12 Lake Tahoe Mountain Retreats Perfect To Rent In Any Season

Whether you’re heading to Tahoe to hike and bike in the summer or ski in the winter, you’re going to need a place to rest your pretty little head after a day on the trails or the slopes. Lake Tahoe straddles the border of California and Nevada, which divides it from east to west, but it's also divided from north to south. North Lake Tahoe offers a laidback, relaxed vibe, while South Lake is all about the nightlife and casinos.

What they have in common is the glittering blue waters of the 25,000-year-old lake for which the area is named. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, Lake Tahoe boasts some of the purest waters in North America. It is one of the largest Alpine lakes in the country and the second deepest behind Oregon's Crater Lake. High in the Sierra Nevadas, the mesmerizing lake is surrounded by a panoramic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and sugar pines.

This picturesque playground makes for the perfect place for watersports, fishing, boating, and other summertime activities. Of course, Lake Tahoe is also known as a winter retreat, thanks to several area ski resorts. If you do visit during ski season, we recommend driving an all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle with good snow tires. High elevations mean steep inclines and roads can get extremely icy and slippery.

From lakefront lodges to cozy cabins, Vrbo offers some stellar mountain retreats. We’ve done all the work for you, so now you can just sit back and scroll through these top-rated Lake Tahoe vacation rentals.

Why does this lakefront property cost thousands of dollars a night? Because it offers gorgeous panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from almost every room and a private pier. Situated on Meeks Bay, this sprawling five-bedroom, four-bath ranch-style home sleeps 14. Do note that this vacation rental must be booked by the week in the peak summer months.

Its main bedroom has a king-sized bed, private bath, and a view of the water that stretches across to Nevada and South Lake Tahoe. Back-to-back bedrooms offer queen beds and sliding glass doors to the deck, while two hallway bathrooms feature jetted tubs. A loft offers built-in bunk beds for the kiddos, while a fifth bedroom has two twin beds.

Highlights include an indoor grill, laundry room, wood-burning fireplace, ample decks, and a stone patio. No pets are allowed. Parking is provided for two to six cars, depending on the season. Chains or snow tires are required during winter.

Lakefront living awaits at this stellar stay, surrounded by turquoise waters on the shimmering shores of a beautiful bay. Perfect for a large group, this 4,800-square-foot, tri-level vacation rental boasts five bedrooms — each with its own bath. Two king rooms, two queen rooms, and one double room can accommodate up to 12 guests. Plenty of parking is provided.

Enjoy stunning views of the lake and the rugged Sierra mountains through its floor-to-ceiling windows or from the large deck. Grill up dinner and enjoy al fresco on the two large patio tables. Another patio has lounge chairs for sunbathing and relaxing.

This lakefront lodge features a private pier and even has a little beach area to hang out on. A canoe and paddleboards are provided for those who want to get out on the water.

Located in the quiet West Shore just a couple of miles from Tahoe City, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home can be found in the safe, family-friendly neighborhood of Talmont. Perfect for groups, this two-story, 2,100-square-foot vacation rental can accommodate up to 10 guests. The main bedroom has a king bed and ensuite bath, but the downstairs bedroom with a queen bed has access to a small deck. The bunk room can sleep five kids and a bonus room has a private entry, queen-size sleeper sofa, gas fireplace, and attached bath.

Watch the sun come up over the lake from the living room or large deck. The garage has plenty of wood to start a fire in the wood-burning stove. There's also a washer/dryer, garage with room for one vehicle, and ample parking in the driveway.

Take advantage of Talmont Estates’ amenities, including access to the private Tahoe Park beach, which offers two piers and beach volleyball. The park itself has a swing set, basketball court, grill and picnic area, horseshoe pits, and bocce ball.

Hike or mountain bike in warmer months and cross country ski or snowshoe in colder ones just blocks away at Paige Meadows. The Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Homewood ski resorts are all within an 11-mile radius, as is the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area. Sunnyside Restaurant and Fire Sign Cafe are both less than two miles away for when you work up an appetite on the slopes or the water.

