Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera

Photo gallery for Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera

View of lake from lodge
Watanda Lodge
Drone View of Watanda Lodge
Driveway coming into lodge
Snow at Watanda

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
AU$470
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Nevada City, CA
  • Tahoe National Forest Headquarters
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Nevada Theatre
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Scotts Flat Lake
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Auburn, CA (AUN-Auburn Municipal)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 8)

Bunk Area

1 King Bed and 3 Single Bunk Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

Room

  • 139.4 sq m
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 King Bed and 3 Single Bunk Beds
Price is AU$470 avg per night,

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About the area

Nevada City

Located in Nevada City, this lodge is on a lake. Ol' Republic Brewery and Double Oak Vineyards and Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.

What's nearby

  • Tahoe National Forest Headquarters - 5 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Nevada City Firehouse No. 2 - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Nevada Theatre - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Empire Mine State Historic Park - 12 min drive - 13.2 km
  • Scotts Flat Lake - 18 min drive - 12.6 km

Getting around

  • Colfax Station - 28 min drive
  • Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) - 82 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Willo - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Northridge Of Nevada City - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Three Forks Bakery & Brewing - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Stonehouse Old Brewery - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Fudenjuce - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera


APRIL 2025: LAKE IS FULL!

PET FRIENDLY: Please read entire description for information and Pet Policy.

WINTER NOTE: During the winter we can only take 6 people in the Lodge. The camping cabins (Kiosks) are not winterized.

FINE PRINT: This is a nonsmoking lodge; smoking is permitted at the fire ring on the waterfront. The use of cannabis is not permitted. Medical cannabis must be consumed at least 50 feet away from all buildings.

SEE ALSO CABIN LISTING AT VRBO #33191.
CABIN RENTS SEPARATELY FROM THE LODGE.

Looking for a romantic weekend for 2 or large family vacation? Watanda Lodge, located 2 miles from downtown Nevada City is the perfect get-away for families or friends who vacation together. Our 10-acre site is a retired resident camp renovated for family enjoyment. Watanda Lodge alone can be rented by your family or a couple for a romantic weekend or both lodge and cabin (VRBO #33191). Watanda Lodge sits on Lake Vera which is shared by 3 seasonal working camps.

The non-smoking lodge contains a large stocked, gourmet kitchen for meal preparation for up to 30 persons. The lodge bathroom one toilet and one tub/shower. Adjacent bath house has 3 toilets and 3 showers. The Great Room has a large ten-foot fireplace with wood burning insert for chasing away the winter chill. Heat and A/C throughout lodge. Direct-TV/DVD & wireless DSL (internet is unreliable and not guaranteed), phone for local calls. Large DVD collection & puzzles for your enjoyment. **Maximum in the lodge is 8 for overnight sleeping, additional guests use the camping Kiosks. Kiosks are not suitable for Fall/Winter use. Day guest use is 30 maximum.

Lodge sleeping accommodations for 8, rest of guests use the Camping Kiosks (not suitable for winter use). The large dorm style Lodge bedroom contains one king bed, (linens provided for king bed only), two twin bunk beds and one twin bunk bed in the great room. Only the king bed will be made up, linen sets will be provided for the bunks depending on the number of guests in your reservation. Additionally, there are 12 pillows. Toiletries and towels are provided for groups of 6 only, larger groups will need to bring own towels. Cabin rents separately from the lodge.

LAKE VERA is a small private lake, there are a variety of watercraft for your use including 6 canoes and 3 kayaks. Life jackets are provided and required for all boaters. No fishing license is needed. A picnic area and large fire ring are located on the waterfront, accommodating 40. There is little shade on the waterfront, we do provide shade canopies, but you might consider bringing one. The lake is drained from about November 1 (depending on rainy season) to mid-April; water level begins to drop in August and can be quite low in dry summers. There is an ALL-Lake quiet from 9:30 pm-7:00 am in which only quiet activities that do not create a disturbance.

Minimum stay is 3 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Holidays, 2-day minimum the rest of the year. Small cabin on the property may be also rented at the same time if the entire site is not rented by your group. Motor Homes can navigate our entrance, but not large Coaches. We do not have RV hook-ups or the capacity to run extension cords.

NEVADA CITY: Nevada City has many year-round events, and the Fall colors and weather are not to be missed. December has Victorian Christmas and Grass Valley has Celtic Christmas; both are weekly events thru December. The fairgrounds are close by with many antique and quilt shows. There are also several wineries in the area and many fine restaurants and antique stores. Grocery stores, consumer services and hospital, are less than 5 miles away.

