Split down the middle by the Nevada-California state line, beautiful Lake Tahoe is one of the best destinations for year-round outdoor recreation in all of the United States. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the lake region boasts 14 ski resorts—including famed Heavenly, Northstar, and Palisades-Tahoe for you Epic and Ikon pass holders—and thousands of miles of truly breathtaking hiking and mountain biking trails.
Don't forget the lake itself, boasting sandy beaches, pristine blue waters for boating and swimming (if you can't handle the cold), and endless giant rocks to sunbath atop. At its deepest point, Lake Tahoe reaches 1,645 feet deep and is rumored to house an underwater creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster, tales of which date back to when indigenous Washoe and Paiute peoples inhabited the area. If you're planning a visit, the endless outdoor recreation is best paired with one of the region's many impressive Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals available for rent year round.
With record breaking snow in the winter and beautiful, hot high desert summer conditions, there's really no bad time to visit.
From Incline Village to South Tahoe, these Lake Tahoe cabin rentals all land within reach of the shore, plus the cafes and quiet nightlife of a mountain town (or, head over to the Nevada side to get loose among casino goers) tucked among tall pines. Book now for seasons to come and stay stoked to explore one of the most beautiful and activity-rich regions in North America.
The 15 Best Lake Tahoe Cabin Rentals
Lighthus Cabin — South Lake Tahoe, CA
Vibe: Ex Machina Chic
This contemporary marvel is nestled on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, about a 20-minute drive to Emerald Bay, Zephyr Cove, NV, and Lake Tahoe Golf Course, and a 10-minute drive to Heavenly Village and ski resort, among numerous other attractions. Designed to weave through the forest, the awesome home is all angles and peaceful hideaways, complete with a spa-like cedar hot soaking tub in the outdoor rock garden.
Rate: $764/night
Heller Haus - Tahoma, CA
Vibe: Luxe Alpine Lodge
This multi-level lodge has the quintessential characteristics of a classic alpine hideaway with redwood and alder post-and-beam design, a (very) large stone fireplace, and more natural touches throughout, with plenty of modern amenities. Though quite pricey, it's easily one of the best cabins around, and large enough to sleep 12 guests, so come with a group, split the cost, and enjoy its panoramic lake view and nearby mountains from the top floor. Plus these accommodations come with easy access to a private beach.
Rate: $2,060/night
Tahoe A-Frame — Homewood, CA
Vibe: Cheery and Bright
Full of inviting boho and MCM details, this A-Frame is thoughtfully decorated and it shows. With two bedrooms and two baths (with luxe showers), everyone can hang in their own area, or come together in the airy living area. A back deck and hot tub overlook the pines and, as always in West Lake Tahoe, you're just a quick drive to a selection of ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, among others, and of course, the lake itself.
Rate: $518/night
Charming Studio Chalet — Carnelian Bay, CA
Vibe: Solo Dolo
About a 20 minute drive to Palisades Tahoe and Northstar, this cozy cabin on the North Shore is the perfect crash pad after a day of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or forest bathing. Outfitted with just enough amenities and but nothing over the top, if you still prefer your ski vacations with a bit of rustic charm, this is your spot.
Rate: $225/night
Wayfare Cabin — Homewood, CA
Vibe: Idle Awhile
Inside this peaceful A-frame, a simple and clean interior is made even more inviting with a knotty pine paneling, warm-hued painted walls, and a wood-fired stove ready for game nights and cozy group hangs. Although it's close to nearly everything (downtown, ski resorts, and a public beach) the wool Pendleton blankets and Shaker-style furniture give this minimalistic space a sense of nostalgia that might just inspire you to unplug and embrace the solitude.
Rate: $346/night
MCM A-Frame — Homewood, CA
Vibe: Mid-Century Crashpad
Making its second appearance on a Field Mag list is the MCM Tahoe A-Frame. Furnished in eclectic mid-century, wood paneled glory, enjoy the unique interior and cozy up to the fireplace, chat around the amoeba-shaped counter or enjoy the wonderful view from the 3rd-floor sleeping loft accessible by ladder. Outside, a truly impressive hot-tub is built into the deck for a post-adventure soak and the beach, skiing, hiking and town is all within a short drive.
Rate: $554/night
Mountain Cabin — Carnelian Bay, CA
Vibe: Simple Yet Sophisticated
Recently renovated, this unique two-bedroom is simply, although effectively furnished. For the at home chef, there's a spacious kitchen (with pictures of the supplies provided) and a NEST thermostat and Sonos sound system for those who like their environment JUST right. In the warmer months, enjoy the deck set-up, walk a short distance to hiking trails or drive 10-minutes to Kings Beach.
