15 Lake House Airbnbs That Will Make a Splash on Your Next Vacation
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The US is home to some of the most beautiful, vacation-worthy bodies of water, and the best lake house Airbnbs will get you front row seats to all the water sports and gobsmacking sunsets imaginable—from a remote treehouse in New York to a modern, blacked-out cabin in Texas.
To simplify your hunt for a spring break destination or summer enclave to decamp to when the weather heats up, we’ve picked out some of the most beautiful lakefront cottages, cabins, and guest house rentals we could find across the 50 states, ones that are blessed with premium amenities like saunas, hot tubs, and lakeside fire pits. Plenty of the rentals below also have ample availability through summer—ahead of the Fourth of July and any family vacations on the iCal. Read on for some of our favorite lake house Airbnbs with proximity to nature and immaculate vibes.
Perks: Outdoor area, BBQ grill, dedicated workspace, record player, wood-burning stove, clean and bright interiors
Part of the entertainment at this refreshing Scandi-style getaway, located within walking distance of Colorado’s Lake Granby, is watching elk, antelope, and moose graze in the meadow below. The area is also known for its boating and water sports, but if you prefer to relax on the shore, you can lay back in the shade of your private outdoor deck, or hole up in one of the pristine white bedrooms on the property that comes decorated with cheerful pops of color. This charming A-frame is the ideal place to take in fresh mountain views and air while still enjoying wintery comforts like a fire pit (circled by modern chairs) and wood-burning stove. For longer stays, there’s even a spacious kitchen for prepping meals, along with desk areas to accommodate the occasional remote Zoom. From $379 per night.
Perks: Beach access, lake view, quiet neighborhood, washer/dryer, responsive hosts
This newly-renovated cottage along Candlewood Lake—the largest lake within a 60-mile radius of New York City—feels like a modern cabin, with whitewashed wood paneling on the walls and warm pine flooring underfoot. The two-bedroom spot is ideal for couples and small groups of friends who want to be centrally located close to the beach, playgrounds, and boat launch pad nearby. The home and patio face west, making it especially ideal for catching beautiful lake sunsets throughout the year. From $288 per night.
Perks: Pet-friendly, private sauna, TV streaming, garden and lake view, Adirondack chairs on dock
Located on the shores of Lake Oscawana in Putnam County—just over an hour from New York City—this impeccably designed waterfront home has an airy, almost English feel (it’s also very close to Fahnestock State Park’s many hiking trails if you want to get your step count up). Along with four bedrooms and bathrooms, it offers an abundance of premium amenities, from a sauna to a boat dock, paddleboards, a kayak, and a canoe for exploring the water. The claw-foot tub in the stone bathroom—likely built in the late 1800s—is another special detail that’s worth writing home about. From $475 per night.
Perks: Deck with fire pit, smart TV with streaming services, outdoor dining area, backyard
This recently updated A-frame near Lake of the Ozarks offers peace and relaxation far out into nature. With comforts like a midcentury fireplace, meditation nook, and sunset views, this Scandinavian-inspired retreat aims to fully restore you before you head back to your 9-to-5. If you’re not ready to totally unplug, though, it does offer both Wi-Fi and a smart TV for reconnecting with your inbox and the latest episode of Severance. From $102 per night.
Perks: Kayak, pet-friendly, refundable cleaning fee, streaming services, sunroom, finished basement
A lake house with a private island? Yes, you read that right. Just cross the bridge and you’ve got yourself a vast expanse of water to explore just beyond your digs via the complimentary kayak stored in this basement-equipped home. Natural light streams indoors every morning via floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area and plenty of skylights, while a paved patio outdoors creates a serene setting for a sunset cocktail around the fire pit. The contemporary cabin design is another perk, characterized by knotted pine ceilings, charcoal walls, and rustic accents. From $468 per night.
Perks: Wood-burning fireplace, private hot tub, shared pond, BBQ grill
Who needs Wi-Fi when you can completely unplug in this cute-meets-cozy treehouse with its own wood-fired hot tub? On a warm day, take a dip in the nearby pond, or just gaze at the placid surface as you’re noshing alfresco on the patio. The asymmetrical cubic architecture is unlike a typical cabin, making it a perfect hideaway to remember. From $375/night.
