Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Big Bear Lake, United States, Data & Trends 2026

Big Bear Lake's numbers describe a tough, supply-heavy market. It ran just 36% average occupancy over the period, a striking 20 points below the 56% national reference and among the lower figures of the 42 US cities tracked, across only about 130 booked nights a year. That low fill reflects both the weekend-concentrated demand pattern and the deep 361-listing supply competing for it.

The offset is rate: a 281 euro (255 dollar) average daily rate, typical of larger cabin rentals, lifts average monthly revenue to 2,862 euros despite the thin occupancy. The concern is an 8% year-on-year revenue decline, suggesting softening demand or oversupply pressure, consistent with the licence cap arriving in a crowded field. Read together, the takeaway is that Big Bear rewards rate and weekend optimisation over occupancy chasing, and operators must compete hard on cabin quality and amenities to defend bookings.

Big Bear Lake sits in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, and its short-term rental demand is built on being the nearest real mountain escape for the vast Los Angeles and Inland Empire population, roughly two hours by car. The draw is dual-natured: in winter, the Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit ski areas pull skiers and snowboarders; the rest of the year, Big Bear Lake itself anchors boating, fishing, hiking and the Alpine Slide. The Village's shops and restaurants give the town a walkable resort core that supports cabin-and-chalet stays.

This is a drive-to, weekend-heavy leisure market dominated by families and groups renting cabins rather than business or international travel. With 361 active listings, supply is unusually deep for a town of about 5,000 residents, reflecting how mature and competitive the Big Bear STR scene is. The combination of a hard licence cap and heavy supply makes this a market where occupancy is hard-won and differentiation, not just owning a cabin, drives results.

The Village is the walkable commercial heart, near shops, dining and the lake, and its cabins convert well for guests who want to leave the car parked. Around it, the lakefront and Boulder Bay areas trade on water access and views, prized in summer for boating and fishing bases. The slopes side toward Moonridge and the Big Bear Mountain Resort / Snow Summit base draws winter skiers who prioritise lift proximity.

Fox Farm and the more residential pockets offer larger, often better-value cabins for groups willing to drive a few minutes to the lake or lifts. Across the area, the practical levers are hot tubs, group capacity and proximity to either the lifts or the lakefront, since with 361 listings competing, location plus amenity package, not address alone, determines which cabins fill the weekends.