California attracts millions of visitors from within the United States and the world over. The state has endless attractions for visitors to explore. From famous cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, to beaches, theme and amusement parks, ski resorts, spectacular national parks and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone in the ‘Golden State’. California is also known for its collection of astounding natural wonders such as Yosemite Falls, Joshua Trees, Big Sur, Mount Shasta and Lake Tahoe, to name but a few. Among its many natural attractions, you should also check out the most gorgeous lakes in California, which make the perfect setting for a vacation amid nature. If you are looking for a cosy lakefront cabin, then you are at the right place. Here’s our list of the top lake cabin rentals in California, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Lakefront cabin with stunning views, Big Bear Lake (from USD 175)
If you need some time off from your daily grind, you should definitely consider this amazing lakeside cabin in California. Its perfect location doesn’t just provide you with some of the most relaxing views in the region but easy access to many activities including kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more. Come wintertime, guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and sledding at the nearby ski slope.
The cabin comes with four bedrooms and it can sleep up to eight people, which is great for families or groups of friends looking for an adventure. The living room features a rock fireplace and it’s where you can just unwind and enjoy a movie through the flat-screen TV. The fully equipped kitchen makes it easier for guests to prepare delicious meals. Plus, the private deck lets you hang out and enjoy the amazing views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The view from the kitchen/living room looking over the lake is calming and enjoyableAlthough we did not need to use it during our stayI guess it's personal preference as none of the twenty plus cabins we have rented over the years seem to have a very comfortable couchThe property is directly in front of the lake and is super spacious Will definitely come here again and will gladly recommend it to anyoneNot fancy but very cozy with cabin vibeCleanliness:
so don't expect granite countertops and high end bathroomsHost:
Kari is a great host who communicated easily with usKari was a pleasure to speak with and made sure our first experience in her home left us wanting to returnThe proximity of this cabin to Big Bear Marina and town made things very handyThe owner was helpful and easy to contactand the view was amazing especially for July 4thRead more reviewsLocation:
but that just comes along with being surrounded by naturethe upstairs loft did get warmmany restaurants stores and docks for boat rentalsEasy walking distance to the village Plenty of beds and beautiful viewIt is very quiet in this area
2. Snug cabin with a hot tub, Ashland (from USD 230)
This cosy lakefront cabin rental in California is located on the banks of Copco lake, a reservoir on Klamath River. Tucked amidst greenery, the cabin offers a quiet retreat. With three bedrooms and five beds, it can sleep up to ten people. Traditionally furnished, the cabin also has a living room with a fireplace and a pull-out couch, a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a bath with two-headed shower.
There is a deck outside the house that offers a hot tub and great views. The rental additionally offers a few paddle boards, kayaks and a canoe, for free. Adventurers can also indulge in water sports, hiking, and fishing near the lake.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice tv with games on it for the kidsCleanliness:
very clean and neat houseotherwise everything was nice and cleanthe hot tub was clean and hot easy to take the cover off/onRead more reviewsHost:
we had a great time stayng here owners are quick to respond and providing everything neededvery nice and helpful owners worth the stay
3. Lakeview cabin with a private dock, Truckee (from USD 540)
Plushly furnished and spacious, this lakefront cabin is a wonderful option for a relaxing nature break. It’s one of the best lake house rentals in California for big groups as it offers three bedrooms and can sleep up to ten people. The house has three floors — the main floor offers a common area with vaulted ceilings and encompasses a living room, a kitchen and a dining room, as well as two bedrooms.
There’s also a large deck near the main floor, where you can relax and soak up some rays. The upper floor is a loft featuring additional bedding, while the lowest floor has a lounge area with games, a TV and a wet bar, as well as additional sleeping facilities.
Many rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to enjoy the amazing views of the lake. The biggest attraction of the cabin is its private dock that comes with a furnished deck on the lakeshore, giving you a fantastic experience.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
outside furniture is comfortable and high qualitythe kitchen was very nice - well stocked and organized5 bathrooms (a very nice feature when traveling with small children)Cleanliness:
house was very clean and comfortablethe cabin was very clean and comfortableincredibly organized very clean with all necessities easy to find and availableHost:
owner was great to communicate withthe property owner was super responsive and accommodatingthe owners were great and responded right away when we had questionsowner was very helpful and easy to reach- before during and after staylastly the owners are exceptional incredibly responsive and thoughtfulRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful house in a beautiful locationlocation of the property is amazingbeautiful location beautiful home very clean and very well organized and labeled
4. A-frame cabin with luxe amenities, Groveland
This sprawling, well-appointed holiday house is located right on Pine Mountain lake. Spread over two floors, this A-frame styled cabin has four bedrooms, a beautifully furnished living room with a fireplace, a gourmet kitchen, two dining sections, a workout room, a game/lounge room with a wet bar and a workspace. The house can sleep up to 12 guests.
