Imagine summer days swimming in a lake, the family gathered around a fire at night roasting marshmallows. Summer memories like this can be yours by renting a vacation home or condo on a lake. Here are some tips to find that perfect vacation rental and start your summer memories.



1. Determine which lake you want to find a vacation rental on. Find lakes on a map in an area in which you'd like to vacation.

2. Contact realtors in the area of the lake and consult with them about potential rentals on the lake.

3. Check the local newspapers for classified ads listing vacation home rentals on the lake. Classified ads can be found online by searching for the newspapers in the town where the lake is located.

4. Ask co-workers, family members and friends for lake home rental recommendations. Chances are, you'll run into someone who has had a good rental experience on a lake home and can get advice from them.

5. Search vacation home rental sites online, including places like Craigslist which regularly has vacation rentals listed in its "Housing" section. Other search options are listed in the resource section below.

6. Consult a travel agent about lakes to vacation on. Some travel agents may have a list of vacation rentals to share.