In need of a vacation? We feel you. While some folks like to head to the ocean, a lakeside getaway can be more relaxing and a better value for your money. We’ve found 30 of the best lakeside rentals across America where you can take some time to recharge.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: 35 Best Beach Towns for an Affordable Summer Vacation
Million $$ Panoramic Lake Views
Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaBook It
Located in the posh Eagle Point neighborhood, this 2,500-square-foot home (which was redecorated in 2019) has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, panoramic lake views, and a spacious floor plan. Unlike many of these listings, it allows pets and has a gated yard for your pup to run around in. Just imagine having your morning coffee on that deck.
Related: Beautiful Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals Across America
FeatherNest on Big Bear Lake
Fawnskin, CaliforniaBook It
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage offers a 180-degree view of the lake and a seasonal, private dock. There’s a large deck and unobstructed views of the lake. The cabin proudly does not offer Wi-Fi or TV (though your phone should have service), offering even more of an escape from the day-to-day.
Related: The Most Remote Vacation Rentals Around the World
Spectacular Lakefront With Hot Tub and Dock
Boulder Bay, CaliforniaBook It
This cabin has three bedrooms (with eight beds altogether), three bathrooms, and 2,600 square feet of living space. There’s also a private dock, a hot tub, a half-acre lot (with a fully fenced yard), and windows galore for gazing on Big Bear Lake. Inside, there’s a game room complete with a pool table, too.
Related: Vacation Rentals for Large Groups & Family Reunions
Gilner Point on Big Bear Lake
San Bernardino County, CaliforniaBook It
Maybe you’re looking for some lakeside luxury? If so, this rental may be exactly what you want. It has more than 3,000 square feet inside, a ¾-acre beachfront, 35-foot ceilings, and a 700-square-foot glass enclosed patio with a built-in gas barbecue, gas fire pit, plus a brand new hot tub. There are four beds, two baths, lake views, mountain views, and reviewers have only wonderful things to say about it.
New Luxe Cabin
Lake Arrowhead, CaliforniaBook It
Located near San Bernardino, Lake Arrowhead is sometimes called the Alps of Southern California. This 3,000-square-foot cabin in Lake Arrowhead Village has six bedrooms, three bathrooms (sleeping 14 altogether), two decks, a fully stocked kitchen, and is pet-friendly. There’s also a fully stocked kitchen for the chefs of the group. Reviewers call it “clean, spacious, and homey.”
Related: A-Frame Cabins That Are Perfect for Fall Getaways
Trending on Cheapism
Lakefront Dream Luxury Estate
Boulder Bay, CaliforniaBook It
Another palatial cabin, this rental on Big Bear Lake is 5,000 square feet and has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and thoughtful touches like a jetted spa, indoor sauna, a game room, and more. Head out in the morning to the private dock for a boating adventure, then head inside in the evening for a fire around the stone fireplace.
Quilt Maker Cottage on Sebasticook Lake
Penobscot County, MaineBook It
This 600-square-foot cottage, right off a dirt road, offers a picture-perfect Maine getaway. There’s a hammock. There’s a boat dock, two kayaks, two paddle boards, a paddle boat, and a campfire pit (they provide the wood). There’s a gas grill. Dogs are allowed. There’s no Wi-Fi, but there is a sewing machine. Spend all day swimming, boating, fishing, and taking in the views.
Spacious Lakefront Home in Union Pier
Union Pier, MichiganBook It
Union Pier in Southwest Michigan is known for its resort feel, offering wineries, eateries, Lake Michigan kayaking, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation. This home offers a private beachfront on Lake Michigan, five bedrooms spread out over two floors, and a three-sided wrap-around porch and deck.
Related: Plum Guide: An Airbnb-Like Website That’ll Make You Want to Splurge
Sign up for our newsletter
Beautiful Burt Lake Family Getaway
Alanson, MichiganBook It
Alanson is a tiny town (population 738 at the last census) located in Northern Michigan and known for its Inland Waterway, a stretch of connected lakes and rivers that span 38 miles. This home on Burt Lake has five bedrooms, four baths, a two-story great room, a walk-out basement, and more. Reviewers say it comfortably fits two families and mention the proximity to Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan.