Close to the restaurants, shops, and activities of both North and South Shore — without the congestion of either — this luxury stay is situated on Rubicon Bay on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Take in views of the beautiful turquoise waters from the deck.

With three bedrooms and three and a half baths, this 3,200-square-foot vacation home can accommodate four adults and two children. The upstairs master suite has a king-sized bed, its own bathroom, and a balcony with views of the lake. Downstairs, the other master suite has a queen-sized bed, an ensuite bath, and lake views. A third room has bunk beds for kiddos. There's also a laundry room downstairs.

Relax on the HOA's private sandy beach, swim, or rent a kayak. Both Emerald Bay and DL Bliss State Park can be found nearby, and hiking and walking trails abound.

This gorgeous three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath vacation rental is located in the west end of Squaw Valley. It is outfitted with high-end appliances and furnishings, with luxury touches like heated bathroom floors. Its main bedroom has a king-sized bed and ensuite bath. The bunk room also has its own private bath and the third bedroom has a queen-size mattress with a half-bath next door. Cozy up for a movie night or catch a game in the media room, which features a gigantic TV and comfy couch.

Living area flooring is made from barn wood, while the reclaimed wood on the ceilings came from a 1908 Bay Area naval base. Other special touches include high-end appliances and a gas fireplace. Traveling with children? The hosts have everything you need, from a high chair to a stroller.

There is a garage, but guests do not have access to it. Instead, parking is off the street, where a maximum of two cars is allowed. The two-bedroom unit above the garage is also for rent with separate private entry through the garage. Download the Mountaineer app to take advantage of Squaw Valley's shuttle service. Nine shuttles offer chauffeured door-to-door service from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, so there's no need to drive to the ski resort or dinner.

Conveniently located, this chalet is about a minute's drive from the lifts as well as The Village at Squaw Valley, which offers several shops and restaurants, including a wine bar, sushi bar, bistro, pizza, and fine dining.

In the summer, you can take the cruiser bikes that are included with the rental on the bike path that runs beside the main road in Squaw Valley to take in fantastic views of Squaw Valley Meadows and Squaw Creek. Take the aerial tram up to High Camp, which overlooks Lake Tahoe, to take in wonderful wildflower views.

Just 30 feet from the water's edge in Tahoe Vista on the north shore of the lake, this cozy, charming cabin is situated on Boiler Point and boasts its very own pier and buoy. With three bedrooms and two and a half baths, the lakefront home can accommodate six to eight guests. The main bedroom has a king-sized bed and ensuite bath as well as a laundry room, while the second bedroom has a queen bed and a third has a full-sized bed.

Enjoy lake views from the dining area, living room, and deck. There's a small patio with a firepit and a rock fireplace in the living area.

Conveniently located near North Tahoe Marina, this cute cabin is within walking distance of restaurants, the grocery store, and beaches. In the summer, sunbathe and take in some of the best sunsets on the lake from the lounge chairs on the dock. For those who visit in winter, you’ll find Northstar and Heavenly ski resorts nearby.

Not only is this cabin within walking distance of Patton Beach, but it also has a hot tub and lake views! With four bedrooms, it can sleep up to 10, but keep in mind that there are only two bathrooms. One bedroom has a California king-sized bed, while two others have a queen and a bunk room has two twins and a queen.

Rent a kayak or paddleboard from nearby Waterman's Landing, hit the trails, or putt around the miniature golf course. There are also some good restaurant options nearby. Go to Garwood's Grill for drinks on the deck.

Carnelian Bay offers easy access to major ski resorts, including Northstar, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows as well as free casino shuttles and the Tahoe regional bus system, Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transportation (TART). Other nearby attractions include Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and golf courses.

Stay in the heart of South Lake Tahoe in this lakefront townhouse within the gated community of Sierra Shores. At 1,787 square feet, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom can accommodate up to six guests. One bedroom has a king-sized bed, while the other two have queen beds. Do note that the host prefers five- to seven-night reservations during peak summer months.

