Circle the lake and choose your favorite location. Perhaps you like the bustling nightlife and casinos of South Lake Tahoe or the country feel of West Shore from Camp Richardson to Homewood, or maybe the casual recreation of the North Shore calls to you. Drive around the lake, get a feel for each area and then choose where you want to stay. Tahoe boasts some 70 miles of shoreline, so this will take some time, but the scenery is spectacular so sit back and enjoy the ride.
Search the South Shore on foot. Walk through the neighborhoods to get an idea of what is available for rent. (Many cabin rentals have signs in front.) If you choose to rent on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, one area to consider is a development called The Meadows. It is a bit pricey, but if you can find a rental there, you can experience Tahoe the way it was intended. It's a short walk to Stateline and the casinos but near the lake, picturesque and peaceful.
Look at a map if you can't get there physically to circle the lake. While this is not as ideal as driving around Tahoe, you can easily determine the area of your choice.
Call Camp Richardson on the west shore. Situated on Highway 89, approximately 5 miles north of the Highway 50 turnoff, Camp Richardson has cabins dotted throughout the forest and some along the shore. These cabins feel like mountain retreats, and they tend to be booked months in advance, so be sure to plan early.
Call a cabin broker. Avoid typical broker fees by calling Tahoe Cabin Rentals. This is a compilation of listings you can use to find a cabin to rent directly from the owner. The covered area is expansive and extends almost all the way around the lake.
Call the broker or owner and negotiate the price. Even Lake Tahoe has been affected by the economic downturn. If a cabin is sitting empty along the serene, blue shores, it isn't making money, so go ahead and ask for a deal.
Put down a deposit to secure your dates. Ask the owner or broker what recreational facilities are nearby, and find out whether the cabin comes with any type of gear. Some do.
