Best places to rent a lake house

Dreaming of relaxing on a lake in Upstate NY? Looking to rent a New York lake house rental or cabin with gorgeous waterfront views? Experience the best that NY has to offer from one of these New York lakefront rentals on VRBO and Airbnb.

Within hours of New York City, you’ll find a wealth of picturesque lake vacation destinations. These peaceful retreats are the perfect chance to escape the city life and enjoy the natural splendors of New York State’s stunning scenery. In addition to tranquil water views, you’ll have countless outdoor activities at your fingertips, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating. These luxury lake houses in New York have everything you need for a memorable lake getaway, such as outdoor decks, fire pits, pools, hot tubs, and complimentary water toys.

If you’re looking for the ultimate New York experience, look no further! Here, we’ve ranked the best cottages and cabin rentals on the lake in New York, including the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, Lake George, Lake Placid, and more. Now, let’s find you a beautiful lakefront house for rent in NY!

Looking to expand your vacation rental search outside of lakefront cottages in NY? Here are some more top Airbnb rentals in New York!

The Coolest Lakefront New York Rentals: Top Cabins, Cottages + Vacation Rentals in 2021

Here are the best lake house Airbnbs and VRBOs in New York by category, including amenities, trip types, and budgets. The subsequent sections will cover each listing in more detail.

Top Lakefront Rental in New York: Pine Cone Point

Best Luxury Cabin Rental on a Lake in New York: Top Lake House for Rent Near NYC

Most Romantic Lake House in NY: Catskills Cabin in the Wilderness

Best New York Lakefront Rental for Large Groups: Spacious Waterfront Rental in the Heart of NY

Top Cheap VRBO Lake House in NY: Cozy Lakeside Getaway in NY

Best Lakeside Cabin in New York: Lazy Loon Cottage Rental by the Lake in NY

Best Lakefront NY Rental with a View: Waterfront Lake House near Lake George NY

Most Unique Lake House Rental in New York: Lakefront Sunset Cottage to Rent in NY on Lake Ontario

13 Best New York Lake House Rentals

If romantic lakefront cottages, tiny cabins, and luxury lake houses for rent in New York all sound good to you, you’re in for a treat! Below are some of the most unique lake stays in NY:

1. Beautiful Lake Cabin Rental in NY on 17 Acres, Fronting Lake Ontario

Location: Sodus, New York

Rates from: $225 per night

Accommodates: 6 guests

Experience NY in style from this top-notch lake house rental in Upstate New York. Fronting the beautiful Lake Ontario, this charming cottage offers peace and serenity. The sunrise and sunset views are worth the price tag alone, while outdoor water sports, shopping, golfing, and day-tripping to New York State wine country and the Finger Lakes are also at your fingertips.

In addition to two decks facing the lake, you’ll find BBQ grills and a large manicured yard with colorful flower beds. There’s also a gradual entrance to the lake where you can launch kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and other small watercraft and 100 feet of lake frontage for sunbathing, fishing, and swimming. Is this one of the coolest lakefront vacation rentals in New York? 100%!

2. New York Lake House Rental in the Heart of The Catskills

Location: Rock Hill, New York

Rates from: $436 per night

Accommodates: 3 guests

Head to the Catskills for a tranquil New York lake house getaway in this Rock Hill cottage. Right outside you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or swimming in the lake, or pack your skis and visit nearby Holiday Mountain to hit the slopes.

Inside this gorgeous lakefront vacation rental in New York, you’ll find cozy living spaces with a fireplace, flat-screen TV, and farmhouse-style dining table, while starry nights are perfect for hanging around the outdoor fire pit. You can also fire pit the gas grill and enjoy a meal on the outdoor picnic table. What more could you want in a top New York lake house rental on VRBO?

3. Lakefront Cottage to Rent in Upstate New York on Lake Erie

Location: Westfield, New York

Rates from: $163 per night

Accommodates: 8 guests

An article on the top lake houses for rent in Upstate NY wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this gorgeous waterfront home on Lake Erie. With a private, wooded setting, this vacation home is nestled on Stoney Point. It’s perfect for entertaining large families, with room to accommodate up to eight guests with its furnished outdoor patio and cozy indoor living spaces, which includes a game room for all ages.

