The writer was hosted.
Epic views from Big Bear lakefront vacation homes are like having a never-ending supply of tranquility on tap. Cabin rentals are an ideal lodging option in this four-season destination popular with skiers, boaters, hikers, and those who prefer to simply unwind.
It took me just under 2 hours to get to Big Bear Lake from Orange County, CA, and 90 minutes for my son and his wife to get there from Los Angeles, making it a great location for our weekend getaway in Southern California.
Lakefront Cabins
I toured a variety of Big Bear Lake cabin rentals that are managed by Destination Big Bear, listed below. Lakeside cabin rentals come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices but those listed below include:
- Gorgeous mountain views
- Lake views
- Outdoor hot tub
- Game room
- Pool table
- Games
- Washer/Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Free wifi
- Fireplace
- Check-in time is 1:00 and check-out is 10:00 am.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Many cabin owners do not allow Duraflame logs. Ask ahead.
Destination Big Bear manages 400 Big Bear vacation rentals that cater to all types of getaways. Here’s a glimpse of some of the gems.
1. The Grand on the Shore:
- Luxuriously furnished and decorated
- Optimal location close to The Village, Big Bear Lake and Bear Mountain
- Chef’s Kitchen & great room
- Master suite has lakeview, fireplace, spa tub, and huge walk-in closet
- Room with Bunk beds
- Game room in basement
- Sleeps 16
This spacious luxury cabin is decorated with a contemporary Western theme and offers all of the comforts of a four-season retreat. Its great location is perfect for snowboarders and skiers because it is minutes away from Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts.
The show stopper is the floor-to-ceiling windows in the chef’s kitchen and connected great room with enormous windows that frame Big Bear Lake. The basement has lake views. pool table, air hockey, treadmill, card table, bar, and sliding doors to the deck.
2. Cali Bear Lakefront:
- Super private * My pick for privacy
- Beach path
- Multiple sets of bunk beds
- Master suite includes fireplace, jacuzzi tub and views of Big Bear Lake
- Sleeps 12
Cali Bear Lakefront is a large and cozy cabin overlooking Big Bear Lake. This is my pick for privacy – it has a great location at the end of Blue Jay Lane. It includes all of the amenities listed above, has a fun contemporary western decor, a lower-level deck and a path to the beach.
3. Gilner Point:
- Luxurious Mansion cabin – my new term
- Sleeps 13 easily
- Private sandy beach
- Boat slip
- Garage access
- Romanesque decor in basement overlooking Big Bear Lake
Groups up to 13 will have plenty of space and privacy (no piling up in a room needed) in this luxurious cabin. The entry is dramatic rustic elegance with a chef’s kitchen and a great room overlooking Big Bear Lake.
There are bedrooms and lake views on several levels. I think it’s even possible to get a view of Big Bear Lake from the copper soaking tub in the master en suite bathroom. If not, you can get one from the jacuzzi tub in the basement bathroom. The basement took me by surprise – it’s called the Caesar Room on the website, which is fitting for the decor.
4. Lakeside Living:
- Huge backyard
- Sleeps 8
- No hot tub
It’s probably the quilt hanging off the loft railing above the red plaid sofa that makes me think of Grandma’s house. Lakeside Living is a cozy chalet with gorgeous lake views. The sitting area in the backyard and deck with Adirondack chairs overlooking Big Bear Lake are my favorite features here.
5. Lakefront Manor
- Close to the Village, Big Bear Lake, Bear Mountain
- Sleeps 15
- Multiple fireplaces
- Giant yard
- Pet-friendly – Fenced yard for pets
- 3,000 sq. ft
- Huge game room
Lakefront Manor is all light and Big Bear Lake views. Every room on the first floor offers a fireplace and lake views. I wasn’t in love with the purple sponge print in the master suite but the giant bathroom, walk-in closet, amazing lake views and fireplace stole the show. The basement has additional bedrooms and a game room that walks out to a deck and a pet-friendly fenced yard. This cabin is a short 5 minute drive to the Village.
Lakeside Cabin Rentals in Big Bear Lake
1. Lakeview Escape:
- Great location near The Village and Big Bear Lake
- Strong wifi for remote work
- Sleeps 12
- Pet-friendly
- Fun retro game room with old school games (Donkey Kong, Pac Man ++…)
My son, his wife, and I stayed at Lakeview Escape for 3 nights. We loved the location because we could walk to The Village and Big Bear Lake was less than a block away. The hot tub is loaded with jets and we had long conversations there daily. The kitchen is well stocked with plates, bowls, and utensils so we made use of it for leftovers and breakfast.
The game room in the loft is retro with an old radio (that works), pool table, and game table with 400 options so we ended each day with a fire, music, and competitive game of Pac-man and Donkey Kong.
2. Pinehurst
- Sleeps 7
- Pet-friendly
- Remote location
Pet-friendly and a true pine log cabin, it is located in a wooded neighborhood, very near the ski slopes. As soon as I walked in I noted the shuffleboard table and giant fireplace which gives it a playful vibe. The hot tub is built into the back deck overlooking trees and the fenced yard.
3. Hidden Oaks:
- Pet-friendly
- Sleeps 8
- Wooded backyard
Located in the Upper Moonridge area, this secluded cabin was a little hard to find at night. My favorite features at Hidden Oaks were the fireplace in the master bedroom and the fat puffy comforters on the bed. I visited in the fall and enjoyed daily serene hot tub soaks in the backyard, surrounded by colorful trees. The kitchen was well stocked with pans and condiments.
Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City
Big Bear Lake is in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, surrounded by towering pines, a bike path and campground. The air is crisp, and the scenery is breathtaking. Its four-season activities make a Big Bear vacation fun for skiers, boaters, hikers and bikers.
Big Bear Village dead ends into Big Bear Lake Marina and is about 8 miles from Snow Summit and Big Bear Mountain. Big Bear City is about 4 miles from Big Bear Village, on the east shore of the lake and is host to the annual Oktoberfest.
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