Donner Lake Tours and Activities

Photo by Simon Matin
Photo by Terry Porter
Photo by Dawn Madden
Photo by Pon Xayavong Photography
Photo by Dawn Madden


Plan a trip to see Donner Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (Formerly Harveys)
@ Marbella Lane - Eccentric 4BR Modern Ranch Home
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Donner Lake

Lakefront Cabin with private pier on Donner Lake

Lakefront Cabin with private pier on Donner Lake

Truckee
Lakefront Cabin with private pier on Donner Lake
Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!

Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!

Truckee
Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!
Donner Lakefront Remodeled Log Cabin | 180º Views | Private Pier | 2 Decks | Dog Friendly

Donner Lakefront Remodeled Log Cabin | 180º Views | Private Pier | 2 Decks | Dog Friendly

Truckee
Donner Lakefront Remodeled Log Cabin | 180º Views | Private Pier | 2 Decks | Dog Friendly
NEW - Donner Lakefront Luxury

NEW - Donner Lakefront Luxury

Truckee
NEW - Donner Lakefront Luxury
Donner Lake, Home | Walk to the Lake, Trails, & Family Activities

Donner Lake, Home | Walk to the Lake, Trails, & Family Activities

Truckee
Donner Lake, Home | Walk to the Lake, Trails, & Family Activities
Comfortable, multi-level cabin with amazing lake/mountain views & furnished deck

Comfortable, multi-level cabin with amazing lake/mountain views & furnished deck

Truckee
Comfortable, multi-level cabin with amazing lake/mountain views & furnished deck
Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer

Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer

Truckee
Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer
Lakefront | Private Hot Tub | Newly Remodeled | Dog Friendly | Sunny Spacious Deck

Lakefront | Private Hot Tub | Newly Remodeled | Dog Friendly | Sunny Spacious Deck

Truckee
Lakefront | Private Hot Tub | Newly Remodeled | Dog Friendly | Sunny Spacious Deck
Dog-friendly waterfront cabin w/ lake views & access - close to slopes

Dog-friendly waterfront cabin w/ lake views & access - close to slopes

Truckee
Dog-friendly waterfront cabin w/ lake views & access - close to slopes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Donner Lake

Donner Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, including skiing, swimming, and boating. For an unforgettable experience, consider exploring Donner Lake Adventures, which provides a lakeside experience and opportunities for adventure. Additionally, enjoy a round of golf at the nearby course or plan a ski trip to make the most of your time in this stunning location. Whether relaxing by the water or hitting the slopes, Donner Lake has something for everyone.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Commercial Row, just 6.4km from Donner Lake, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly stores and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Scott Chair, located 17.7km away, or The Shops at Heavenly Village, 49.9km away, for more diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Coyote Moon Golf Course offers a scenic golfing experience just 4.8km from Donner Lake, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For relaxation, visit Olympic Valley Park, located 14.5km away, where you can unwind amidst nature. Enjoy a fun-filled day of ice skating at the Village Ice Skating Rink, 12.9km from the lake.

Adventure

At Northstar California Resort, 12.9km from Donner Lake, experience exhilarating skiing and outdoor adventures amidst stunning mountain scenery. Sugar Bowl Resort, located 6.4km away, offers thrilling ski and sports experiences. For a more intimate ski experience, visit Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, just 3.2km from the lake.

Nightlife

At Donner Lake, nightlife buzzes with excitement! The Cal Neva Casino and Crystal Bay Casino, both 24.1km away, offer vibrant gaming and romantic vibes. For a cultural touch, the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema, 13.2km away, showcases entertaining films in a charming atmosphere perfect for families and couples.

Find the best attractions near Donner Lake

Donner Lake and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and stunning scenery. Popular attractions include nearby state parks, nature reserves, and golf courses. Visitors can also explore the charming downtown Truckee, enjoy the beautiful waters of Donner Lake, and venture to the iconic Lake Tahoe for more adventures. This area truly caters to those seeking both adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

  • Donner Memorial State Park: Located 4.8km from Donner Lake, this beautiful park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore hiking trails that wind through stunning landscapes while learning about the area's rich history related to the Donner Party.
  • Old Greenwood Golf Course: Situated 11.3km from Donner Lake, this picturesque golf course is known for its scenic views and well-maintained greens. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
  • West End Beach: Just 1.6km from Donner Lake, this idyllic beach is perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. With its sandy shores and tranquil waters, it's an excellent spot for swimming, picnicking, or simply enjoying the stunning lakeside views.

Best time to go to Donner Lake

The best time to visit Donner Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Donner Lake falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Donner Lake falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
March32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighAverage
July66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August65.1°F (18.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
September59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
November36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December28.8°F (-1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Donner Lake

Donner Lake offers free access to its beautiful surroundings, including West End Beach and North Tahoe Regional Park. For budget-conscious travellers, visiting in April or October to November can yield lower accommodation prices, while Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book. Use Expedia to find affordable hotel deals by filtering for eco-certified options and package deals that combine flights and activities. This way, you can save even more while enjoying a sustainable travel experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Donner Lake are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Donner Lake is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Donner Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you easily choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can sort your results by price, starting with the most affordable options, ensuring you find the best deals on hotels. Additionally, if you're interested in sustainability, you can narrow your choices by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, which will display hotels that are environmentally friendly and committed to sustainability.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your Donner Lake hotel stay with your flights and activities.