Not only does this NY lake house rental feature a variety of outdoor spaces with direct beach access, but it’s also close to Lake Erie Wine Country and Niagara Falls. Take a short walk along the beach to Barcelona Harbor for dining and a public launching facility for accessing Lake Erie. It’s easy to see why this is among the coolest lakefront vacation homes in New York.

4. Lake Placid Garden Cottage at Whiteface Club Resort – Among the Most Unique Lakeside Cabins in Upstate NY

Location: Town of North Elba, New York

Rates from: $375 per night

Accommodates: 4 guests

The perfect escape for a special occasion, this Garden Cottage lake house rental in NY is like its own luxury suite with a stone fireplace and other cozy amenities. Set in the historic Whiteface Club and Resort, you’ll have access to a private beach, lakeside dining, a marina, and an 18-hole championship course.

Originally an open-air “smoking gazebo”, the lake cabin in Upstate NY has modern amenities, including a modern kitchen and living room with a fireplace and cathedral ceilings. In summer, you can take a dip in Lake Placid after a hike or boat ride, while winter offers access to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

5. Lakefront Cabin Rental in New York with Views, Boating & Fishing on Private Lake

Location: Town of Kortright, New York

Rates from: $375 per night

Accommodates: 8 guests

For a quintessential cabin getaway, book a stay at this lakefront log home to rent in NY that sits on six acres. The three-bedroom property has a great room with three French doors, which overlook an 80-acre private lake.

Step outside the doors and you’ll find a 1,000-square-foot wrap-around deck equipped with a large grill, patio furniture, and hammock for enjoying the incredible views. Spend your time on the water with the complimentary rowboat, 5-person paddle boat, and double kayak, then sit back on Adirondack chairs and enjoy the view or lounge around the fire pit. There’s a lot to see and do nearby, however, after stepping foot inside this magnificent New York lake house for rent, it will be hard to leave!

6. Incredible View From The Little Stone New York Lake Rental

Location: Willsboro, New York

Rates from: $225 per night

Accommodates: 7 guests

Offering a unique stay for water lovers, this stone house features the stunning Adirondack Mountains as its backdrop. In addition to beautiful views up the Willsboro Bay, the New York lakeside vacation home features a modern kitchen and living area, a small sandy beach, a fire pit, and a BBQ grill, as well as thousands of feet of waterfront to stroll.

The year-round rental is perfect for families, a short walking distance from restaurants and featuring board games, kids’ toys, and a washer/dryer. Is this among the most unique lake cabins in Upstate New York? Absolutely!

7. Pine Cone Point – A Top Lakefront NY Rental on Pristine Brantingham Lake

Location: Town of Greig, New York

Rates from: $225 per night

Accommodates: 9 guests

Looking to stay at a lake house in NY? Set on Brantingham Lake, Pine Cone Point is a completely remodeled camp in Adirondack park. It was built in 1897 and features many of its original charms, but now includes a long list of amenities such as a wood-burning fireplace, large kitchen, and vaulted ceilings.

Off the living room, you’ll find a 300 square foot screened-in porch with comfy furniture for taking in the peaceful views of the lakefront. Outside, there’s a two-person hammock and outdoor fire pit lakeside, as well as 180 feet of private water frontage and two docks. There’s even a large shallow swimming area and a canoe and kayak for adventurous guests. With so much charm and personality, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best lake houses near NYC.

8. Modern Lakeside Cabin for Rent in New York with 2 Kayaks & 2 SUPS

Location: Bolton, New York

Rates from: $494 per night

Accommodates: 6 guests

Stay at this lakefront rental in New York and you’ll be in for a treat. The host of this one-of-a-kind property describes it as “not your grandma’s cabin”. With a bright interior, vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen, and a spa-like bath, it’s not hard to see why.

The small lake cabin for rent in NY offers an ambiance of a 5-star stay with skylights in every room and is the perfect stay for families and couples looking to get away from it all. Best of all, it has a wonderful deck and outdoor space with a fire pit and a large table for dining. Guests can also use the two kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Within easy access is a 250-feet-long beach and swimming area.

9. Waterfront Lake House to Rent in NY on Private Adirondack Lake Near Lake George

Location: Lake Luzerne, New York

Rates from: $350 per night

Accommodates: 6 guests

Offering a true “Adirondack Camp” experience, this picture-perfect cabin for rent on a lake in NY sits on the shore of Forest Lake. It was built in the 1940s for one of the many dude ranches that were active in the Lake George/Lake Luzerne area and is now restored with modern amenities.

