Big Bear, CA Vacation Rental Market Analysis: What Investors Should Know Before Buying

Big Bear is a classic Southern California mountain escape that blends alpine adventure, lakeside relaxation, and small-town charm. Home to two ski resorts and tons of water activities on Big Bear Lake, the area attracts travelers year-round with outdoor recreation, cozy cabins, and a friendly downtown atmosphere in The Village that invites guests to slow down and unplug.

That combination of accessibility, scenery, and four-season appeal is what draws over 7 million visitors annually, making a Big Bear vacation rental investment especially attractive for buyers seeking consistent demand in a drive-to destination.

To help you evaluate earning potential in this popular mountain market, we created a free Big Bear Vacation Rental Market Analysis. Inside the report, you’ll find:

• Rental income potential by property size

• Average occupancy by property size

• Average daily rate (ADR) by property size

• Booking lead times and length of stay

• Monthly occupancy rates

• Vacation rental inventory by property size across the Big Bear market

The insights in this analysis are based on Evolve’s Big Bear market averages from the past year and provide a reliable baseline as you explore opportunities in this California mountain destination.

👉 Download the complete Big Bear Vacation Rental Investment Analysis. 

Why Big Bear Is a Strong Market for Vacation Rental Owners

Big Bear’s appeal lies in its versatility. Travelers come for snow in the winter, lake days in the summer, and fresh mountain air year-round — giving owners multiple chances to capture bookings throughout the calendar.

Dual Peak Seasons Drive Consistent Demand

Unlike single-season destinations, Big Bear benefits from two primary demand surges each year.

• Winter: Holiday travel and ski season drive high occupancy through March

• Summer: Demand ramps up in early summer and peaks in July as travelers escape city heat

This seasonality supports both strong occupancy and opportunities for higher nightly rates during peak travel periods.

A Range of Entry Points for Buyers

Home values vary depending on proximity to the lake and downtown activities.

• Properties near Big Bear Lake typically command higher prices (~$545,000)

• Homes in Big Bear City, just east of the lake, often offer lower purchase prices (~$394,000) while remaining close to major attractions

This pricing spread allows buyers to align budget, location, and income goals more flexibly than in many California markets.

Important note: Big Bear enforces short-term rental permitting requirements. Buyers should understand local regulations and licensing processes before purchasing and work with knowledgeable local professionals when entering the market. 

How Much Can You Earn With a Big Bear Vacation Rental?

Big Bear’s popularity with families, friend groups, and repeat visitors supports strong income potential across multiple property types. As with other top-performing markets, results are driven by property size, location, and amenities.

1. Best-Performing Property Sizes

Larger homes tend to generate the highest annual revenue in Big Bear.

• Four- and five-bedroom homes earn the most on average, catering to large groups and multi-generational travelers

• These properties face less competition but come with higher upfront costs

That said, smaller homes also perform well:

• Two-bedroom properties often lead in total nights booked

• They represent the largest share of available inventory and offer lower entry prices

This balance gives buyers multiple viable paths depending on budget and risk tolerance.

2. Location: Lake Access vs. Value Plays

Lakefront and near-lake cabins are among the most desirable properties in the market, offering:

• Scenic views

• Easy access to Big Bear Village

• Proximity to hiking trails and Snow Summit base

However, homes farther from the water can still perform strongly (and sometimes deliver faster ROI) thanks to lower purchase prices. Properties near Bear Mountain Ski Resort or along shuttle-access routes to the slopes are especially appealing to winter travelers.

When evaluating location, convenience and access often matter as much as views.

3. Amenities That Increase Booking Appeal

Big Bear travelers are drawn to comfort, character, and connection to the outdoors. High-impact amenities in this market include:

• Hot tubs for post-hike or après-ski relaxation

• Outdoor spaces with decks, grills, fire pits, or hammocks

• Cozy interiors that balance rustic charm with modern updates

• Storage space for skis, snowboards, bikes, and fishing gear

Mudrooms, finished garages, or dedicated gear storage areas help keep group stays organized and can improve guest satisfaction, especially during the winter months.

Download the Complete Big Bear, CA Vacation Rental Market Analysis

With its blend of lakefront living, ski-town energy, and year-round recreation, Big Bear remains one of Southern California’s most resilient vacation rental markets. Whether you’re buying your first mountain cabin or evaluating a new opportunity, our Big Bear Vacation Rental Market Analysis provides the data you need to plan confidently.

Inside the full report, you’ll find:

• Average daily rate (ADR) by property size

• Average high- and low-season length of stay

• Market inventory insights

• Demand seasonality

Use these insights to compare properties, understand performance drivers, and avoid common pitfalls as you build a smarter Big Bear vacation rental investment strategy.

👉 Download the free Big Bear Vacation Rental Market Analysis.