Perks: Pet-friendly, hot tub, fire pit, canoes, outdoor dining, children's playroom, game room
Live out your own rom-com fantasy (Keanu Reeves not included) with this property’s floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an unobscured view of Texas’s Caddo Lake. You and your guests can spend your days exploring over 50 miles of canoe and kayak trails and your nights stargazing by the fire pit or blissed out in the hot tub. Indoors, there’s a lot to set your sights on, too, between the rustic dining room that exudes southern charm to the living room with a hanging wicker swing. The bedrooms also employ dramatic accent walls to liven up the interiors and give each space a distinct character. From $300 per night.
Perks: Close to lake, pet-friendly, exterior security cameras
This quaint stone cabin offers a modern living space with updated kitchen and bathroom amenities tucked within its cozy wood-panel walls. Take in the local fireworks shows and breathtaking sunset views from the nearby dock, or walk a short distance to Osage Beach for restful days enjoying the Ozark lake breezes (and because it’s pet-friendly, you won’t have to worry about finding a dog-sitter). From $130 per night.
Perks: Scenic, garden view, Apple TV, waterfront, backyard
Rustic woodwork, open cathedral ceilings, and lots of natural sunlight add warmth to this barn turned vacation rental in Vermont. Centrally located near Burlington, the Green Mountains, and Lake Champlain, this rental will allow you to fill your days with hiking, swimming, and exploring local hot spots. From $139 per night.
Perks: Shared heated pool, mountain view, beach access, AC, washer/dryer
Bright pops of purple, orange, and green decor make this modern cottage feel inviting. In this Lake Chelan–adjacent lodging, you’ll be able to relax and unwind thanks to plenty of natural sunlight, local pool access, and a cozy back porch that creates a welcoming experience for guests. From $370 per night.
Perks: Adult-only property, private pool, fireplace, lake view, outdoor grill, Netflix
Explore nearby lakes and beaches during your stay in this updated 1930s stone cottage located near Lake Michigan’s sprawling coast. This hideaway boasts modern amenities like an updated kitchenette, bathroom, and fire pit—ideal after long days spent hiking, biking, or kayaking. From $175 per night.
Perks: Free parking, Apple TV, record player, crib, high chair, bikes, beach essentials
This getaway is just a 10-minute stroll from Lake Michigan and a short drive away from the scenic views of Ludington State Park. Vacationers can enjoy the modern living room furnishings, bright wall accents, and impressive full kitchen during their time in this recently updated stay. From $249 per night.
Perks: Pet-friendly, scenic, deck, lake access, crib, indoor fireplace, BBQ grill, long-term stays
In this chic, four-bedroom “treehouse” cabin rental overlooking the Colorado mountains, you can sprawl out and take in breathtaking views from either of the two private decks included in your lodgings. Conveniently located minutes away from Lake Granby, you can enjoy all sorts of water sports and aventures, including boating, mountain biking, and fishing. From $775 per night.
Perks: Lake and vineyard views, dock access, kayak, patio, record player, crib, board games
This charming log cabin just steps away from Seneca Lake is one to bookmark for New York City dwellers that are looking for a nature escape within the state confines. Even in winter, the rental also houses a thermostat-controlled gas fireplace for staying extra cozy when the salt trucks are prepping the streets for a snowstorm. Warm weather visitors can while away the hours sunbathing on the picturesque dock or exploring the lake’s waters using complimentary kayaks supplied by your host. From $350 per night.
Perks: Private hot tub, bay view, beach access, yoga mat, crib, high chair, board games, blender
This lakeside retreat is the perfect place for larger parties with enough space to host up to 10 people. Guests can make the most of the spacious outdoor area by setting up an impromptu game day (the sporting equipment includes a corn hole, croquet, and volleyball, to name a few) or enjoy some friendly competition indoors via a game table and a closet stuffed full of board games. During the day, paddle boards, kayaks, and pontoon boats with a crew are available to rent for a guided cruise on the water. From $615 per night.
