The Best Dog-Friendly Big Bear Cabin Rentals In 2023

After a long day on the slopes, there's truly nothing better than curling up on the couch with your dog—fireplace roaring, of course—to indulge in a good book or your favorite TV show. Perhaps a loved one is whipping up some après ski snacks in the fully-equipped kitchen, or your friends are beckoning you to join them in the hot tub as the snow falls gently outside. If this sounds like an ideal winter getaway, then Big Bear Lake, California, located about two hours from Los Angeles, should be on your travel bucket list.

Kelsey Pudloski

This four-season destination is situated in the San Bernardino Mountains at an elevation of 6,759 feet. It's home to two sister resorts for skiing and snowboarding, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, which are connected by a shuttle service. (Pro tip: Your lift ticket grants you access to both peaks.) While there aren't any doggie daycare facilities in Big Bear Lake, you can easily find a local pet sitter on Rover to hang out with your pup so you can catch first chair.

For those who prefer shopping and dining, The Village features alpine architecture, cozy outdoor fire pits, delicious restaurants, and charming boutiques. Some of our favorite dog-friendly patios in Big Bear Lake include Big Bear Mountain Brewery, right across from the Alpine Slide, and Oakside, in the heart of The Village.

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During the warmer months, visitors can explore the 6.4-square-mile lake, whether that entails boating, fishing, swimming, or simply walking the paths that surround it. There's even a boardwalk over the marsh that allows on-leash dogs—if you're lucky you might spot a bald eagle!

Hikers can enjoy dozens of dog-friendly trails with sweeping lake and mountain views. We recommend using AllTrails to search for hiking trails that allow dogs and bringing along booties for the rough terrain and plenty of water as the higher elevation will dehydrate you and your pooch more quickly.

Now that your itinerary is set, you'll need to find a place to stay. (Oh, and don't forget to pack tire chains if the forecast calls for snow.) Below, we've rounded up 11 VRBO cabin rentals in Big Bear Lake for every need and budget. Best of all, they're dog-friendly and close to the resort town's top-rated attractions.

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BearFoot Summit Haus, $142/average per night

VRBO/BearFoot Summit Haus

Calling all skiers and snowboarders: This affordable getaway is just over a block away from Snow Summit—within easy walking distance. You won't have to worry about paying for parking or the nightmare traffic getting out of there. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom house includes five beds and can accommodate up to six people. There's a small hot tub outside that's perfect for staying warm while star-gazing, as well as a garage-turned-games room with a ping pong table, cornhole, darts, and comfy couches.

The front deck features a fire pit, porch swing, and gas grill. As an added bonus, the hosts offer a boot warmer for drying your boots after a cold day on the mountain. The nightly pet fee is included in the quote, and if you would like to bring more than one dog it must be approved by the management company. Additional dogs are subject to a $20 nightly fee. While the lot isn't fenced, it's spacious enough to walk your dog on a leash.

Modern Mountain Retreat, $265/average per night

VRBO/Modern Mountain Retreat

It doesn't get much more dog-friendly than this. Modern Mountain Retreat is a newly renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom home complete with a fenced-in backyard and thoughtful touches like dog bowls and tasty treats. There's a dog park just down the street inside Ski Beach Park with separate areas for large and small dogs, plus shoreline trails for strolling with your dog on a leash.

The house is well-appointed with new appliances, modern furniture, a foosball table, and a stone fireplace. Although there are only two beds, the place can sleep up to six people. You don't need to worry about any additional fees for pets and there's no weight limit. The Grizzly Manor Cafe (a much-loved breakfast spot) is only steps away, and you can easily walk or hop on the trolley to reach Big BearVillage as it's less than a mile from the cabin rental.

Californ-I-Aframe, $267/average per night

VRBO/Californ-I-Aframe

Do you dream of owning a secluded A-frame in the woods? This newly renovated cabin is farther from town but is just a couple minutes' walk from the national forest. Surrounded by tall pines, the property features two bedrooms and one bathroom but can sleep up to six people. There's a barbecue, hot tub, and fire pit with Adirondack chairs at the back, and a sizeable front deck for sipping your morning coffee.