Rate: $285/night
Tahoe Pines Treehouse — Homewood, CA
Vibe: Castle Cabin
On Lake Tahoe's west shore, this unique cabin was built in the 1970s and is full of cozy nooks and crannies. Equipped with soft linens, a full kitchen, hot tub, and a tower bedroom, spend your vacation exploring the house, or walk just 10 minutes to the lakefront.
Rate: $464/night
Moondance A-Frame — Tahoma, CA
Vibe: Modern Rustic
This rustic-modern A-Frame is straightforward while providing all the amenities you would need for a cozy ski weekend. A front wall of windows lets in plenty of light and looks out over a spacious deck. Inside, a wood stove, large kitchen, and dining table are the perfect places to spend some quality time. Access to hiking trails are down the street, Lake Tahoe is a walk away, and Homewood is close by for a day of skiing.
Rate: $255/night
Tahoe Chronicler — Olympic Valley, CA
Vibe: Historical Hideout
Serving you California cabin in all its glory is this wooden marvel mere steps from Palisades Tahoe ski resort. Once the host of the 1960’s Olympic reporters, this home is full of quirks, odd corners, and colorful art for a stay you won’t forget.
Rate: $1,062/night
Hygge Barn Modern Cabin — Tahoma, CA
Vibe: Barnyard Bash
Escape to this recently remodeled and warmly welcoming barn cabin on the West Shore. Decorated in an inviting mid-century meets boho style, spend your time in the grand living room around the central wood-burning stove, or walk to Sugar Pine public beach, coffee shops, and markets. Not too many amenities, just the right amount.
Rate: $384/night
Little Black Cabin — Carnelian Bay, CA
Vibe: Farmhouse in the Mountains
Bask in the vintage charm of this recently renovated 1940's one-bedroom cabin. Just big-enough for a couple, details have been carefully curated here for a homey stay. Cook up a meal in the full kitchen boasting brand new top-end appliances, finish a few chapters in the reading loft, or fire up the Shaker wood stove in the living room. Outside a deck and gas fireplace keep you cozy. You'll be in a 2 minute walk to a private beach and pier and walking distance to hiking and biking trails in Tahoe National Forest.
Rate: $399/night
Chalet 300 — Tahoe City, CA
Vibe: Compact Yet Cozy
This 420 square ft vacation home has all you need for a solo vacation, couple's getaway or small family trip. There's a sleeping loft upstairs that includes a queen and single bed, and a kitchenette and cozy living area downstairs, all decorated in a modern-rustic style. The town of Sunnyside is just steps away or make the short drive to Tahoe City to stock up on supplies.
Rate: $294/night
Wilderness Cabin — North Tahoe, CA
Vibe: Mountain Town Minimalism
Very beige and peaceful, this recently remodeled home takes mountain-cabin plush and gives it a fluff, revealing a lighter, modern version of the traditional heavy interiors that tend to dominate the surrounding region. Highlights include the 12-person table on the balcony deck, the master bath spa tub, and of course, a lake view well worth the hefty pricetag. This property is great for chic families and groups of friends looking to get away together.
Rate: $1,999/night
Tahoma Cabin — Tahoma, CA
Vibe: Little Cabin, Big Heart
Located in the heart of Tahoma on the western lakeshore, this inviting, family-friendly cabin is full of unique spaces for exploring. A spacious living area provides a large dining table, sectional, and kitchen and a small reading nook with an electric fire pit is great for a moment of peace. Outside, a hot tub set-up includes a waterfall and disco lights. Explore nearby Homewood Ski Resort and Sugar Pine Point State Park for all your adventuring needs.
Rate: $287/night
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does it cost to rent a cabin in Lake Tahoe?
The cost of renting a cabin in Lake Tahoe can vary widely on the location and time of year. Ski-in, ski-out cabins and condos will run upwards or $1,000 a night, but will likely be half that during the summer. On the other hand, cabins near the lake with access to beaches can run anywhere from $200 a night up to $1,500 per night. Now, to rent a house on Lake Tahoe, you should expect to pay around $2,000 a night. Check out Airbnb's lakefront search engine to browse options.
Which side of Lake Tahoe is better?
The answer to which side of Lake Tahoe is better depends on your vibe. South Lake Tahoe is the entertainment capital, with lots of development, casinos, and ski resorts. North Lake Tahoe (and in particular, the nearby town of Truckee) are much more mellow and focused on nature and outdoor recreation.
Is Lake Tahoe vacation expensive?
The cost of a Lake Tahoe vacation depends on what you want to do on your vacation. Many public beaches, hiking trails, and campgrounds are free or cost very little, whereas fancy cabin rentals, boat rentals, and $200+ lift tickets to go skiing will quickly add up. Of course, the cost of accommodations varies widely too. In short, you can do it cheap if you ask locals how they make it work. Or you can ball out. Your call.
Published 12-08-2020
Updated 12-11-2024
