Ahead, we rounded up more than a few of Airbnb’s best and most unique lake houses around the US — from New York’s most verdant retreats to a peaceful cabin on the shores of the Caddo Lake wetlands in Texas that’s just right for intimate escapes. Ahead, book your next retreat to one of these waterfront beauties. (Be warned — everyone has “cabin” fever after a year spent in quarantine, and properties are getting up booked up faster than you can say “jetski.”)
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Keuka Lake, New York
Location: Hammondsport, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $280
“This private lake-front cottage has convenient drive-up parking and is in walking distance to the charming village of Hammondsport. The spacious one-of-a-kind permanent dock provides picturesque views of the sunrise, Keuka Lake, and surrounding foliage. Three kayaks, a water slide, fire-pit, & WiFi are on site. The interior of the cottage was completed renovated during the winter of 2020.”
Book The Cottage On Keuka Lake
Clear Lake, CA
Location: Lower Lake, CA
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $236
“This lakefront cabin with updated decor is fully stocked with all amenities including a washer and dryer. If you are looking for romance, relaxing time with family, or a fishing location, this cabin is the perfect place! Large deck space provides plenty of room to enjoy the panoramic picturesque views while enjoying your dinner outside if you wish. You can enjoy all that Clear Lake offers including world-class fishing, water sports, or take a tour of local wineries without the crowds of Napa.”
Book Beautiful Lakefront Cabin on Clear Lake
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
Location: Moneta, Virginia
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $275
"Beautiful townhouse right on the water at SML! Two master suites with full baths upstairs and basement with a fold-out and two twin beds. Beautiful views of the lake on all three levels, decks off the living room, and MBR. The basement door walks out to a nice grassy hill that leads down to the dock.”
Book SML Waterfront Townhouse
Lake George, New York
Location: Lake Luzerne, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $189
“Two-bedroom cottage situated on lakefront property on Lake Vanare, 5 minutes from Lake George. Features a king-sized bed in bedroom 1, a double-sized bed and twin-sized bed in bedroom 2, a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, bathroom, and front porch. All amenities of the property are for guests to enjoy free of charge. ACCESS TO BOATS, BEACH, AND MORE!”
Book Two Bedroom Lakeview Cottage
Baxter State Park, Maine
Location: Millinocket, Maine
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $175
“Kiss all your cares goodbye, rest and relax, or seek out the many adventures here in the great north woods. Even during this crisis, I invite you to come to Bear’s Den where I am doing everything in my power to clean and disinfect my camp thoroughly between each guest. We are on a peninsula overlooking Deep Cove and Ambajejus Lake. Just 11 miles from Baxter State Park, 40 min to Katahdin woods and waters. Bears Den is a cozy cabin nestled in the woods on 1.5 acres. It can sleep two or three adults, or two adults and two children. The camp is situated on a peninsula overlooking Deep Cove, and you have a beach on the other side of the road on Ambajejus Lake with a view of Mt. Katahdin. Sunrise on the cove side, and sunset on the beach side!! The views from the picture windows are stunning.”
Book Bear’s Den Lake House
Fahi Pond, Maine
Location: Embden, Maine
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $120
“A four-season homemade mostly from reclaimed materials offers a rustic feel, yet provides modern conveniences. On our private wooded lot with 367 feet of water frontage on serene Fahi Pond, you can come to get away from it all, sit back and relax, reduce stress & find your zen. Or, if it’s outdoor adventure you prefer, start with touring the pond on our kayaks, while listening for the loons and watching for a deer out for a stroll.”
Book Fahi Pond Retreat
Lake Champlain, Vermont
Location: Milton, Vermont
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $449
“Come stay at my home on Lake Champlain located in Milton, VT. The house is located on a quiet road with friendly neighbors, it has 2 bedrooms with 1.5 bathrooms and a daybed and sleeper sofa on the first floor. It’s an all-season home with AC on the first and second floors as well as heating for the winter months. I have a private beach with a dock and kayaks for rental. It's the perfect escape for families or a romantic getaway- 25 minutes away from Burlington, hiking, breweries!”
Book Vermont Lakehouse On Champlain
Lake Champlain, New York
Location: Plattsburgh, New York
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $214
“With private beach access, beautiful views, and a comfortable home to stay in, this property serves as the perfect getaway for friends and family to relax and enjoy the wonderful amenities that Lake Champlain has to offer. The backyard provides enough space for plenty of activities such as sunbathing, picnics, playing games, swimming, fishing, or having a bonfire.”
Book Cozy Log Cabin On Champlain
Crater Lake, Oregon
Location: Chiloquin, Oregon
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $399
“Cozy lakefront home nestled on Agency Lake, 30 minutes from Crater Lake. Up to six [guests], kids and pets free, and no fees. Fully stocked kitchen and soft linens and fluffy towels. Guests say, ‘Stunning lake and wilderness views’ and ‘cozy stay.’”