SUMMER USE: Great for families large or small, or friends who vacation together. The Yuba River is 3 miles away. Equestrian trails and staging areas along Hwy 20. Many developed bike trails in the area. We do not permit motorized biking on our 10 acres.

WINTER USE: Nevada City and Grass Valley both have weekly Christmas Fairs in December offering many local artisans. Great location for Tahoe skiers who do not want to pay resort prices. Cross country skiing 45 minutes away on Hwy 20, snow play less than 20 minutes up Hwy 20. We are at 2500 ft elevation and is located off main road which is plowed but has long driveway that is not plowed. There is parking at the road entrance if snow is a problem but rarely is. Saucer sleds available.

PETS: Well behaved owners with good citizen dogs are welcome, however dogs are not allowed in the kitchen or on furniture. Please help us to remain pet friendly by observing this.

Dogs must have current rabies vaccination. It is recommended that dogs be treated 3 days before your arrival with a topical flea and tick medication.

Dogs are not allowed to roam the property and must be under the direct control of the owner. Any dog showing aggressive behavior or interferes with guest enjoyment will be asked to board the dog(s) off site.

Check out our website for additional pictures and information. Online calendar is kept up to date daily.

** Directions and 'What to bring list' are on our website.

Keywords: Lodge, large groups, reunions, vacation rental

Property manager

Kathryn McNitt

Languages

English

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Maximum 2 dogs.
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside at camp fire ring only

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
Property Registration Number 1

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Is Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera pet-friendly?

Yes, Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera located?

Situated on a lake, this lodge is within 3 miles (5 km) of South Yuba River State Park, Tahoe National Forest Headquarters and Historic Firehouse No. 1 Museum. Off Broadstreet Theatre and Nevada City Chamber of Commerce are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Watanda Lodge at Lake Vera Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great place, lots of fun. Would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle C., Reno NV

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place to relax

This was a nice little get away from the huddle and bustle. The lake has turned already as of July 22nd.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Mike M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy lakeside lounging + great tips

We had a great stay. We visited when avg hi temps were 100+, but Kathryn was extremely helpful with suggestions for paces to go that were cooler. It was great to walk right out back and use the canoes, row boats, kayaks & sup on the lake. By this time in summer (July) the lake was a bit low, quite warm and somewhat clogged with lily pads & other growth so we opted to swim elsewhere. So great to have all the gear we needed right there, too. Thanks, Kathryn!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family getaway.

Fantastic week of swimming and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary H., San Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful, peaceful, fun!

We had such an amazing time this past week for spring break. Pictures don't do it justice, lodge was very well appointed, beds were amazingly comfortable and the property was just beautiful. Can't beat a fire by the lake. It was fun because we were there the week the lake was filling up so everyday our paddling experience on the lake was different! Loved the wildlife - saw several types of birds, a couple of turtles, and heard the frogs. Great hikes in the area, we easily found a few that worked for our 4 year old and dog. We liked to go for a hike in the am and then come back to the lake to relax in the pm. Kathyn's communication was top notch - responsive and proactive. We hope to come again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steven H., Citrus Heights, CA USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and secluded.

The location was easy to get to and you're close to any amenities in Nevada City. It was nicely tucked away and perfectly secluded. The inside of the lodge was clean and tidy, and the bed was super comfortable. Very large grassy area was great for our two dogs. Definitely plan on bringing anti-tick topical treatment for your dogs; we dealt with at least 4 to 5 ticks on our golden retriever. He's also on combo-guard but we got a nice routine of always double and triple checking the dogs after any walks or play time. The internet is definitely slow but we didn't mind. We used the time to play lots of board games and watch movies. It's been a long time since I got to watch a VHS! (But they had a nice collection of DVDs too)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

jerry v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Stay!!!!

This was an excellent place to visit and stay. Great communication, cleanliness, amenities, the pictures don't do it justice. Will definitely be back!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christine B., Rocklin, ca

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful!

We found the place relaxing. You can see lots of stars including the Milky Way and a shooting star. There is a lot of land to run around. It is about 45 minutes from Malakoff Diggins, which was great family excursion for hiking and social distancing. The price is a bargain compared to a hotel. It only has one bedroom, but the kids can sleep in the bunks in the living rooms and we moved a twin mattress from the bedroom to the living room to accommodate them. The kitchen is big. It is fairly clean, almost like as a hotel. An added bonus for us is it was not booked for 5 days, which gave us added assurance it was safe. We rather it been vacant for a few days, and know we can’t get COVID-19. All high-touch surfaces looked very clean. I highly recommend it!!!

