One of my favorite things to do in the winter is drive up to Lake Tahoe, rent a cozy cabin Airbnb with a fireplace and hot tub, and fully enter what I call Après Ski Mode. Think late-night hot tub soaks with wine, slow mornings, wandering ski villages, and long evenings by the fire.
In the summer, Tahoe flips into lake days, hikes, kayaking, and group trips with friends, which is why I love it as a year-round destination. The key is booking the right place.
The lake is huge, and North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe have very different vibes. Booking in the wrong area can mean spending way more time in the car than you planned, especially if you’re trying to stay near Truckee or Northstar.
This list includes my favorite Lake Tahoe cabins and Airbnbs I’ve stayed in, places friends rave about, and a few bucket-list rentals I’m dying to book. Whether you’re planning a winter ski trip, a summer lake escape, or a cozy shoulder-season stay, these Tahoe Airbnbs are worth saving.
1. The Sugar Pine Speakeasy, Homewood (West Shore Tahoe)
This modern A-frame tucked into Tahoe’s West Shore is quiet, cozy, and surrounded by trees, the kind of place where you immediately slow down. It sits between Homewood and Tahoe City, a short walk from the lake, and sleeps six. Inside, you’ve got a fireplace, private hot tub, forest views from the decks, and a kitchen that actually works for cooking real meals.
It’s a great year-round pick. Summer is all about hammocks, outdoor dining, and easy trail access right outside the door, while winter means skiing at Palisades followed by hot tub soaks and nights by the fire. With a rare 5-star rating, this is one of those Lake Tahoe Airbnbs people fall in love with fast.
Best for: couples, families, or small groups looking for a peaceful West Shore base close to Tahoe City and Palisades
2. Tahoe Treehouse With Dome Loft, Homewood (West Shore Tahoe)
This artist-built Tahoe cabin from the 1970s feels like a hidden treehouse tucked into the woods on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. It’s warm, creative, and full of personality, with big windows, skylights, and a glass dome loft where you can stargaze from bed. The cabin sleeps up to six and includes a fully equipped kitchen, cozy living spaces, and a hot tub on the deck overlooking the trees. It’s easy to see why it’s a guest favourite cabin with an impressive average rating.
The location makes it especially appealing for a laid-back Lake Tahoe vacation. You’re on a quiet private street in Homewood, just a short walk to a private pier and beach, with trail access nearby and Tahoe City only a short drive away. If you want a vacation rental that feels creative, peaceful, and genuinely memorable, this one stands out among cabins at Lake Tahoe without feeling overdone.
Best for: couples, creative friends, or small families looking for a unique Lake Tahoe Airbnb with a true treehouse feel and easy West Shore access.
3. Homewood Lakefront By AvantStay, West Shore Tahoe
If being right on the shore is your non-negotiable, this Lake Tahoe Airbnb on the water is hard to beat. This lakefront home sits directly on the West Shore with its own private beach, panoramic lake views, and space for up to twelve guests across a main house and separate guest house. It feels classic and nostalgic in the best way, with rustic interiors, big windows facing the lake, and plenty of room to spread out without feeling crowded.
The outdoor setup is the star here. You can walk straight from the patio into the lake, grill dinner with the water in front of you, or spend the afternoon lounging on the shoreline with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as your backdrop. Inside, the fully equipped kitchen makes group meals easy, and the layout works especially well for multi-family trips. With a perfect average rating and a true lakefront location, this is one of those cabins at Lake Tahoe that delivers the classic postcard experience.
Best for: large families or group trips looking for a lakefront vacation rental on the West Shore with private beach access and room to gather.
4. Tahoe Bear Chalet, South Lake Tahoe
If you want South Lake Tahoe convenience without feeling like you’re in the middle of chaos, this cabin is a solid pick. The Tahoe Bear Chalet has that clean, modern alpine look, plus a Lake Tahoe Airbnb with hot tub setup that makes winter nights and post-hike evenings feel very worth it. It’s a guest favourite with a strong average rating, and it’s close to everything: beaches, restaurants, and yes, the casino zone, but still tucked in a quieter neighborhood near trails.
Inside, it’s set up for real life. There’s fast WiFi if you’re squeezing in work, a fireplace for cozy nights, and a fully equipped kitchen that makes it easy to keep your trip budget-friendly without living off takeout. If you’re doing a quick San Francisco escape or planning a longer Lake Tahoe vacation, this one checks a lot of boxes without trying too hard.
Best for: families, couples, or friend trips who want a comfy South Lake base near Heavenly and the action, with a hot tub waiting when you get back.
