayaking through the crystal waters of Shasta Lake, I’ve discovered some of the best places in California where you can live that lake life in style. After all those beach vacations, trust me when I say these mountain lakes offer something completely unique.
I’ve spent months researching and comparing lakefront rentals, and these spots are absolute game changers. Picture waking up in a modern Lake Tahoe cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows framing snow-capped peaks or spending evenings on the deck of a Shasta Lake house while boats cruise by in the distance. These aren’t just vacation rentals; they’re your ticket to experiencing California’s lakes at their finest.
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.
Before you book anything, don’t miss these deals 👇
- ✈️ Find cheap flights you won't see on Google – Going.com finds mistake fares and flash sales I use to save $200+ per ticket
- 🏨 Book your stay – Great deals on boutique hotels, apartments and vacation homes
- 🚗 Score cheap car rentals – Compare top companies in one spot
- 🎟️ Explore top-rated tours and activities – Skip the line and explore more
- 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. The Cottage
- 📍 Location: Susanville, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $313/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 9 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: 10 private forested acres, firepit gazebo, two living rooms, autostart fireplace, walk-out decks, fiber internet
- 🌟 Perfect For: Nature lovers 🌲, families 👨👩👧👦, winter retreats ❄️
Welcome to your peaceful forest getaway just 8 miles from Susanville. Set on 10 private acres along Gold Run Creek, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home sleeps 9 and is perfect for families, remote workers, or anyone looking for quiet mountain comfort with a tech-friendly setup.
The king master suite has its own walk-out deck and luxury shower, while the queen room and bunk room (twin over full) are perfect for kids or extra guests. Spread out in two cozy living areas—one with a pellet stove, the other with a queen sofa sleeper.
Head outside to sip morning coffee on the deck, grill and dine al fresco, or make s’mores under the firepit gazebo, complete with porch swings and hanging egg chairs.
Close to Plumas National Forest, Eagle Lake, Lake Almanor, and the scenic Bizz Johnson Trail, this spot has all the space and fresh air you need.
2. Lakefront Cabin with Hot Tub & Private Dock
- 📍 Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $498/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 12 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private dock, lake and mountain views, hot tub, game room with pool table, spacious fenced yard
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family vacations 👨👩👧👦, group getaways 🏞️, outdoor adventures ❄️
Perched above Big Bear Lake, this stunning cabin offers breathtaking water views, a private dock, and a peaceful retreat just minutes from top attractions. With 3 bedrooms, a game room, and multiple gathering spaces, it’s ideal for both large groups and couples seeking a romantic escape.
Relax in the hot tub overlooking the lake, unwind in the spacious living areas, or enjoy friendly competition in the game room.
In winter, enjoy snow-capped mountain views and quick access to Snow Summit (just 11 minutes away) and the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain (only 5 minutes away). When the weather warms up, step outside for boating, fishing, and hiking right at your doorstep.
Year-round, you’re just a 7-minute drive from The Village, where you’ll find great dining, shopping, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this lakefront cabin is the perfect getaway.
- Read More: Breathtaking Nature of Southern California
3. Lakefront Home in South
- 📍 Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $738/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 12 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private hot tub, kayaks & paddleboards, Christmas décor, foosball table, fire pit, lake access, sledding hill
- 🌟 Perfect For: Holiday gatherings 🎄, large families 👨👩👧👦, lake and snow adventures ❄️🚤
Celebrate the season at this beautifully decorated lakefront home in South Lake Tahoe, featuring a Christmas tree, stockings, and twinkling lights. This spacious 7-bedroom, 3-bathroom retreat offers stunning lake and mountain views, cozy gathering spaces, and fun activities for everyone.
Enjoy the private hot tub while watching the sunset, or gather around the gas fire pit for s’mores. In the warmer months, take out one of the 7 kayaks or 3 paddleboards right from the backyard, or head to El Dorado Beach for concerts. In winter, enjoy the private sledding hill or ski at Heavenly Resort.
✈️ Pro Travel Tip:
I use Going.com to find crazy flight deals — think $300 roundtrip to Europe kind of crazy.