Related: 20 Best Winter Home Rentals in America
Here & Now on Mullet Lake
This cottage offers three beds, two baths, and 102 feet of Mullet Lake frontage. There’s a dock for boating, a large patio deck, a fireplace, and plenty of room to recharge in nature.
Burt Lake Guesthouse
Indian River, MichiganBook It
Or maybe you’re going solo or with a partner. This one-bed, one-bath property on Burt Lake offers 100 feet of beachfront, a breakfast deck, a hammock, and more. Swim, kayak, and sail to your heart’s content, and enjoy the cottage, which was just remodeled in 2018. Reviewers praise the beauty of the location and note that the owners are prompt and helpful. The owners do warn that the property’s rural internet service is slow and unreliable.
For more great travel guides and vacation tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
Cottage on Crooked Lake
Petoskey, MichiganBook It
This 1,800-square-foot cottage on the lake has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private dock, a deck, a firepit, and more. It’s near wineries, restaurants, a lighthouse, and reviewers say it’s clean and a great spot for families.
Related: 18 Spectacular Lighthouses Across America
Prime Location on Lake Winnipesaukee
Gilford, New HampshireBook It
This all-season cottage on a dead end has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fire pit, a sun deck, and a 30 foot lakefront porch. You can expect privacy, views, and a quintessentially New England lake getaway.
Camp Two Pines on Lake Placid
Family-owned Camp Two Pines offers almost 300 feet of private frontage on Lake Placid. There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms, views of the Adirondacks, plus kayaks, paddleboard, and a large dock with a slip if you’d like to bring a boat.
Amazing Lake House With All Amenities
Alder Creek, New YorkBook It
This four-bed, two-bath home on Kayuta Lake is set up for comfort. There’s central air, a sauna, two showers plus a steam shower (and a tankless water heater so no one’s showering cold), and a whirlpool tub. There’s also a private dock, a stainless steel grill, and an extended deck. Reviewers say it’s clean and comfortable, and the steam shower receives extensive praise.
Beautiful Retreat With Amazing Views
Town of Jerusalem, New YorkBook It
Nestled in New York State’s Finger Lakes region, this all-season log home is on over an acre of land, with waterfalls and wildlife nearby. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, 115 feet of Keuka Lake frontage, plus two lakeside decks. Make sure to check out the breweries and wineries nearby, as this region is world-renowned for its Riesling and more.
Related: The Most Beautiful Cabin in Every State
Charming Cottage With Private Beach
Town of Brant, New YorkBook It
Styled after an early 1900s beach cottage but featuring modern amenities, this property on Lake Erie is a relaxing place to get away from it all. Built in 1919 but since renovated, it’s less than 30 minutes away from downtown Buffalo, and has a “secret beach,” kayaks, fire pits, a grill, and more. This home has two beds and one bath, but if you’re a larger group, the home next door is also available to rent.
Luxurious Texoma Lakefront Home
Pottsboro, TexasBook It
Only 150 feet of trees are between this home and the lakefront on the Texas side of Lake Texoma. There are five bedrooms (sleeping 10 altogether), three bathrooms, decks on several levels, and a fully stocked kitchen. Reviewers say it’s clean and has incredible views.
Lakefront Living in Madison
Madison, WisconsinBook It
This home on Lake Monona has plenty to offer: three bedrooms, comfortable beds, three bathrooms, a pier and a boat lift, and even a bird-feeding station maintained by the owners. Fish from the shoreline or simply lounge about in your room — every room in this place has a lake view.
Madison-Area Lakefront Home
McFarland, WisconsinBook It
Just 15 minutes away from downtown Madison, this three-bed, two-bath cottage on Lake Waubesa has a large lawn, a deck, and a dock. The living room, dining room, kitchen, first floor bedroom and the upstairs master bedroom also all have lake views. And, just a five-minute walk will take you to McFarland’s restaurants, bars, and shops.
