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
Big Bear Lake, California
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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
Fawnskin, California
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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.
Boulder Bay, California
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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
San Bernardino County, California
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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.
Lake Arrowhead, California
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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."
Boulder Bay, California
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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.
Penobscot County, Maine
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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.
Union Pier, Michigan
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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
Alanson, Michigan
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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.
Indian River, Michigan
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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.
Indian River, Michigan
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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.
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Petoskey, Michigan
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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.
Gilford, New Hampshire
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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.
Town of North Elba, New York
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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.
Alder Creek, New York
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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.
Town of Jerusalem, New York
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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.
Town of Brant, New York
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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.
Pottsboro, Texas
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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.
Madison, Wisconsin
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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.
McFarland, Wisconsin
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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.
Green Lake, Wisconsin
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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.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
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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.
Dollar Point, California
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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."
Hollister, Missouri
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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
Town of North Elba, New York
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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.
Mayfield, New York
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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.
Lago Vista, Texas
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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.
North Hero, Vermont
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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.
Arkdale, Wisconsin
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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
Stoughton, Wisconsin
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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.