It’s free, and I honestly check it more than Google Flights. If you're booking travel, this is the first site I'd check.
On the inside, the gourmet kitchen is fully equipped, and the master suite features panoramic lake views, a soaking tub by the fireplace, and a private balcony. The game room includes foosball, a Wii, a Smart TV, and a futon for extra sleeping space.
This home combines cozy holiday charm with year-round Tahoe fun, perfect for creating lasting memories.
4. Lake View Cabin with Trail & Beach Access
- 📍 Location: Tavern Bay, Lake Arrowhead, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $339/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 6 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Panoramic lake views, pet-friendly, direct trail and beach access
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family getaways 👨👩👧👦, outdoor adventures 🌲, lake lovers 🌅
This charming lakefront cabin in the Tavern Bay neighborhood offers the perfect escape with breathtaking 180° lake views. Nestled on a quiet, private lane, the cabin provides easy access to scenic lake trails and nearby beaches. You can enjoy stunning views from the living room, master bedroom, and second bedroom.
With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this pet-friendly, single-story cabin comfortably sleeps 6 guests, making it ideal for families or small groups. Inside, you’ll find a cozy gas fireplace, a well-stocked game collection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The deck overlooks the lake, creating the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery.
Explore Lake Gregory Recreation Area for kayaking and paddleboarding, or visit Lake Arrowhead Village (just 10 minutes away) for dining, shopping, and a scenic boat tour. This cabin is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure and peaceful lakefront relaxation.
5. Lakeview Serenade with Breathtaking Lake Views
- 📍 Location: Lake Arrowhead, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $473/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 14 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Stunning lake views from every room, expansive decks, two fireplaces, game room, near Lake Arrowhead Village
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family getaways 👨👩👧👦, group retreats 🏞️, nature lovers 🌳
Lakeview Serenade offers breathtaking views of Lake Arrowhead from every room, making it the perfect retreat for families and groups. This spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home comfortably sleeps 14 guests. Expansive decks on both levels provide the perfect setting to take in the stunning surroundings.
The property features two cozy fireplaces, a game room with a pool table, and high-end finishes throughout, offering both relaxation and fun. The open layout is ideal for unwinding and entertaining.
Located just a 10-minute walk to Blue Jay Bay and a short drive to Lake Arrowhead Village, this home is conveniently close to dining, shopping, boat rentals, and seasonal events.
Whether you’re relaxing by the lake, exploring Arrowhead Resort Beach, or enjoying winter sports, Lakeview Serenade offers the perfect base for your mountain adventure.
6. Luxury Lakefront Legacy Estate
- 📍 Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $5,980/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 12 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private pier, boat buoys, multiple decks, luxury chef’s kitchen, game room with pool table, stone fire pit
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family getaways 👨👩👧👦, lakefront lovers 🌅, luxury retreats 🌟
Nestled on the private shores of Jameson Beach, this 6-bedroom, 6+ bathroom estate offers a breathtaking lakefront experience. With 100 feet of pristine shoreline, a private pier, and two boat buoys, this home provides everything you need for a memorable stay.
The spacious interior boasts a luxury chef’s kitchen, a Lakeview dining area, and a game room with a pool table. Expansive decks on both levels invite you to unwind while enjoying incredible lake views. Relax around the stone fire pit by the lake or gather on the deck for a BBQ.
Conveniently located just minutes from Valhalla at Lake Tahoe, Taylor Creek Visitor Center, and Pope Beach, you’re close to everything Lake Tahoe has to offer. Whether you’re boating, hiking, or enjoying the vibrant seasonal events, this home is a perfect base for your adventure.
7. Cozy Cottonwood Cottage
- 📍 Location: Tuolumne County, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $282/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 9 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Near Pine Mountain Lake, community pool, private balcony, close to golf course, serene surroundings
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family getaways 👨👩👧👦, nature lovers 🌳, golf enthusiasts ⛳️
Welcome to Cottonwood Cottage at Pine Mountain Lake, a charming retreat perfect for families and nature lovers. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sleeps 9, providing everything you need for a peaceful and enjoyable stay.