In terms of outdoor facilities, the house offers two large lakefront decks, a fire pit, a large front yard and a treehouse. The cabin’s highlight, of course, is its private dock that provides direct access to the lake.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wonderful home comfortable furniture and beds proximity to lake makes it perfectgame room is fun lots of board games in the houseCleanliness:
clean and large enough for our large familyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location especially for families who want swimming boating and fishing right on the property
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Family-friendly retreat with mountain views, Crestline (from USD 330)
Located near Lake Gregory, this cabin offers sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Offering four bedrooms with seven beds, the cabin can sleep up to twelve people. The house is spread over two floors — the main floor comes with a welcoming open-plan common area that features a living area with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining section, and a pool area. The lower floor offers three bedrooms and a family room with a TV.
Each of the two floor provides a deck to enjoy the soothing lake views, while the main floor balcony has also been set up with grills and a dining nook. Additionally, the house offers a front yard that comes with a basketball hoop and tetherball.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great cabin with a beautiful view of lake gregory cabin was cozy and welcomingthe upstairs room and downstairs double bed room had good bedsexcellent location beautiful views and comfortable cabinthe cabin was great and plenty of room for all of our familythe pool table room is niceCleanliness:
location was clean spacious and magnificent view of the lakeHost:
kathleen the owner was super sweet and helpfulowner was great getting back to me with additional questions i hadthank you to the owners kathleen and carole for sharing such a hidden treasurecommunication with the owner was great as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
it’s in the perfect location a few minutes from the store and a walking traili highly recommended staying at this beautiful location
6. Hilltop cabin with nature views, Lake Tahoe (from USD 53)
Brockway Lakeview Cabin is an old-style restored cabin that is located atop a hill above Brockway & Kings beach in North Lake Tahoe. The cosy cabin dates back to the 1940s, and offers 1 bedroom that is suitable for 3 people or a small family.
The main floor offers a living room with views, a kitchen and a dining space. It also has a bedroom, which leads to a wraparound deck that has views of the lake. Additionally, the cabin includes a loft section with three more beds. Kings beach is a short walk away, while Incline Village is about 5 mi (8 km) away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The cabin itself was funky and coolGreat views of lake and snowThe cabin had lovely lake viewsaltho the kitchen was smallIt has very beautiful view of the lake and treesCleanliness:
Cabin well stocked and very cleanThe place is clean spacious and has almost everything you need for the stayHost:
Also Stella was very easy to communicate with and welcoming and friendlyBeautiful views great hospitality nice and warmStella was there to greet us when we arrivedshe was quick to respondShe checked in with us to make sure we had everything we neededRead more reviewsLocation:
Great property in a great locationThe cabin was built in 1947 as a summer retreatThe north end is very quiet if ur looking to relaxIt was close enough to walk into Kings Beach which we also really lovedbut hey maybe it's good to switch that up sometimes Thanks again Stella - beautiful property and energy
7. Well-furnished sanctuary best for families, Kings Beach (from USD 238)
Offering fantastic views of North Lake Tahoe, the cabin offers a warmly furnished space with a rustic vibe. It features home-style decor and has been set up with all essential facilities. The house offers two bedrooms plus a sofa bed, so in all, it can sleep up to six people (four adults and two children).
The house has two floor, with the main floor offering a common area with a living room, a dining nook with a view, and a full kitchen. Adjoining this area is a wraparound deck with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The upper floor comes with a loft that offers an additional bedroom and a den. The cabin is close to Kings Beach, and offers easy access to local hiking trails and other attractions.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
well stocked cooking equipment in the kitchen and comfortably cozy bedsThe cabin itself was well-appointed with clean comfortable furnitureEverything you could need to be comfortableIt was comfortable and met our every needIt is well stocked with everything that you could needHost:
We loved being there againDenise is super easy to work withwhen we got there with fresh linens towels andWe enjoyed your well-stocked cute and cozy cabinIt was easy working thought VRBO and with Denise directlyRead more reviewsLocation:
It is also very reasonably pricedIt was of course in a beautiful setting which was greatTerrific location beautifully remodeled and lots of amenitiesAnd the location can't be beat Close enough to walk to everything but out of the frayJust love this little house
8. Attractive cabin with two large decks, Lake Arrowhead (from USD 237)
Situated in Lake Arrowhead, this cabin offers three bedrooms that can sleep up to six people. The cabin is spread over three floor. The main floor has a living room with a fireplace that opens into the front deck with superb lake views. It also offers a newly renovated kitchen with all the cooking essentials, and a master bedroom.
