Where to stay and play in Big Bear this fall

By: DogTrekker Staff
Illustration depicts two bears hugging

Big Bear Lake sparkles as summer transitions to autumn and the leaves start turning yellow, orange and red. Warm, sun-soaked days are refreshed with cooler evenings, when inky night skies beckon stargazers.

Your four-legged friends get even more room to play during the less-crowded shoulder season, which also comes with the perks of lower lodging rates. Find your perfect dog-friendly home away from home with this guide, and book that trip today to make the most of fall’s splendor.

A man and woman sit on a stone bench in front of a fireplace, studying a map with smiles on their faces. The man pets a black-and-white dog that sits close by. Dressed in casual warm clothing, they look eager as they plan their fall visit to Big Bear for some hiking.

Big Bear Lake offers a range of lodging types for your traveling pack. Pet policies vary from property to property, so it’s always advised to call to confirm the particulars before booking. If you like a simple, traditional hotel experience, several lodges welcome dogs and charge either a one-time or daily fee. As all good pet parents know, dogs should never be left alone in a hotel room. Read more…

Five huskies stand closely on an orange platform outdoors in Big Bear. Their coats vary from black, grey, white, to brown. In the background are trees, a building with a red wall, and a clear fall sky.

There’s nothing more quintessentially Big Bear than staying in a cabin. Fortunately for Dogtrekkers like us, there is no shortage of cabin rental options, be it on the lake or in the woods. Some are run like traditional hotels, while others are managed by vacation rental companies. Expect cozy charm and standalone lodgings well-stocked for mountain living. Read more…

A person in a hat and striped sweater stands on a rocky path with their black dog. Mountains rise in the background under a cloudy sky, offering a clear image of Big Bear during fall. The scene features an outdoor, mountainous landscape and distant rolling hills, ideal for an active visit with your pet.

Vacation rental homes allow you to live like a local while enjoying all of the comforts of a well stocked home. And in Big Bear Lake, these houses offer abundant ambience—standard surroundings include dense groves of fragrant pine trees and incredible lake views. For pet parents, these vacation rentals deliver the added perks of ample space and privacy. Read more…

A woman in sunglasses and a cap sits on a boat at Big Bear, petting a white dog beside her. The boat moves across a large lake surrounded by trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. She wears light-colored casual clothing, looking relaxed as she enjoys the quiet day.
Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway’s Marina & RV Pontoon boat.

It’s not hard to get lured in by the lake lifestyle, especially when your canine companions are welcome on the water. Running seven miles long and half-a-mile wide with 22 miles of shoreline, Big Bear Lake is renowned as the best freshwater fishing destination in Southern California. It’s also a hot spot for watersports and pleasure cruising. Read more…

An aerial image captures a forested mountain range encircling a large lake, tinted in sepia tones. In the middle of the photo, a circular logo with an illustration of a bear and pine tree contains the words "Preserve Our Natural Playground - Stay and Care For Big Bear.

The Big Bear community is passionate about protecting and preserving their natural resources for the benefit of today’s travelers and future generations. That’s why they launched the Care For Big Bear initiative to educate and engage visitors in local efforts to foster sustainability and to keep nature wild—and litter-free. Join the movement by taking a few simple steps to be a responsible DogTrekker. Read more…