The open-concept living space includes a cozy living room and a fully equipped kitchen, making meal preparation a breeze. Enjoy your meals on the private balcony or take a refreshing dip in the community pool. Large windows throughout the home offer stunning views of the surrounding nature, bringing the outdoors in for a relaxing experience.
Step outside and explore the nearby Pine Mountain Lake, just a short drive from the cottage. Golf enthusiasts will love the Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course, only 5 minutes away, while the Pine Mountain Lake Marina is just 9 minutes by car.
For those seeking adventure, Mariposa is a 74-minute drive, and Yosemite National Park is easily accessible. Whether you’re relaxing or exploring, Cottonwood Cottage is the perfect base for your getaway.
- Read More: 17 Airbnb Treehouses in California
8. Red Roof Lakefront Cabin with Stunning View & Private Dock
- 📍 Location: Lake Almanor, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $523/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 8 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private dock, 180-degree lake views, water sports access, lakeside deck with fire pit
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family vacations 👨👩👧👦, water sports enthusiasts 🚤, fishing trips 🎣
Welcome to the Red Roof Lakefront Cabin, where breathtaking 180-degree views of Lake Almanor await. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sleeps 8 and features a private dock for boating, fishing, and swimming, plus two private buoys for water activities. The large lakeside deck offers seating for 8 and a cozy fire pit, perfect for unwinding in the evenings.
Within, you’ll enjoy fresh flooring, wireless internet, cable TV, and a SONOS sound system. The fully stocked kitchen with granite countertops makes meal prep a breeze.
Explore the lake through fishing, boating, or a scenic hike to Indian Falls. Dining is convenient with Red Onion Grill and Tantardino’s Pizzeria just a mile away, and Chester’s local attractions are only a 10-minute drive.
Whether you’re relaxing by the lake or seeking adventure, the Red Roof Lakefront Cabin is the perfect getaway.
9. Great Beach – Lakefront Home at Lake Almanor Country Club
- 📍 Location: Lake Almanor, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $947/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 14 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Private dock, expansive decks, outdoor kitchen, bar room with pool table, game room with ping pong and pinball machine
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family getaways 👨👩👧👦, group retreats 🏞️, water sports enthusiasts 🚤
This spacious 7-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers 3,600 sq. ft. of living space and stunning views of Lake Almanor, making it perfect for large groups or multiple families. The home features a fully equipped kitchen, expansive decks, and a bar room with a pool table.
The game room adds to the fun with a ping pong table and a pinball machine. Outside, enjoy a private dock, two buoys, and a variety of water activities like boating, fishing, and jet skiing.
Explore nearby attractions like Lassen Volcanic National Park, just 56 minutes away, or unwind at Westwood Beach, only a 19-minute drive away. For more outdoor adventures, visit the Lake Almanor Recreation Area or enjoy local golf at Lake Almanor Country Club.
Whether it’s summer boating or winter snowmobiling, there’s always something exciting to do.
10. Stunning Tahoe Home with Private Beach Access
- 📍 Location: Tahoe City, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $785/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 12 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Filtered lake views, fenced backyard, private beach/park access, hot tub
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family vacations 👨👩👧👦, friends’ getaways 🏞️, nature lovers 🌲
Welcome to your perfect Tahoe retreat, where breathtaking lake views, private beach access, and a spacious home create the ultimate getaway. This beautiful property offers a choice of 3, 4, or 5 bedrooms, making it ideal for families, friends, or large groups looking to relax and explore North Lake Tahoe.
Start your day with a cup of coffee on the deck, enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you, and end the evening in the hot tub under the stars. The house features a fully-equipped kitchen, a custom dining table with filtered lake views, and a cozy living room with plenty of space for your group to gather.
What makes it special?
✔️ Exclusive use of deck, firepit, hammock & lakeside access — no sharing!
✔️ Fully fenced garden, perfect for kids and pets
✔️ Private beach access with over 800 feet of shoreline
✔️ Close proximity to world-class ski resorts and hiking trails
Granlibakken Resort Ski Area, Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park, and hiking at the Tahoe Rim Trail. You’re also close to scenic beaches on Lake Tahoe, offering plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. Whether you’re here to ski, hike, or simply relax, this Tahoe home has everything you need for a memorable vacation.