Book Lakefront Haven
Moosehead Lake, Maine
Location: Greenville, Maine
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $344
“This gorgeous home has all kinds of modern amenities and conveniences while maintaining the charming and cozy character of a rustic cabin. Inside, you can channel surf on the cable TV, cook a meal in the fully-equipped kitchen, or bust out the board games for a night of family fun. The massive wraparound deck offers stunning views of Lower Wilson Pond and the mountains beyond, which you can enjoy as you sunbathe or barbecue your dinner on the grill. When the sun sets, gather around the outdoor firepit for s’mores and stargazing.”
Book Peaceful Lakefront Cabin
Caddo Lake, Texas
Location: Karnack, Texas
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $170
“The cabin was built in the early 1900s. It was indeed charming; however, some updates were needed. We have completely updated the electricity and overhauled every room in the house with new furniture, mattresses, and decor. If you love the cozy feel of a modern farmhouse with shiplap and neutral colors, then you will enjoy our place as much as we do. We still have some work to do, but for now, we would like to invite guests to enjoy our cabin as much as we do.”
Book Caddo Lake First Cast Cabin
Flathead Lake, Montana
Location: Lakeside, Montana
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $349
“Enjoy incredible Flathead Lake and mountain views, including Glacier National Park from the suite. The suite accommodates 2 guests only and sits 20 feet from the private beach. The West Entrance of Glacier National Park is one hour away.”
Book Flathead Lakefront Suite For Two
Cayuga Lake, New York
Location: Ovid, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $180
“The cottage is on the edge of host’s woodlot, is well shaded, and stays relatively cool throughout the day. There are two ceiling fans and two 20-inch box fans for air circulation. On hot summer nights there is a cool land breeze that flows from the woods out over the water. Two electric space heaters and extra comforters & blankets are also provided for the cooler nights.”
Book Cayuga Lake Elm Beach Cottage
Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
Location: Menasha, Wisconsin
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $450
“Enjoy amazing sunsets, gorgeous water views, fast WiFi, bonfires, and many other amenities at this beautiful, modern lakehouse.
The location is great! Quiet and residential neighborhood only 10 away from downtown Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha.”
Book Sunset Beach on Little Lake Butte Des Mortes
Rainy Lake, Minnesota
Location: International Falls, Minnesota
Sleeps: 9
Price Per Night: $500
“Close to great resort restaurants, fishing holes, and downtown International Falls. Home also has a private harbor for your boat!”
Book Rainy Lake Retreat
Caddo Lake, Texas
Location: Karnack, Texas
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $148
“The lake house is clean and quaint and perfect for a couple; small family or two couples. [It] features all the amenities for a weekend or week-long stay. Longer stays are available for the longer-term needs of our guests.
Water access is directly behind the house on our pier. We also have two paddle boards and two kayaks that may be used by guests at no additional charge.”
Book Caddo Lakehouse
Pocono Mountain, Pennsylvania
Location: Greentown, Pennsylvania
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $205
“There is a fireplace, a fire pit, three decks, and plenty of outdoor space. The whole cottage has been updated and the cedar wood floors just refinished. A very unique floor to say the least, please see the pictures!! There is a gas grill and picnic table on the back porch. The two front porches have seating areas. Transient boat slips are available right across the street at Light House Marina as well as rentals for every kind of water sport. There is a public beach a short drive north on Rt 507. Not in a community with a bunch of ridiculous rules!!!”
Book Pocono Mountain Escape Authentic Lakeside Cottage
Intimate Lakeside Maine Cottage
Location: Lincolnville, Maine
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $375
Check availability here
“Spend a week, spend 2 weeks, spend the month in a little piece of heaven on earth at The McLellan Cottage on Norton’s Pond, connected to Megunticook Lake in Lincolnville Maine, 10 minutes from the idyllic and charmed Camden, Maine.”
Emerald Lake, New York
Location: Whitehall, New York
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $275
“Beautiful two-bedroom and loft bedroom, one-and-a-half baths, and large open basement. A-frame style home on a small, quiet lake in upstate New York in the town of Hampton/Whitehall (not on Lake George), 5 miles from the Vermont border, 33 miles from Lake George village, with a screened-in porch and a large deck. Grill provided.”
Book Lakefront A-Frame style Home
Lake Oscawana, New York
Location: Putnam Valley, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $350
“Beautiful, secluded cottage on pristine Lake Oscawana with breathtaking views throughout. Escape the city and enjoy the fresh country air! Extra-large great room, cathedral ceilings, loft bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, fireplace, and a wall of double-height windows with spectacular lake views. Central AC and heat. Hardwood floors, private large deck, and BBQ. Private dock (shared w with owner) nestled in a cove where you can swim, fish, or paddleboard. Only one hour from NYC. Hiking trails nearby.”