5. The Mountain Haus, South Lake Tahoe (Cold Creek Neighborhood)
If you’re traveling with a bigger group and want space to actually spread out, The Mountain Haus is a great South Lake Tahoe cabin option. It borders the forest, has multiple living areas, three decks, and a hot tub for post-adventure recovery. The best part is the setup: king beds, A/C (rare up here), and enough bathrooms that you’re not fighting for mirror time.
It’s close to Heavenly and town, but still feels tucked away, with hiking and biking trails basically starting in the backyard. The fully equipped kitchen and big great room make this one of those vacation rentals that works for real group trips, not just sleeping and leaving. With hundreds of reviews and a strong average rating, it’s a reliable pick when you want comfort plus easy access to everything.
Best for: friend groups or families who want a roomy Tahoe base near Heavenly with trail access, king beds, and a hot tub.
6. Adventure Basecamp A-Frame, Carnelian Bay (North Lake Tahoe)
This cozy A-frame in Carnelian Bay is an ideal Lake Tahoe winter cabin if your trip revolves around skiing, trail time, and serious post-adventure recovery. Backing right up to forest trails, it has a hot tub, an outdoor sauna, and easy access to nearby ski resorts like Northstar and Palisades, with Tahoe City just a short drive away. It’s quiet, woodsy, and designed to feel like a true basecamp rather than a party house.
Inside, it’s warm and practical, with a fully equipped kitchen, comfy beds, and thoughtful extras like gear storage and a small recovery space for stretching after long days outside. It’s one of those rentals Tahoe travelers book when they want to be active during the day and fully offline at night, soaking under the trees and calling it an early evening.
Best for: couples or small groups looking for a North Lake Tahoe cabin near Carnelian Bay with trail access, sauna nights, and easy drives to major ski resorts.
7. Salty Bear Cabin, Homewood (West Shore Tahoe)
This is the cutest little West Shore tahoe cabin that looks like Santa’s house, in the best way. It’s tucked in the trees in Homewood, just a short walk to the beach, and it’s a true dog friendly gem if you want to bring your pup. The vibe is cozy and classic Tahoe, but updated enough that you’re not roughing it, and the hot tub setup is honestly iconic, surrounded by vintage skis for extra privacy.
It’s also a total win if you want to be close to Tahoe City without staying in the middle of town. You’re near trails, markets, and West Shore favorites, plus a quick drive to a ski resort in winter. With a near-perfect average rating and tons of rave reviews, this one feels like a reliable “book it and relax” kind of cabin.
Best for: couples or a small family who want a Lake Tahoe vacation that includes beach walks, hot tub nights, and a dog-approved cabin on the West Shore.
8. Chamberlands West Shore Cabin, Tahoma
If you want a West Shore stay that feels peaceful but still close to everything, this top guest rated cabin in Tahoma is a gem. It’s about 15 minutes from Tahoe City, has filtered lake views, a big hot tub, and a layout that works really well for groups since the bedrooms are split up for privacy. Guests rave about how stocked it is too, the kind of place where you can actually cook, play games, and settle in without realizing you forgot something.
Summer gets you private beach access at Chambers Landing, and winter comes with easy access to Homewood and quick drives to bigger mountains like Palisades. It’s also close to Sugar Pine Point State Park, which is one of my favorite spots on the West Shore for forest walks and lake views. With a true 5.0 average rating, this is one of those vacation rentals that’s as easy as it sounds.
Best for: two families or a friend group who want a West Shore base with private beach access, hot tub nights, and quick access to Tahoe City and Sugar Pine Point State Park.
9. Riverfront Retreat Near Palisades, Truckee
If you’re planning a big group trip and want space, scenery, and easy ski access, this riverfront home in Truckee stands out. Set right along the Truckee River, it feels tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains, with water views, trees everywhere, and plenty of indoor and outdoor hangout zones. The layout is built for groups, with six bedrooms, multiple living areas, and a large fully equipped kitchen that actually works for cooking together instead of just reheating leftovers.
Location-wise, it’s ideal if skiing is a priority. You’re minutes from Palisades and Alpine Meadows, plus an easy drive into Tahoe City or Truckee for dining and supplies. The hot tub overlooking the river is the highlight after a long ski day, and the game room setup makes it easy to stay in at night. The average rating is lower than some smaller cabins, mostly tied to management hiccups, but guests consistently praise the setting, space, and overall experience once settled in.
Best for: large families or friend groups who want a Lake Tahoe vacation rental near Palisades with riverfront vibes, space to spread out, and easy access to North Lake Tahoe skiing.
10. Trapper by AvantStay, Alpine Meadows
If design matters to you as much as location, Trapper is a standout. This modern mountain home sits in Alpine Meadows with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a private sauna, and a hot tub that’s basically begging for après-ski evenings. The interiors feel elevated but not cold, lots of light, clean lines, and a layout that still works for hanging out together.
