There's something magical about a lakeside getaway: you can be as lazy as you want (lounge on the dock, take a leisurely dip, or simply sit in an inner tube and float around for hours) or you can get active (water skiing, hiking the perimeter of the lake, and paddling around in kayaks or canoes). In other words, lake days are ideal for all sorts of outdoor enjoyment — and with so many scattered across the country, that fun is never too far away.
Ahead, more than a few of the most amazing lake houses we could find listed on Airbnb — from large open properties fit for your quarantine crew to smaller secluded cabins just right for solo escapes. Click on and book your next retreat to one of these waterfront beauties.
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.
"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."
Location: Garrison, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $399
"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."
Location: Jefferson City, Tennessee
Sleeps: 16+
Price Per Night: $395
"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 Brained 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."
Location: Crosslake, Minnesota
Sleeps: 16+
Price Per Night: $425
"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!"
Location: Grahamsville, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $95
"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."
Location: Glennallen, Alaska
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $150
"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 4 children."
Location: Indian Lake, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $200
"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."
Location: Fremont, Indiana
Sleeps: 14
Price Per Night: $550
"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 hominess. 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!"
Location: Conyers, Georgia
Sleeps: 14
Price Per Night: $226
"90 minutes from NYC. Private Lake. Rustic and elegant home sleeps five with all the comforts you need for a serene, peaceful getaway."
Location: Mountain Dale, New York
Sleeps: 5
Price Per Night: $600
"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."
Location: Murphy, North Carolina
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $195
"Welcome to Lake Mattawa! Our charming house on the lake offers beautiful views from the elevated deck, as well as a private dock to jump right into the clear water. In cooler weather, enjoy a fire in the fieldstone fireplace. The house is close to all that Western Massachusetts has to offer during all four seasons — hiking, fishing, skiing, antiquing, and more. 30 minutes from Amherst and Greenfield; 45 from Keene, NH and Brattleboro, VT; 60 from Springfield and Worcester, and 90 from Providence and Boston."
Location: Orange, Massachusetts
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $95
"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: $200
"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."
Location: Lake Hill, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $289
"Beautiful lakefront vacation home. Recently updated for the perfect relaxing getaway. The home features everything you need (towels, dishes, silverware, etc..) just bring the family and enjoy! four bedrooms with the following: two queen beds, four twin beds, three trundle beds, and one pull-out couch. Plenty of room to fit eight to 13 comfortably. Gorgeous lake views at every window and deck! Enjoy all Pewaukee Lake has to offer with this exclusive 2,112-square-foot lake rental.
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Sleeps: 13
Price Per Night: $549
"Beautiful Waterfront Lake House in Lake of the Woods just over a one-hour drive from D.C. near Fredericksburg Virginia (between Washington, D.C., and Richmond), on a private lake with 24-hour security situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. Perfect retreat/vacation."
Location: Locust Grove, Virginia
Sleeps: 10
Price Per Night: $500
"Renovated country home in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, close to skiing, hiking, and swimming. Conveniently located to Colgate Lake, Kaaterskill Falls, Hudson, Phoenicia, Tannersville, Hunter, Windham, and more! The house is newly renovated with a large fenced in yard, washer and dryer, fire pit, and hot tub."
Location: Jewett, New York
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $250
"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!"
Location: Wedowee, Alabama
Sleeps: 11
Price Per Night: $157
"Enjoy a relaxing vacation in a beautiful, updated lakefront home on Lake Pocotopaug. Summer: grilling out, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding with family and friends. A lakeside marina offers party boat rides & kayak rentals. Wakeboarding/Ski lessons can also be arranged. Wintertime relaxation by the cozy fireplace, games, and ice skating when the lake freezes over. Projector Screen, Games, Books, AC, Heat, Outdoor Grill, and a working fireplace."
Location: East Hampton, Connecticut
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $400
"Our lake house is on Glass Lake in Averill Park, NY. In case you want to venture off, it is close to Saratoga (race season!); the Berkshires, MA; Albany, NY; and Vermont. You'll love our place because of its location right on Glass Lake. Incredibly private with the spacious property. Our lake house is great for families with kids and couples and is completely dog friendly and handicap accessible. It is great for any season (leaves, skiing, fishing, swimming). Kayaks, row boat.....and the lake!!"
Location: Averill Park, New York
Sleeps: 12
Price Per Night: $400
"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!"
Location: Greenwood Lake, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $250
"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
"Road Trip Cabin is a little a-frame quietly nestled among the trees within walking distance to the Lake Arrowhead Village. Guests can enjoy our cozy shelter with large windows letting in plenty of natural light, a large kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and deck with a cedar hot tub and a slight lake view. Perfect for a calming retreat in the mountains. Lake pass included."
Location: Lake Arrowhead, California
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $158
"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."
Location: Long Eddy, New York
Sleeps: 5
Price Per Night: $100
"Lake life is indeed a 'beautiful life!' A serene house right on the lake with great views and all amenities. Off West Lake Road on a quiet road. Three bedrooms that can sleep six comfortably. Minutes from SUNY Geneseo, Letchworth, Finger Lakes, and more!"
Location: Geneseo, New York
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $200
"Private log cabin just steps from your personal dock on the quiet, tree-lined Brookhaven Lake. Queen-size bed in the upstairs loft, queen-size bed in the lower lever, and full-size daybed on the three-season porch."
Location: West Brookfield, Massachusetts
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $130
"The Cottage at Long Pond is a modern, up-to-date 1,585-square-foot home beautifully sited on 3/4 acres with 385 feet of direct waterfront offering unspoiled views. The water is deep on one boundary but also offers a sandy beach & dock. Kayaks and Canoe available when appropriate, snowshoe or cross country ski on a lake or ski Sunapee. We offer a main level master bedroom suite, living area with fireplace, and eat-in kitchen. Close to many fun things to do. Search Vimeo for The Cottage at Long Pond for video."
Location: Lempster, New Hampshire
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $125
"A sunny lakefront retreats await you at this one-bedroom, one-bathroom vacation rental cottage in Pahokee. With accommodations for four guests, the space is ideal for couples or small families! Nestled along the shores of Lake Okeechobee, this property is the ultimate Sunshine State destination for fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Troll for fish in the bass-infested waters, rent a boat for a sunset cruise, or lounge with a cocktail on the home's porch."
Location: Pahokee, Florida
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $145
"Our lakefront log cabin is one of our smaller vacation rentals featuring a large deck overlooking the lake. One large room with a kitchen, dining/living area, bathroom with shower, and three separate beds. Our modern lakefront log cabin comes with all of the amenities you would expect, including a fully equipped kitchen, linens, dishes, pots, pans, microwave, high-speed internet, satellite HDTV, and more!"
Location: West Branch, Michigan
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $119
"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. Fantastic Fall Foliage!!"
Location: Loon Lake, New York
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $250
"Hosts Ben & 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 & sports-car destination in the US - the "Tail of the Dragon."
Location: Tallassee
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $107PHOTO: COURTESY OF AIRBNB.