The vintage-inspired interiors are completely Instagram-worthy, and there are vinyl records for you to play on the Crosley. The hosts allow up to two well-mannered dogs that are under 50 pounds for no additional fee. However, dogs must be leashed at all times when outdoors and picked up after to discourage wildlife (i.e.: bears, coyotes, raccoons) from roaming the property.

Loro's Lookout, $815/average per night

VRBO/Loro's Lookout

Big Bear Lake isn't just a winter destination, in the summer, visitors can rent or launch pontoon boats, fishing boats, wave runners, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and more from the nearby marina. If you want to be close to the action, a lakefront vacation rental is the way to go. This stunning A-frame comes complete with a private dock and water toys. (In the wintertime, sleds are also provided.)

It's got four bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating up to five people. Through the retractable, 8-foot glass doors, you'll find a sprawling deck, hot tub, hammock chair, gas grill, and a sunken fire pit with ample seating. Inside, you can expect large windows with panoramic lake views, an electric fireplace, upscale appliances, a meditation area, and comfortable beds. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome (no additional fee) and there's a small artificial turf lawn in addition to the marshland that surrounds the property.

Moon Bay Cabin, $114/average per night

VRBO/Moon Bay Cabin

If you'd rather spend your money on Bear Mountain lift tickets or a steak dinner at the haunted Captains Anchorage, this charming A-frame near the airport (don't worry, it's non-commercial flights only) is a great budget option. Moon Bay Cabin touts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and is equipped with four beds for up to seven guests.

The main level boasts a large, wall-mounted smart TV above an electric fireplace, while the lower level is where you'll find the kitchen, dining area, and games—like a full-sized pool table, foosball table, and air hockey table. The rental also comes with many classic board games for a competitive night in. The backyard is sprawling and mostly fenced-in by the adjacent properties.

Big Bear City Park is also within walking distance if your dog needs to burn off some energy. The pet fee is included in the quote, but if you would like to bring more than one dog, you must contact the management company. Additional dogs are subject to a $20 nightly fee.

Starry Night Cabin, $691/average per night

VRBO/Starry Night Cabin

Group trips can be loads of fun, but they're often a challenge to plan, especially if you've got dogs in tow. We've looked through hundreds of options and can say with confidence that Starry Night Cabin is an exceptional getaway for friends and family, so you can text the group chat that you've found the perfect place to stay!

It's got four bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating up to nine people thanks to its five beds and four additional options including two sofa beds, an air mattress, and a rollaway. The spacious deck offers lake views, an eight-person hot tub, a fire pit, a barbecue, a hammock, and string lights. There's an action-packed games room with a climbing wall, giant connect four game, foosball table, massage chair, and smart TV.

The upstairs living area has a remote-start gas fireplace, a full kitchen, a vinyl record player, and ample seating. Other highlights include central AC and heating, a washer and dryer, parking for up to four vehicles, and a private sledding hill for snow play. It's a five-minute walk to Boulder Bay Park or a four-minute walk to Castle Rock Trail, a dog-friendly, 2.7-mile hike that offers epic lake views. Starry Night Cabin welcomes dogs under 50 pounds and there is a $75 pet fee per dog. Baby gates are included, too, if you need to confine your dog to a specific area of the house.

Coziest Cabin in Big Bear, $455/average per night

VRBO/Coziest Cabin in Big Bear

For an authentic cabin experience, book this two-bedroom, one-bathroom getaway near Gibralter Point. Up to two dogs of any size will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so be sure to contact the host before you book. It's well worth the extra effort, though, because there's a huge, fully fenced-in backyard with a hot tub and hammock.