Spacious Waterfront Property on Big Green Lake
Green Lake, WisconsinBook It
With room for 16 people, this five-bed, four-bath property has 100 feet of lake frontage. There are two homes available for rent if you have a larger party, plus a pier with boat slip, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, bean bag toss, gas as well as charcoal grills, a fire pit, wrap around porches, and more, so your Green Lake getaway is a good mix of relaxation and recreation.
The Lost Lanai
Lake Havasu City, ArizonaBook It
Perhaps you’re looking to see some Arizona wildlife. Perhaps an outdoor kitchen sounds appealing. Perhaps you’d like beach access. All of these options are available at this rental, which has one bedroom, one bathroom, and spectacular views of Lake Havasu.
Hip Lake Tahoe Condo
Dollar Point, CaliforniaBook It
This little one-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is on 95 acres, with a mile of lake frontage. Enjoy your morning coffee on the deck, then go for a walk in the evergreens before taking a pre-lunch dip in the lake. Reviewers call the cabin’s design “eclectic” and “artsy.”
Luxurious Lakefront Condo
Hollister, MissouriBook It
Hollister is located in Southwestern Missouri, just minutes away from Branson, known for its amusement parks and family-friendly fun. This two-bedroom, two-bath condo in a gated community on Table Rock Lake has a fully stocked kitchen, a gas grill on the lake-facing balcony, a marina to store your boat (if you reserve it ahead), a nearby state park, a clubhouse, and more. A fun spot for a small family or a couple.
Related: 19 Destinations Where Houseboat Rentals Beat the Beach
Stunning Lake and Mountain Views
Town of North Elba, New YorkBook It
This three-bed, two-bath rental is part of Loon Lodge at Whiteface Club Resort, and it gets high marks for views and convenience. It also is a beautiful space, one reviewer raves, “Every inch of this home was a work of art and the owners thought of everything a family could possibly want or need for the perfect vacation.” And, its views of Lake Placid should give you plenty of Facebook photos to post, at least until your next vacation.
Luxury Lake House on Great Sacandaga Lake
Mayfield, New YorkBook It
Located on a private road in the Adirondacks, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home on Great Sacandaga Lake offers year-round, climate-controlled comfort. There’s a sandy beach on the property, a hot tub, a patio, kayaks, and it happens to be just a minute from a golf course if you’re a golfer.
Shiraz Haus on Lake Travis
Lago Vista, TexasBook It
Perhaps you’re trying to decide between a vineyard retreat and a lakefront retreat. With this rental, you can have both. It has two beds, one bath, lots of open living area, a large deck, and is 45 minutes from downtown Austin. Spend your days swimming, boating, jet skiing, and sailing before enjoying some local wine in the evening.
180-Degree Lake Views of Lake Champlain
North Hero, VermontBook It
Some 45 minutes north of Burlington, Vermont, lies North Hero on North Hero Island in Lake Champlain. This cottage has views of the Green Mountains, a screened-in porch, a dock for swimming and fishing, a screened-in porch, kayaks, a canoe, a rowboat, and more. It’s also a little over an hour’s drive to Montreal if you’d like an easy day trip to a bigger city.
Angler’s Retreat on Lake Petenwell
Arkdale, WisconsinBook It
Located in tiny Arkdale, Wisconsin, this lake home had three bedrooms, 2½ baths, and plenty of outdoor space for lounging in nature. It offers a dock, an open floor plan, a deck, and a wall of windows overlooking Lake Petenwell. Reviewers praise the clean space, the abundance of nearby nature, and the large driveway.
Related: Best Fishing Spots in All 50 States
Tranquility Way
Stoughton, WisconsinBook It
This Stoughton Lake home with two beds and one full bath offers a fully stocked chef’s kitchen, a futon (to make the house comfortable for up to six people), and plenty of outdoor space for birdwatching and recreation. The minimum stay is seven days.
