Sometimes there’s nothing more relaxing than the lake life, and North Carolina’s cities are a great place to live it! There are several lovely lakes in the state that have waterfront homes available for rent, so you can experience pure relaxation without a big commitment. For your next water-themed getaway, here are some of the best lake house rentals in North Carolina.
Southern Breeze Lakefront House – Sherrills Ford
Large groups of up to 12 people can stay in the five bedrooms of this lakefront house that gets excellent reviews on Airbnb. It’s a pet-friendly home with 3.5 baths that was built in 2016. You’ll have well-appointed indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as a fenced-in backyard to the water. This is a perfect spot to paddleboard, swim, and fish off the dock. The home has a kitchen, free parking, an indoor fireplace, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. It also offers beautiful views in a quiet and friendly community while you kick back and enjoy the lake.
Lakefront Loft – Lexington
Stay at this highly-rated apartment for awesome lake views and kayaks available upon request. You’ll love being near Uptown Lexington for charming shops, wineries, breweries, and restaurants. The rental space is over the host’s garage, and parking is off the driveway. You can use the private pier while staying here and park your boat at the pier for $5 per day. The pier is also a great place for fishing, so bring your fishing pole – no license required! This option is best for two people because it’s a studio space and has one queen-size bed in the common area.
Lakeside Pagoda – Nebo
Here’s a 2,319-square-foot house that sleeps eight people and is in walking distance to a private dock with a boat slip. This house on Lake James has lots of amenities and is a Zen-inspired getaway where you can unwind. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, foosball table and wet bar on the lower level, and a total of two bedrooms and 2.5 baths. This is a fun destination for any time of the year because there are floating toys and life jackets for the summer, a fireplace and ski resorts nearby for the winter, and boating and mountain biking opportunities in the spring and fall.
A Small Piece of Heaven on the Lake – Richfield
This guest suite is great for up to three guests and overlooks High Rock Lake. The sunrises and sunsets here are truly spectacular. Your Airbnb booking here includes access to a back yard, back patio, and fire pit. Boat and jet ski rentals are available nearby. The sleeping arrangements here are a king-size bed and a sofa bed. Other included amenities are breakfast, a dedicated workspace, free parking, and Wi-Fi.
Lake-View Cabin with Hot Tub and Canoe - Topton
Up to four people can stay at this Airbnb cabin that’s romantic, private, and has a lake view. It also has a charcoal grill, hot tub, and indoor/outdoor fire areas. The kitchen is available to cook meals, and the local café and marina are within walking distance too. The cabin sits on an acre of land and features a king-size bed and two couches for sleeping arrangements. Overall, it’s an ideal little getaway destination along Nantahala Lake.
Pebby's Lake – Lake Waccamaw
Enjoy a vacation at the lake in this cottage that accommodates up to eight guests and has three bedrooms and one bath. There’s a porch with rockers and a direct view of the lake, which is perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset. You’ll be less than two miles from a grocery store and a few restaurants, while Lake Waccamaw State Park is less than 10 miles from here. Guests stay here for direct access to the lake and having a private pier that you can swim, sunbathe, or kayak from. This is a wonderful place if you’re looking to relax and get in some quality family time. This has been the host family’s getaway spot for many years, and now they are sharing this magical place with Airbnb renters too.
Cozy Lake Cottage – New London
Another option is this cottage with awesome lake views that’s great for vacations and getaways. It is an Airbnb rental for up to six people with four bedrooms and two baths. The home is about an hour from Charlotte and Greensboro. The home offers a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor cooking and dining amenities, two kayaks, and one paddleboard. You can fish from the dock, hike or bike the Uwharrie National Forest, and rent pontoon boats nearby. Pets are not allowed here. There are lots of things to do within 30 minutes of the property as well, including the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, golf, museums, and the Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Cozy Cottage at the Lake – Elizabethtown
You’ll love this lake cottage for up to six guests when you’re in the Elizabethtown area of North Carolina. It has three bedrooms and one bath, and it has a pier and water access from the street. Guests with a boat or jet skis can use the marina. The sleeping arrangements are a queen-size bed in one bedroom and a double bed in each of the two other bedrooms. Other amenities include a kitchen, free parking, laundry machines, Wi-Fi, and a TV.
Cabin with Private Loft on Nantahala Lake - Topton
This rustic Appalachian cabin gets top reviews on VRBO and is 1,040 square feet in size. It sleeps six people and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. You’ll be right on the water’s edge and have a private dock to use your own boat, canoe, or kayak. It’s an ideal place to be for fishing, swimming, and boating. Other perks are the outdoor fire pit, handcrafted furniture and décor for a cozy setting, and HughesNet Satellite internet. Guests here also enjoy the large screened-in porch and views overlooking Lake Nantahala. Children are welcome here and there are laundry machines onsite too.
Lakefront Cottage – Lake Lure
Another VRBO property to consider for your lake vacation is this lake destination that sleeps up to seven people. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms along Lake Lure and the Snug Harbor Cove. The cottage has two levels and is a modern boathouse with lovely views of the lake. Meanwhile, the boathouse decks and platforms are perfect for diving and sunbathing. There are lots of things to do when you stay here, including water sports, hiking, dining, and shopping.
Lake Nantahala Mountain House – Topton
You can also stay along Lake Nantahala in this mountain house with up to six guests. It has three bedrooms and 2.5 baths and is in a quiet gated community with high elevation lake views. The cabin borders the national forest and has no neighbors. It’s dog-friendly and offers a remote opportunity to disconnect. Perks of staying here are the screened porch, public access boat dock nearby, and also boat rentals nearby at the Lakes End Marina. Book this Airbnb for a remote and peaceful experience because there is no Wi-Fi or cell service, but there is a landline and cable TV in the home.
Waterfront Retreat at Lake Norman – Mooresville
This is a great place to stay to experience Lake Norman if you’re looking for a guest suite with its own private entrance. You’ll have your own private patio that overlooks the lake when you’re in this studio space with a kitchen. The kitchen is equipped to prepare meals, and there’s a swimming and fishing area at the end of the dock. You can even launch your boat from here. The host’s practice enhanced cleaning procedures and give guests access to the entire lower level of the home. The sleeping arrangements include a king-size bed, couch, and floor mattress.