11. World-class Jewel of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
- 📍 Location: June Lake, CA, near June Mountain Ski Area
- 💵 Price Per Night: $3,464/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 20 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Spectacular lake and mountain views, expansive luxury estate, state-of-the-art amenities
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family reunions 👨👩👧👦, large group getaways 🏞️, nature lovers 🌲
Welcome to Victory Lodge, a 16,500-square-foot architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Perched above Gull Lake, this luxurious estate offers breathtaking views of Carson Peak and the June Lake Ski Area. With 8 beautifully appointed bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, it’s the perfect setting for getaways.
Within, the grand Great Room features a soaring 30-foot ceiling, a majestic dual staircase, and the world’s largest elk antler chandelier.
The lodge also offers a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining area for 18, a gentlemen’s game room, an 80-person conference room, a media and arcade room, a sauna, and a fully equipped gym.
What makes it special?
✔️ Exclusive use of expansive decks, patios, and a sports court overlooking the lake
✔️ Luxury amenities including a commercial-grade kitchen, media & arcade rooms, and sauna
✔️ On-site caretaker available for emergencies and house-related inquiries
✔️ Ideal for large groups with space to sleep up to 20 guestsNearby attractions include June
Lake, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, and Yosemite National Park, perfect for fishing, skiing, hiking, climbing, and nature photography. Whether you’re reconnecting or celebrating, Victory Lodge offers an unforgettable mountain experience.
12. Bear Lake Hideaway
- 📍 Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $208/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 4 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Jacuzzi, fireplace, walk to the lake, near Snow Summit, pet-friendly
- 🌟 Perfect For: Family getaways 👨👩👧👦, outdoor enthusiasts 🏞️, winter sports lovers ⛷️
Nestled in a charming neighborhood, Bear Lake Hideaway offers a cozy two-story log cabin just a short walk from Big Bear Lake. This cabin is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to both the lake and local attractions. Enjoy the Jacuzzi, fireplace, and outdoor BBQ, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.
The cabin is ideally located near Meadow Park, which offers tennis courts, a playground, volleyball, and basketball. Adjacent to the park, Ski Beach provides a path to the lake, perfect for water skiing. The Village, just half a mile away, features shopping, dining, and the iconic Grizzly Manor Cafe.
Winter activities, such as skiing at Snow Summit (only a mile away), and summer activities like hiking, fishing, and boating are all nearby. Whether you’re here for a summer vacation or a winter escape, this cabin provides the perfect base for all-season fun.
13. Cozy Unique Lake House Cabin
- 📍 Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
- 💵 Price Per Night: $503/night
- 🛏️ Sleeps: 6 guests
- 🔥 Unique Features: Close to hiking & biking trails, remodeled Tahoe chalet, spacious deck, hot tub, pet-friendly
- 🌟 Perfect For: Families 🏡, outdoor enthusiasts 🚴, relaxation seekers 🧘♀️
Welcome to the MV30 Lake Tahoe Cabin, a beautifully remodeled chalet offering the perfect blend of comfort and nature. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sleeps 6 and features exposed beam ceilings, a rustic stone fireplace, and a spacious living area ideal for cozy gatherings.
Beyond the doors, relax on the expansive deck or enjoy the fenced-in backyard, perfect for pets and outdoor fun. The bonus space upstairs is perfect for a home theater or kids’ play area.
Located just steps from forest service land, you’ll find hiking and biking trails right outside your door. Plus, you’re only a short drive from Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Gondola, and more local attractions.
Whether you’re unwinding in the hot tub or exploring the great outdoors, this cabin is your perfect getaway.
Need help planning your trip? Check out these helpful links:
- ✈️ Find cheap flights – I use this to snag deals you won't find elsewhere
- 🏨 Book accommodations – From boutique hotels to budget-friendly stays
- 🚗 Compare rental car prices – Great rates from trusted companies
- 🎟️ Discover affordable tours and day trips – Skip the line and explore more
- 📱 SIM Cards + eSims – My go-to phone plan I've used in 50+ countries
