Care For Big Bear

• Know the rules and regulations for the area, particularly camping and fire restrictions.
• Prepare for weather hazards and emergency situations.
• Travel with blankets and water should you become stuck or stranded on mountain highways.
• To avoid the heaviest traffic, plan to travel weekdays and non-holiday periods.
• Dine out and support local restaurants.
• Make activity reservations if possible before you arrive.

Road Etiquette

Driving the mountain can be difficult for some drivers. Be aware of safe driving speeds and if traffic accumulates behind you, please use turn-outs to let traffic safely flow smoothly. Pulling off at these turnouts for snow play in winter is not recommended. Turnouts help the flow of traffic, but too many cars parked for long periods of time becomes dangerous!

While Visit Big Bear recommends snow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain - the U.S. Forest Service does allow snow play in the San Bernardino National Forest. Please play responsibly and away from traffic and closed areas like the Bald Eagle Habitat.

Winter Driving

You must carry tire chains in your vehicle during the winter months. Additionally, you should carry a sturdy shovel and cat litter - or gravel - should you need to dig out of a berm or create additional traction on icy roads.

Plan for Winter Driving & Be Prepared

Treat Our House Like Your House

• Respect other visitors.
• Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

One of Big Bear Lake’s charms is that most businesses and lodges are locally-owned. It’s one of the reasons why your stay means so much to the livelihood of Big Bear residents. Kindly treat these spaces with the same respect you would show your own home. Every year, thousands of broken sleds and countless pieces of trash are left behind - in the forest and along the roads - please do not be a part of this statistic.

Think About Energy & Water Usage

Turn off lights when you leave a room and try to open windows or wear additional clothing instead of adjusting the thermostat. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and avoid high water use activities. Also, help us preserve our night skies by switching off unused indoor and outdoor lights after dark.

Safety

Lake Ice - Please stay off lake ice! Big Bear Lake's ice is thin through the winter and not suitable for walking or playing. The risk to your life - and those of rescuers - is not worth it. Hefty fines await those who violate this county order.

Snow Play - Sledding near and into streets is dangerous as cars use roadways year-round. Do not use turnouts to park for snow play. Other travelers will need them to put chains on, to let other drivers pass, and to pull over for emergencies.

Swimming - In the summer months, swimmers must stay within 50 feet of shore. Swimming off of boats is not recommended particularly without a life vest. Every year tragic drownings occur in Big Bear Lake. Many of these victims know how to swim but are not prepared for the lake environment which includes cold water temps, currents, and exhaustion from the altitude. Stay alive, wear a life vest!

Learn more about Visitor Safety

• Keep to existing trails. Do not create new ones.
• Do not leave trash on trails and pick up any trash you find.
• Do not take away rocks, plants, or other natural objects.
• Do not approach wildlife.
• Examine - but do not touch - cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Do not introduce or transport non-native species.

• Check open campgrounds first
• Durable surfaces include established trails and roads, campsites, rock, and gravel.
• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Do not alter a site.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches in the wilderness.
• Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
• Do not disrupt areas where the impact is minimal or nonexistent.
• If you see areas where impact is beginning, avoid the area and let it recover.

Think About Fire Danger

One careless match, one burning cigarette tossed out the window, or one neglected campfire can destroy the homes of humans and wildlife. Learn about the One Less Spark Campaign

• Campfires are only permitted in established fire rings at open campgrounds. Check Restrictions
• Use local firewood. Firewood Task Force
• You must obtain a CA Campfire Permit. Campfire Safety

Think About Fire Danger

One careless match, one burning cigarette tossed out the window, or one neglected campfire can destroy the homes of humans and wildlife. Learn about the One Less Spark Campaign

• Observe wildlife from a distance, do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and dangers.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods.
• Bury human waste in holes 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from the water, camp, and trails.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
• Scatter strained dishwater.

Public Dumpster Locations

If you find a dumpster is full, kindly take your trash to a Clean Bear Site or dispose of it at your accommodations.

• Juniper Point Picnic Area
• Aspen Glen Picnic Area
• Woodland Trailhead
• Cougar Crest Trailhead
• Alpine Pedal Path at Elementary School Crossing
• East Public Boat Launch Ramp
• City Public Parking Lots
• The Civic Center Campus
• Stanfield Cutoff