It’s close to Palisades and Alpine Meadows ski access, but tucked at the end of a cul-de-sac so it feels quiet and removed once you’re home. The fully equipped kitchen is genuinely impressive if you like to cook, and every bedroom having its own bathroom makes group trips way smoother. With a strong average rating and consistent reviews praising cleanliness and comfort, this one feels like a polished Lake Tahoe vacation rental that still delivers that cozy mountain payoff.
Best for: design lovers and friend groups who want a high-end Tahoe cabin near Palisades with sauna nights, views, and easy ski access without feeling crowded or chaotic.
11. Al Tahoe Oasis, South Lake Tahoe
This cabin nails the balance between location and calm. Set in South Lake Tahoe, it’s an easy walk to the beach and a quick drive to Heavenly, restaurants, and shops, but once you’re back home it feels genuinely quiet. The space itself is bright, thoughtfully renovated, and ideal for slowing down after full days out exploring. The fully equipped kitchen, separate wine fridge, and cozy living areas make it easy to settle in instead of constantly heading out.
What really stands out here is how livable it feels. The fenced yard is great if you’re traveling with kids, the fire pit and grill are perfect for low-key nights, and the layout works well for two couples or a small family. With an average rating that’s nearly perfect and hundreds of glowing reviews, this is one of those Lake Tahoe vacation rentals that delivers exactly what it promises without trying too hard.
Best for: couples or small families looking for a South Lake Tahoe cabin with walk-to-beach access, strong reviews, and an easygoing home base for both winter and summer trips.
12. The Cozy Cub Cabin, South Lake Tahoe
This tiny cabin punches way above its size. Tucked into a quiet pocket of South Lake Tahoe, it feels woodsy and calm, but you’re still a short drive from the lake, Heavenly, and everyday essentials. Inside, it’s warm and thoughtfully set up, with a fully equipped kitchen, gas fireplace, and just enough space to feel cozy without feeling cramped. The loft setup is especially great if you’re traveling with kids or don’t mind a slightly playful sleeping arrangement.
What really sells this one is how intentional it feels. It’s clearly designed for people who want a simple, comfortable Lake Tahoe vacation without paying for space they won’t use. With an average rating that’s nearly perfect and reviews that consistently mention cleanliness, comfort, and location, this is one of those rentals Tahoe visitors book and immediately understand why it’s always full. It also works well as a Lake Tahoe winter cabin, especially if you want something low-key after ski days.
Best for: couples or small families looking for a cozy South Lake Tahoe cabin that feels peaceful, walkable to town, and easy for both winter and summer stays.
13. Peaceful Getaway, Tahoe City
This one hits a very specific sweet spot for Tahoe City travelers who want space, comfort, and pet-friendly perks without being way out in the woods. Set just minutes from downtown, Granlibakken, and Palisades Tahoe, it works as a practical Lake Tahoe vacation rental that still feels calm once you’re inside. The fenced yard is a real win if you’re traveling with dogs, and the private hot tub makes it easy to wind down after ski days or long hikes.
Inside, the layout is straightforward and functional, with two levels that give groups a bit of breathing room. The pellet stove adds cozy winter energy, while the modern kitchen and strong WiFi make it easy to settle in for longer stays. Reviews consistently highlight how comfortable and clean the home is, though it’s worth knowing that this is a more residential setting rather than total seclusion.
If you want a solid, well-priced Lake Tahoe cabin rental close to town that works for families, small groups, and pets, this one makes sense. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want quick access to skiing, dining, and lake activities without sacrificing everyday comforts.
Best for: families or small groups looking for a pet-friendly Tahoe City rental with a hot tub, fenced yard, and easy access to Palisades and downtown.
Lake Tahoe is one of those rare California destinations that truly works in every season, but your trip can feel completely different depending on where you stay. If you want quiet mornings and forest walks, West Shore and Carnelian Bay are hard to beat. If you’re prioritizing Heavenly, casinos, and walkability, South Lake Tahoe makes more sense. Planning around Palisades or Northstar? Truckee and Tahoe City will save you serious drive time.
The best Lake Tahoe Airbnbs book out fast, as they’re some of the coolest Airbnbs in California, especially for winter ski weekends and peak summer lake season, so I always recommend locking in your dates early. Whether you’re after a lakefront vacation rental, a cozy A-frame cabin with a hot tub, or a pet-friendly Tahoe cabin close to trails, there’s something here that fits your version of a Tahoe escape.
If you’ve stayed somewhere incredible in Lake Tahoe that didn’t make this list, tell me. I’m always looking for my next excuse to drive up the mountain and fully enter Après Ski Mode again.