You'll "ooh" and "aww" over the vintage decor and vinyl record player. The hosts have even set up a hot cocoa station complete with vegan options. The stone fireplace is ultra-cozy and the retro kitchen includes a Smeg refrigerator. This cute cabin is a short walk from Big Bear Mountain Brewery, which has a dog-friendly patio and food options, and the moderately challenging and dog-friendly Pine Knot Trail. The ski resorts are 10-13 minutes away by car, and The Village can be reached in 6 minutes (or 25 minutes if you're up for walking).

Black Rock, $1,859/average per night

VRBO/Black Rock

For those who spare no expense when planning a vacation, Black Rock offers an unparalleled luxury cabin experience. Far from a quaint cabin, this five-bedroom, six-bathroom vacation home sleeps up to 12 people. It was completed in 2021 and boasts a modern rustic aesthetic. There are almost too many features to count but we'll try—a sports bar and game room with a pool table and six flat-screen TVs, a private movie theater with 10 reclining leather chairs, a 16-seat dining room table, five ensuite bedrooms, and two owners' retreats, and a chef's kitchen with an expansive quartz-topped island.

Outside, you'll find a 1,000-square-foot double deck with a 12-seat dining table, natural gas barbeque, hot tub, wrap-around sofa for 10-plus people, and a stone fire pit. There's even a private area for sledding in the wintertime. Pets are welcome but you must pay a $200 refundable damage deposit. Sugarloaf Park is nearby, which is home to a dog park, and a shopping center with grocery stores, pharmacies, pet supplies, restaurants and more is a quick drive away.

Comet's Cabin, $131/average per night

VRBO/Comet's Cabin

The Village is a walkable district a few blocks from the lake that's dotted with restaurants, bars, gift shops, a movie theater, an art gallery, and much more. If you don't want to worry about driving home after dinner (Uber and Lyft aren't always operational in the mountains), opt for Comet's Cabin, which is just a few blocks away from everything The Village has to offer.

This affordable two-bedroom, three-bathroom cabin has five beds and sleeps up to six people. It's extremely pet-friendly, complete with a large, fenced-in front yard. There are no additional fees for bringing your furry friend, or friends, along with you. The cabin touts a separate games room with shuffleboard, foosball, a card table, and a TV. Meantime, the wraparound deck includes a dining table, Adirondack chairs, umbrellas, and a propane gas grill. There's parking for up to three vehicles and you can also put your boat or off-roading vehicles inside the fenced-in area.

Forest Log Haven, $224/average per night

VRBO/Forest Log Haven

Far from a one-room log cabin, this custom-built vacation home has vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing five beds for up to nine guests. The log cabin backs onto the San Bernardino National Forest, which can be accessed via a secure gate. In the open-concept living room and dining area, you'll find a ceramic gas log fireplace, large flat-screen TV, a farmhouse-style dining table, and a foosball table.

There are front and back decks with patio furniture and a barbecue/griddle combo. The sprawling backyard is fully fenced for your furry friend and is level enough to enjoy a game of cornhole. Other amenities include a laundry room with a full-size washer and dryer and an attached two-car garage with a level 2 EV charger. Pets are allowed but guests are asked to pay a $200 refundable damage deposit prior to their stay.

Ravens Nest, $296/average per night

VRBO/Ravens Nest

To enjoy a modern chalet feel, head over to Ravens Nest in Big Bear's exclusive Moonridge neighborhood. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom abode has four beds and can sleep up to five people. The designer-decorated space has an airy, open feel with a wall of windows and a stone fireplace. By the windows, you'll find a telescope for star gazing on clear nights.

You can take in views of the lake from the large wraparound deck with a barbecue, dining table, and lounge seating. The tweens will love the provided PlayStation 4, while the adults will appreciate the proximity to Bear Mountain Golf Course in the summertime. The nightly fee for one dog is included in the quote. Additional dogs (there is a maximum of two) have to be approved by management and are subject to a $20 nightly fee. The lot isn't fenced-in but it's flat enough for taking your dog out to potty. Sugarloaf Park, which features a dog park, is also close by if your dog requires a lot of exercise.