Big Bear Beaches & Swimming Areas
Explore 8 beaches and swimming areas around Big Bear Lake. Find lifeguarded beaches, dog-friendly spots, and scenic lake access.
Why Big Bear Lake Beaches Are Different
Big Bear Lake sits at 6,750+ feet elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains, creating a unique beach experience unlike Southern California's ocean beaches. The freshwater lake offers calm, clear waters without waves, tides, or saltwater - perfect for families with young children and beginning swimmers.
Water temperatures range from refreshingly cool (65-70°F) in peak summer to cold (55-60°F) in early/late season. The high altitude means stronger UV rays, so sunscreen is essential. Most beaches offer stunning mountain backdrop views that ocean beaches simply can't match.
Important: Only McDill Swim Beach has lifeguard supervision. All other beaches are swim-at-your-own-risk. Big Bear Municipal Water District regulations require swimmers to stay within 50 feet of shore or 20 feet from a private dock.
Best Big Bear Beach For...
👨👩👧👦 Families with Young Kids
McDill Swim Beach - Only lifeguarded beach, shallow water, inflatable slide, water trampoline, snack bar. Details →
🐕 Dog Owners
Boulder Bay Park - Dog-friendly (on-leash), free, beautiful rock formations, great for kayaking with your pup. Details →
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Ski Beach Park - Free beach access, free parking nearby, playground, sports courts, adjacent off-leash dog park. Details →
🏞️ Peace & Solitude
Big Bear Dam Beach - Natural, undeveloped, fewer crowds, dramatic dam backdrop, perfect for sunbathing on flat rocks. Details →
🚣 Boating & Water Sports
Holloway's Marina - Boat rentals (jet skis, pontoons, kayaks), fishing charters, pirate ship cruises, full marina services. Details →
🏊 Teaching Kids to Swim
East Boat Ramp Beach - Shallow water extending far from shore, soft white sand, safe for beginning swimmers. Details →
🏊 Summer 2025 Note: Lifeguard season typically runs June-August. Always check current conditions before swimming.
Filter Beaches
Beach Comparison
| Beach Name | Lifeguard | Dogs OK | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDill Swim Beach | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | $ | Families with kids |
| Boulder Bay Park | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Free | Dogs & scenery |
| Ski Beach Park | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Free | Picnics & sunset |
| East Boat Ramp Beach | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Free | Shallow water/kids |
| Grout Bay Picnic Area | ❌ No | — | Adventure Pass | Scenic views/quiet |
| Holloway's Marina | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Day-use fee | Marina/boat rentals |
| West Boat Ramp Beach | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Free | Quiet/natural |
| Big Bear Dam Beach | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Free | Natural/solitude |
McDill Swim Beach at Meadow Park
Fee: Small admission fee (call for rates)
Season: June 22 - August 31 (noon-5pm, closed Tuesdays)
Phone: (909) 866-9700
McDill Swim Beach at Meadow Park is Big Bear Lake's premier family swimming destination and the only beach with lifeguard supervision. After being clo...
Boulder Bay Park
Fee: Free
Season: Open 24 hours year-round
Boulder Bay Park is a scenic gem on the southwest shore near Big Bear Dam, featuring impressive natural boulders framing stunning lake and mountain vi...
Ski Beach Park
Fee: Free
Season: Open year-round, dawn to dusk
Ski Beach Park is a 2-acre lakeside recreation area on the south shore, right next to Meadow Park. This family-friendly destination offers a perfect c...
East Boat Ramp Beach (Carol Morrison Launch)
Fee: Free beach access
Season: Open year-round
Phone: (909) 866-5200
The East Boat Ramp Beach (Carol Morrison Public Boat Launch) on the north shore is especially beloved by parents with young children because the water...
Grout Bay Picnic Area
Fee: Adventure Pass required for parking
Season: Seasonal - closed during eagle nesting (winter-spring, sometimes into summer)
Phone: (909) 382-2600
Grout Bay Picnic Area is a scenic day-use facility on the north shore at approximately 6,811 feet elevation, offering stunning panoramic views of Big ...
Holloway's Marina & Beach
Fee: Day-use fees may apply (contact for rates)
Season: Open daily 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM (seasonal variations)
Phone: (909) 866-5706
Holloway's Marina & RV Park is a full-service lakefront destination in the Metcalf Bay area on the north shore. While primarily a marina and RV park, ...
West Boat Ramp Beach (Duane Boyer Launch)
Fee: Free beach access
Season: Open year-round
Phone: (909) 866-2917
The West Boat Ramp (Duane Boyer Public Boat Launch) is located on the north shore approximately 1.5 miles west of Fawnskin and closer to Big Bear Dam....
Big Bear Dam Beach
Fee: Free
Season: Open year-round, dawn to dusk
Big Bear Dam Beach is a natural, undeveloped swimming spot on the north shore near the Big Bear Dam structure at the lake's western end. Unlike manicu...
Browse Beaches by Category
Find the perfect beach for your needs. Explore our curated beach categories with detailed guides and interactive maps.
❄️ Winter Activities in Big Bear
Visiting Big Bear in winter? Check out our complete guide to snow tubing parks—compare prices, hours, and find the best park for your family!
Explore Snow Tubing Parks →Beach Safety Tips
- Only McDill Swim Beach has lifeguards - all other beaches are swim-at-your-own-risk
- Big Bear Lake water is cold year-round due to 6,750+ ft elevation
- Swimmers must stay within 50 feet of shore or 20 feet of a dock
- Children should always be supervised near water
- Dogs must be on-leash at most beaches (check individual beach rules)
- Apply sunscreen - high altitude means stronger UV rays
- Beach conditions vary with lake water levels - call ahead during drought years
⚠️ Disclaimer: Conditions can change. Always check current status before visiting.
Last updated: October 2025