In addition to three bedrooms, there’s a spacious living room with an original stone fireplace, a large kitchen, and a dining room that seats six. Walk out the back door to the large covered porch and savor the picturesque lake views, then head to the dock for sunning and swimming or hop in a canoe or kayak. Horseback and snowmobile outfitters and hiking trails are also nearby. Though once you spend the night at this beautiful NY lake house rental, you won’t want to leave the property!

10. Lazy Loon Cottage for Rent in New York on Keuka Lake with Amazing Views

Location: Town of Wayne, New York

Rates from: $375 per night

Accommodates: 6 guests

Nestled on the scenic east side of Keuka Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes, “Lazy Loon Cottage” is a nature lovers paradise. Located on a large private lot with a level lakefront beach, the cozy lake house getaway in NY offers beautiful sunrise and sunset vistas with views spanning almost the entire lake.

Just steps from the cottage are crystal blue waters at Crystal Beach that is kid-friendly, while there’s also plenty of front and back yard space for little ones to play. In addition to two kayaks and a canoe, there’s a fire pit, furnished outdoor deck with umbrellas, and stylish interior with space for up to six guests. If you’re looking to experience the best that the Finger Lakes has to offer, this lakefront rental in New York will not disappoint!

11. Lakefront Vacation Home in New York with Gorgeous Views, Short Trip from New York City

Location: Holmes, New York

Rates from: $400 per night

Accommodates: 6 guests

Only a 90-minute drive from New York City, this year-round lake rental in NY boasts unobstructed views of Whaley Lake. The three-bedroom log home offers a chance to enjoy kayaking, swimming, and boating, with direct access from your private boathouse.

Take advantage of the spacious deck for entertaining or sunbathing, then retreat indoors and sit by the two-story stone fireplace in the living room or whip up a meal in the modern kitchen. Downstairs in the basement, you’ll find a ping pong table for some friendly competition. With its stunning views and excellent location, it’s no wonder this is among the best lake houses in New York!

12. Spacious Beachfront Lakehouse to Rent in NY with Breathtaking Views

Location: Willsboro, New York

Rates from: $489 per night

Accommodates: 11 guests

A four-season getaway, this beautifully designed Adirondack home has almost 100 feet of easy-to-access shoreline. Accommodating up to 11 guests, the NY lake house to rent has a spacious open concept living area with many windows for taking in the lake views, as well as a large deck and attached screened-in sitting area.

Families will love the beautiful gallery kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a 2nd-floor private deck that offers lake views. You can access a fire pit and large stone patio that flows down to the shoreline from the downstairs family room, and in summer you can enjoy the large sandy beach for swimming and kayaking. If you’re seeking a top lake vacation in NY, this is it!

13. Spectacular Upstate NY Lake House Rental in Romantic, Private Setting

Location: Town of Carlton, New York

Rates from: $160 per night

Accommodates: 4 guests

You can’t beat the setting at this gorgeous lake house rental in NY, which offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Ontario. Not only does the cozy one-bedroom home feature 200 feet of lakefront, but it also boasts a private deck, fire pit, and modern interior.

This New York lake house rental is ideal for romantic getaways for two or a small family seeking a lakeside vacation. It’s nestled next to Lakeside Park where you can enjoy miles of hiking along the beautiful bluffs on the southern shore of the lake. On summer nights, you might even have the chance to spot the sparkling fireflies. As far as New York lakefront cottages go, this is among the best!

Top Lakefront New York Airbnbs and VRBOs: Coolest Rentals on the Lake in NY

Have you ever stayed in a unique Airbnb or VRBO rental on a lake in NY? Let me know in the comments or on Insta, as I’m always looking to add to this list of the most unique lake houses in New York!

So, pack your bags and set out for the beauty of Upstate New York. You’ll truly love what you see!

Looking for more awesome East Coast adventures? Check out these dreamy destinations:

– Most Unique Poconos Rentals by the Lake

– Top Cabins for Rent in Indiana

– Coolest Rentals in Pennsylvania

– Top Maine Cabin Rentals

– Best Lake Winnipesaukee Vacation Homes

– Top Airbnb Rentals in New England

– Coolest Rentals in Massachusetts

– Unique Airbnbs in the White Mountains

– Best Stays in Vermont

– Top Airbnbs for Rent in NY

– Best Vacation Homes in Rhode Island

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