Features of this ADA-approved unit include a lakefront deck, an outdoor kitchen, fireplaces, and an oversized Jacuzzi tub. Daily housekeeping is available for a fee.

Enjoy access to community amenities, including the heated swimming pool and large jetted spa, fitness center, 270-foot sandy beach, adjacent pier and buoys, hammocks, and lookout point.

Part of South Lake's Tahoe Woods condo complex, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom top-level unit can host up to eight guests. The downstairs master has a king-sized bed and ensuite bath, while the upstairs master also has a king-sized bed, but its private bath has a jacuzzi tub. The other bedroom has a queen-sized bed, while the office has a queen pullout sofa.

Sliding glass doors lead out to the balcony, where guests can watch the sun go down over the meadow. There's also a gas grill. This unit does come with air conditioning and has a laundry room.

Heavenly Mountain Resorts, the gondola, and various equipment rental shops are nearby. If you’re here to hit the slopes, you can store your ski gear in the garage. If you’re here in the summer months, take the five-minute walk to the gorgeous sandy Lakeside Beach. Lake Tahoe, the casinos, shops, a grocery store, and restaurants are all within walking distance as well.

Part of the Lakeland Village Resort at Heavenly, this three-story lakefront townhome features jaw-dropping panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. With six bedrooms and five baths, this vacation rental can accommodate eight adults and four children. One master suite has a king-sized bed, ensuite bath, and lake view, while the other has all of that and sliding glass doors leading out to a deck. Two rooms have a queen bed, while another has two twins, as does the third-floor loft.

In the living room, a gas fireplace is encased by floor-to-ceiling stonework. Large windows and sliding glass doors offer 180-degree views of the water, as does the expansive wrap-around deck. In warmer months, cook dinner on the electric grill and eat in the great outdoors. A washer/dryer is also included in this vacation rental.

Enjoy access to Lakeland Village community amenities, including the private beach and pier, swimming pools, hot tub and sauna, tennis courts, and fitness center. There's also a play area for kids. Within walking distance, there's a place to rent boats, paddleboards, and kayaks for summertime fun, or rent ski and snowboards onsite during winter.

This unit does not have air conditioning, but it does offer onsite parking for four cars. Heavenly ski resort is less than five minutes from here, while Stateline casinos are conveniently located just a couple of miles away.

On the edge of South Lake Tahoe's Sierra Shores community, this ground-floor unit offers unbeatable lake views. The three-bedroom, three-bath condo can accommodate six guests. The primary bedroom has a king-sized bed and ensuite bath, while the second bedroom has a queen bed with use of the hallway bathroom, and the third has two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom.

On the patio, you’ll find a gas grill and a lounge area from which to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Not only does this condo have a fireplace, but it also offers air conditioning — a rare find in these parts. This vacation rental also has a washer/dryer. One reserved spot is provided in the shared parking garage, while another unreserved spot is available in the parking lot.

Take advantage of community amenities, such as the heated pool, hot tub, and fitness center. An expansive lakefront lawn provides the perfect place to sunbathe and offers direct access to the lake and a private beach (water levels permitting). This property is adjacent to Timber Cove Marina, which features a pier, boat rentals, and other watersports.

Nestled on the beautiful north shore of Lake Tahoe, this two-story condo is located in a small, quiet complex. The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom end unit sleeps four. The host notes that it is ideal for four adults but not suitable for young children. Both bedrooms have California king beds and ensuite baths, but one opens up to a balcony with lake views.

Another deck off the living room features even more stunning lakefront views, while a private paved patio provides the perfect place to relax or grill. Other features include a fireplace and washer and dryer.

This lakefront location boasts a private beach, marina, and swim platform. Plus, there's two-mile walking path along the lakeshore. It's also centrally located, with Diamond Peak Ski Resort just five minutes away. Northstar is 15 minutes away and Squaw and Alpine are about 30 minutes away. World-class golf and hiking are just minutes away while Tahoe City is 15 minutes away. Incline Village offers shopping and restaurants with a quaint small-town vibe.

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