Book Lakefront Cottage
Waterfront Door County Lake House
Location: Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $360
Check availability here
“Beautiful Door County lake house in Egg Harbor with breathtaking sunset views, private beach and boat launch, close to excellent restaurants and dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Great year-round getaway for couples and families alike!!!”
Bellevue, Washington
Location: Medina, Washington
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $276
“Your serene waterfront sanctuary is practically within walking distance of downtown Bellevue and within 10 miles of both Redmond and Seattle. You’re also less than a mile from the nearest bus stop as well as Meydenbauer Bay Park, where you can rent canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. View the glimmering Bellevue skyline reflecting off the water at night, and then soak in the beautiful sunrise — all from your luxurious queen-sized bed.”
Book Waterfront Log Cabin for Two
Newly Built Lake Adirondack Rustic Chalet
Location: Indian Lake, New York
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $390
Check availability here
“Relax in a private brand new construction rustic lake house finished in 2018. Enjoy kayaking, tubing, fishing, or swimming in Adirondack Lake, few minute walk to town for dinner, drinks, entertainment. It is 20 minutes from Gore Mountain, many hiking trails, 15 minutes from the Adirondack Museum.”
Lindon Marina, Utah
Location: Vineyard, Utah
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $71
“Tiny home lodging on the lake at Lindon Marina with spectacular views of lake and mountains. Renters of this new unit can access our entire marina and there are available rentals: canoes, rowboats, kayaks, small sailboats; lake shore walking and biking trails, picnic tables and sand beaches.
Just minutes from downtown Orem/Provo and surrounding communities.”
Book Cabin Tiny Home On The Lake
Garrison Lake, New York
Location: Garrison, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $566
“Tranquility and relaxation await at this beautiful lakefront home located just an hour from NYC. This is the perfect escape for those who want to feel like they are a world away, but may not want to drive for hours to get there.”
Book Gorgeous Garrison Lake House Near NYC
Mountain Lake House Getaway
Location: Jefferson City, Tennessee
Sleep: 16+
Price Per Night: $445
Check availability here
“The house is situated on a quiet wooded lot that can view the slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains while overlooking Cherokee Lake. It has so many spaces across three stories, with many large common rooms and porches, and is perfect for groups.”
Ivy Lane Lake House
Location: Crosslake, Minnesota
Sleeps: 16+
Price Per Night: $446
Check availability here
“Ivy Lane is a place for friends and family to gather and make memories while enjoying the many amenities the area has to offer. Ivy Lane is situated on the Whitefish chain which is part of a 14 chain of lakes in the Brainerd Lakes area. The Whitefish chain is known for boating, water sports, fishing, and its many scenic views. There are many restaurants as well as nearby golfing, shopping, ATV, snowmobiling, and bike trails. There are endless activities to be enjoyed year-round.”
The Catskills, New York
Location: Grahamsville, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $174
“The perfect spot to experience the country! The perfect launching point for area skiing, hiking, and climbing! The private 1,500-square-foot home with a 672-square-foot deck overlooking 30+ acres with a lake and awesome country setting. House has a private entrance. A very romantic spot that is perfectly located in the Catskill Mountains for awesome day trips and having cookouts. Full kitchen and dining room — perfect for every occasion!”
Book Romantic Private Home
Schooner Lake, Alaska
Location: Glennallen, Alaska
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $150
“Constructed in the fall of 2014, this lakefront property rental is located in the small community of Nelchina on Schooner Lake (approximately 45 miles from Glennallen). Offering spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains and private access to a lake full of wildlife.”
Book Schooner Lake Vacation Rentals
Indian Lake Cabin
Location: Indian Lake, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $200
Check availability here
“Beautiful cabin situated in the heart of the Adirondacks. Access to Indian Lake with kayaks available for your use. Breathtaking fall foliage. Multiple hiking trails nearby, close to Adirondack Museum. All of our guests have visited again! Sleeps four adults, or two adults and up to four children.”
Luxury Lakehouse on Snow Lake
Location: Fremont, Indiana
Sleeps: 14
Price Per Night: $425
Check availability here
“Lovely home (3,300 square feet of living space) on Snow Lake. Perfect for your summer or winter family vacation. It will sleep 16 in beds and one crib. We have two and a half baths. It is beautifully decorated and furnished with everything you need for a fun getaway. Fully equipped upper-end kitchen and outdoor gas grill. We have games, puzzles, books, children's toys, sound system, internet, WIFI, TV, and DVDs for your indoor entertainment.”
Lake Capri, Georgia
Location: Conyers, Georgia
Sleeps: 14
Price Per Night: $429
“Are you looking for the chance to unwind, getaway, and enjoy some peace and quiet? This stunning tree-lined lakefront home comfortably sleeps 14 people and has tons of amenities to make this a one-of-a-kind experience!
