Author
Field Mag
Photographer
via AirBnb
Split down the middle by the Nevada and California state line, beautiful Lake Tahoe is one of the best destinations for year-round outdoor recreation in all of the United States. At its deepest point, the pristine blue waters of the namesake lake reach 1,645 feet and are rumored to house a lake creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster, tales of which date back to when indigenous Washoe and Paiute peoples inhabited the area.
Today, a seemingly endless array of ski resorts and mountain towns surround the body of water, all of which boast stunning lake views and vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. You'd be hard-pressed to find a vacation rental here without easy access to ski areas, lakefront beaches, hiking trails, and the pine-tree scented, high desert air.
From west, east, south, and north Lake Tahoe, these cozy cabin rentals all land within a short drive of the lake shore and the cafes and quiet nightlife of a mountain town tucked amongst 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.
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 Mountain Resort among numerous other attractions. Designed to weave through the forest, the home is all angles and peaceful hideaways, complete with a cedar hot soaking tub in the outdoor rock garden.
Rate: $661/night
Tahoe A-Frame — Timberland, 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 lux 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—Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Northstar, etc—as well as the lake itself.
Rate: $447/night
Wilderness Cabin — North Tahoe, CA
Vibe: Mountain Town Minimalism
Very beige and peaceful, this home takes mountain-cabin plush and gives it a fluff, revealing a lighter, modern version of the traditionally heavy interiors that tend to dominate the surrounding region. Highlights include the 12-person table on the deck, the master bath whirlpool tub, and of course, the views.
Rate: $1,999/night
Charming Studio Chalet — Carnelian Bay, CA
Vibe: Solo Dolo
About a 20 minute drive to Squaw Valley and Northstar this north shore cabin is the perfect cozy place to crash after a day of skiing or snowboarding. Outfitted with just enough and not much more, if you still prefer your ski vacations with a bit of rustic charm, this is your spot.
Rate: $225/night
Tahoma Cabin — Tahoma, CA
Vibe: Little Cabin, Big Heart
Located in the heart of Tahoma on the west 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: $473/night
Starry Night Retreat — Carnelian Bay, CA
Vibe: Studio Apartment
This beachy Tahoe getaway is an inviting studio apartment perfect for a solo trip or couple's vacation. Plenty of large windows let in light to the modest space, and a pleasant kitchenette and nook-bed make the space cozy.
Rate: $230/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 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: $364/night
Mountain Cabin — Carnelian Bay, CA
Vibe: Simple Yet Sophistacted
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
Wolf & Hound Cabin — Tahoe City, CA
Vibe: East Meets West
Right outside of Tahoe City, this cabin has a distinct Northeast feel to its bones, mixed with California-coziness and hunting-lodge hardiness. Outback a secluded pool and hot-tub are awaiting, or chill by the various fireplace throughout the house.
Rate: $2,609/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: $417/night
Beachside Bungalow — Carnelian Bay, CA
Vibe: Beachy and Bright
This cozy cabin takes country cottage lakeside. Charming rustic decor, homey floral touches, and plenty of natural light make an inviting interior, and outside a small deck tucked away in the trees is the perfect spot to drink a morning cup. In the warmer months, a sleeping casita opens up for additional guests, or treat you and the SO to a weekend to yourselves. In a great location and pet-friendly, you'll be within walking distance to cafes, restaurants, and a dog-friendly beach.
Rate: $355/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: $399/night
Tahoe Chronicler — Olympic Valley, CA
Vibe: Historical Hideout
Serving you California cabin in all its glory is this wooden marvel mere steps from Soon-to-Have-More-Equitable-Name Valley 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
Oliver A-Frame — Agate Bay, CA
Vibe: Mountain Chic
For the modern-design lover, this spacious mansard roofed A-Frame chalet is decked out with contemporary-rustic furnishings. There's plenty of spaces to hang, with a huge living room that opens up to an outdoor deck and hot tub. Upstairs, a loft holds some extra space for living and lounging. Within walking distance to town, a short drive to great hiking trails, and a 25-minute drive to Squaw Valley, there's plenty of not-lounging to do outside the house as well.
Rate: $321/night
Hygge Barn Modern Cabin — Tahoma, CA
Vibe: Barnyard Bash
Escape to this renovated 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.
Rate: $350/night
Light Upon the Lake Cabin — Tahoe City, CA
Vibe: Home Away from Home
Modern and homey, this cabin offers up a reliable, comfortable stay. Hang out in the living space, which features rustic wooden beams, lots of light, and a wood-burning fireplace or on the deck outside. Perfect for the family or a small group, you’ll be minutes away from Tahoe City for good food and shopping.
Rate: $832/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: $346/night
Chalet 300 — Tahoe City, CA
Vibe: Compact, Yet Cozy
This 420 sq 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: $264/night
Published 05-23-2022