10/10 Excellent

Alivia C., San Francisco, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time at the camp!

We rented Watanda for a birthday celebration in early September and we really enjoyed everything it had to offer. The lodge was even bigger than the photos let on - giving us plenty of room for air conditioned sleeping and lots of cooking space for our large group. Our favorite part was the big fire ring and stage. The lake was dry for our visit but Kathryn was very communicative up front (weeks in advance) letting us know the likelihood of it being dry. In lieu of no water in back, she provided me with several swimming options nearby that we were able to enjoy. We went to Bridgeport on the Yuba River which was perfect. Would highly recommend and would love to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nathan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience!

The property is well equipped, lots of land, and quiet. It’s also close to the south Yuba River which is highly recommended in the summer! The owners are very responsive and helpful. Look foreword to coming back sometime!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lauren K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family vacation

Beautiful lakefront property with a terrific kitchen. Very comfortable. Owners were super accessible to answer questions.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Terry D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dads last family trip

It was beautiful and relaxing. We thoroughly enjoy our stay here. Very accommodating and would highly recommended a stay here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Johann Z., San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happiness at lake Vera

We’ve been coming to Camp Watanda for 16 years now and love the privacy of this unique lake front gem. Kathryn and John are exceptional hosts and extremely responsive in all communications. The lodge is well equipped for large groups and has everything we need to relax during the hot summer days in Nevada County. Proximity to the South Yuba, Tahoe National Park and lovely Gold Rush towns (Nevada City, Grass Valley) make this an ideal place for adventure, hiking, swimming, biking, and so much more. Highly recommended for families, groups, kids, and all those who love the outdoors and like to sleep under the stars.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

manora s., San Francisco

Love it!

The lodge was cozy and plenty of rooms for 9 of us( 2 children and 7 adults).Everyone had a good time paddling in the lake and cooking in the kitchen.A gem in the woods indeed.We would come back again in the near future.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Philip K.

Great place for family and kids!

Our family had a great time! Thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Robin G.

Like camping...but BETTER!

We had the BEST time! I’ve missed going on camping trips over the last few years and “settled” to stay in a cabin at the lake. It was a wonderful lodge with great facilities. The lodge was clean and well-appointed to meet our needs. The king bed was SOOO comfortable. The a/c helped keep it comfortable while in the high 90’s. I liked the “limited” cell phone/internet coverage (we have AT&T) that allowed us to relax and not be glued to our phones while at the lake. 😊 We appreciated the pantry supplies, toiletry items, and blow dryer that was available. The grounds are beautiful and our dog enjoyed being able to play fetch freely and swim for the first time! We enjoyed the canoes and kayaks as well. Thank you so much! This time has helped me “scratch” my “itch “ to camp! Robin, Al, and Buster 🐶
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Becky M.

We loved every minute of our vacation at Watanda

We had a great time at the lake. The lodge easily slept alll four adults and four children inside. The kids had a great time canoeing and kayaking. The lake was full and we enjoyed seeing the other camps in session on the lake. I would highly recommend the lodge for a relaxing indoor camping experience.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

S P.

amazing lodge and property

We've been coming to Watanda for ten years now! It's the highlight of our summer. Kathyrn has the most amazing place in an incredible setting. It's the perfect mix for those that want to sleep outside and those that prefer inside. The deck is an amazing gathering spot and has ample room for us all to have dinner together at the tables. The most gracious and thoughtful host. I can't recommend this spot more highly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

For my daughter's birthda...

For my daughter's birthday in September, I reserved the cabin at Camp Watanda. I actually made the reservations way back in March and was pleased with the wonderful communication from the owners. There were no surprises when we arrived, and since it was "self check in"..we were able to arrive on our own schedule. Even though my daughter had broken her foot days before the trip and was in a cast, we had a wonderful time. The cabin was so clean and well stocked and especially cozy! The lake was low, but there was plenty of wildlife and my grandson thoroughly enjoyed himself. The whole experience was amazing.. restful and peaceful. I highly recommend this location to anyone who needs to get away, without really being that far off the grid. I can't wait for our next trip to paradise.