The house has two decks, with the master bedroom offering one of them. The main deck comes with an outdoor seating and barbecue equipment.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
but there was considerable stress unloading the car as the stairs down to the cabin from the roadQuiet cozy cabin especially in the eveningwe could see the different colors as the sun went down over the lake and the treesYou can sit in the living room and the view is right thereshoot it-older box TVHost:
We hiked and hung around Good for big peopleCute comfortable well stocked cabin and pet friendlyGood news is we could completely relax and not worry about our dogs or dirty hiking bootsSome nice touches to note: very clean owner followed up with us via email after our arrival to be sure everything was good flowers and a huge bottle of wine that lasted us the whole weekare a scary combination of small rotted and steep After the ice chest with most of our food took a tumbleRead more reviewsLocation:
However we booked this vacation to get away from the heatThe kids played boardgames and billiards then we left to walk the dogs around the lake every afternoonClose enough to get there quickly but far enough to not see all the bustle of the VillageHaving a kitchen was a plus and the balconies were such a bonus to enjoy at different times of day(ie no snow play area-surrounding property is very steep)
9. Piute Trail Lodge, Julian (from USD 162)
Piute Trail Lodge is set on a small hilltop facing Lake Cuyamaca, thus offering serene views of the lake and the surrounding mountain range. The house features modest decor while offering all the modern conveniences. With two bedrooms, it can sleep up to eight people.
The rental features a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen and a dining area. The wraparound deck offers superb views of the lake, the hills in the background, and pastureland below. It has been furnished with outdoor seating and barbecue equipment.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great place to getaway and disconnect although there is wi-fi if you absolutely need to connectRead more reviewsCleanliness:
cabin is clean and comfortablehouse was very clean and had all we neededwe really enjoyed our stay the house is spotless and well stocked
10. Waterfront hideaway with large deck, Fallen Leaf (from USD 495)
If you are looking for a secluded mountain retreat surrounded by nature, then this cabin is for you. This cabin, overlooking Fallen Leaf lake, offers a homelike ambience with welcoming decor and all essential amenities. The cabin offers three bedrooms that can easily accommodate up to ten people.
A fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, and a large living room with a fireplace are its other facilities. There’s a deck out front that is well-situated to take in the serene views of the lake and the mountains while enjoying a barbecue meal or a drink.
11. Lake Shasta Log Cabin, Lakehead
Set right on Shasta lake, this vintage-style log cabin has all-wood interiors and modest furnishings. The cabin is spread over two floors, and has four bedrooms that can sleep up to twelve people. The cabin has a living room with a TV and a fireplace, a full kitchen, and a dining section, as well as a game room.
The top floor comes with a deck that offers beautiful views of the lake, while the lower floor has a patio. Guests can walk down to the lake via an easy trail from the house.
1022.09 km (635.1 mi) from Cuyamaca Rancho State ParkAccommodates: 12
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were comfortable and i liked the firm mattresseswish there was a king bed but oh wellwe had a great time on daisy lane the cabin had plenty of room for all of ushouse was clean and comfortable although it could use a couple chairs in the living roomHost:
owners worked to make our stay very enjoyablethank you tim for being so responsive and letting us enjoy your homethe kids had a blast and the owners was professional and kindRead more reviewsLocation:
location was super close to everything we wanted to dothe location of the house is perfectthis was a nice property with a good locationloved the privacy and lake location will be coming back next yeari also loved the hammocks which are in a nice shaded area perfect place to spend your afternoon
Spend your lake vacation in a comfortable cabin
With numerous beautiful lakes in California, anyone looking to enjoy a lake vacation will have plenty of choices. Staying at a lakefront property not only assures you of the best views but also provides easy access to the lake and other local attractions. So, make use of our list of the top lake cabin rentals in California, USA, to spot your dream cabin.
Frequently asked questions about the best lake cabin rentals in California, USA
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