Perfect place to fish, swim, and relax! A luxurious, high-end rental atmosphere with its touch of homey-ness. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The time to relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this lake house is only a click away!”
Book The Lakehouse Getaway
Gossamer Lake Boat House
Location: Mountain Dale, New York
Sleeps: 5
Price Per Night: $600
Check availability here
“90 minutes from NYC. Private lake. Rustic and elegant home sleeps five with all the comforts you need for a serene, peaceful getaway.”
Berkshires Waterfront Lakehouse
"Fully furnished, totally remodeled (completed in February 2016) lakefront home set on a peninsula at a cove where a trout stream enters the lake. An incredible amount of wildlife, especially all types of birds. The home has sunny views everywhere."
Location: Lanesborough, Massachusetts
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $262
The Catskills, New York
Location: Lake Hill, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $510
“The Nest is a perfect getaway for families and couples looking to enjoy the Catskill Mountains all seasons of the year. Our kid-friendly four-bedroom, the one-story house sits in the heart of Catskill Park, just between Woodstock and Phoenicia, NY. On 2.25 acres, it is also complete with plenty of on-property amenities: a chef’s kitchen, a gas grill, a charcoal grill, a fire pit, two fireplaces (pellet and gas), and plenty of board games for good family fun.”
Book The Nest — Escape to Work, Play, and Relax
Lake Wedowee, Alabama
Location: Wedowee, Alabama
Sleeps: 11
Price Per Night: $188
“The ‘Bearfoot Lodge’ is a beautifully decorated, completely furnished Lakefront home, ready for you and your family to enjoy a memorable vacation. Tucked in the trees on a lovely shady cove, with your own dock and boat!”
Book Beautiful Lake House With Pontoon Boat
Greenwood Lake, New York
Location: Greenwood Lake, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $250
“Our chestnut log cabin was built in the 1930s. The views of the lake from the hot tub are great. Roast marshmallows around the fire pit on the deck or play games with the family in the main room. We are close to family-friendly skiing and tubing. A great getaway only an hour from Manhattan!”
Book Log Cabin At Greenwood Lake
Delaware Lake, NY
Location: Long Eddy, New York
Sleeps: 5
Price Per Night: $150
“Our beautiful lakefront cabin offers stunning views from the large deck high above the water. Enjoy 3.6 acres of private land and over 200 feet of lakefront property. Canoe and rowboat included.”
Book Secluded Cabin on Stunning 25-Acre Private Lake
Loon Lake, New York
Location: Loon Lake, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $250
“Cozy cabin, full bedroom with queen bed, and a living room with a comfortable pull-out couch. Full bathroom with shower and a kitchen. Private tennis court. Rackets and balls available for your use. Private sandy beach on a beautiful three-mile-long spring-fed lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Two kayaks, a canoe, and a paddleboard available for our guests. Two mountain bikes are also available. Hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, wireless internet, pool, and ping pong tables avail. Hear the loons calling from the cabin and see the milky way and shooting stars at night. Pets allowed. 40-minute drive to Lake Placid.”
Book Cozy Cabin On Scenic Loon Lake
The Smoky Mountains, Tennesee
Location: Tallassee, Tennessee
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $125
“Hosts Ben and Jeanne invite you to their beautifully designed log cabin in the Smokies. Set on 25 private acres, the cabin offers solitude and an unsurpassed view over Chilhowee Lake (the southern border of the national park), the western peaks of the national park, and the entrance to the #1 bike and sports-car destination in the US — the ‘Tail of the Dragon.’”
Book Entire Cabin Away From It All In The Smokies
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AIRBNB.
Lake Campbell Lake House
"Come and live at the lake for the weekend! Five-bedroom home to accommodate all your needs! Only 10-15 miles from Brookings, SD!"
Location: Brookings, South Dakota
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $225
Flathead Lake Cabin
Location: Rollins, Montana
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $150
Check availability here
“Modern, two-bedroom cabin on west shore of Flathead Lake located 25 miles north of Polson and 25 miles south of Kalispell. Includes beautiful lawn area with pavilion/gazebo, private dock with cleats for your boat or a rental, private beach with amazing fire pit. Sleeps four to six with one queen bed in master bedroom, and one double bed and a set of bunk beds in second bedroom. Large private yard with creek bordering, so you can listen from front deck or master bedroom window.”
North Carolina Lake House with Breathtaking Views
Location: Murphy, North Carolina
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $195
Check availability here
“Our five-bedroom, three-bath lake house takes you away from society and the bustle of city life. With an authentic ’70s flair, wrap-around deck, and lake access (depending on lake water level), a peaceful respite awaits you, your family, and your friends.”
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