Free Parking in Big Bear: Complete 2025 Guide (Save $5-15 Per Day)
Save Money with Free Parking in Big Bear Lake
Adventure Pass costs add up fast ($5/day or $30/year), and paid parking lots at ski resorts can charge $10-20 during peak season. But Big Bear Lake offers numerous free parking options if you know where to look. This complete guide reveals all the best free parking spots for 2025, saving you money while exploring the mountains.
Free Parking in Big Bear Village
The Village is Big Bear's shopping and dining hub, and parking is completely free in multiple lots throughout the area:
Village Public Parking Lots (200+ Spaces Total)
- Pennsylvania Avenue Lot: Largest lot with EV charging stations. Central location near shops and restaurants. View details →
- Bartlett Road Lot: EV charging available. Easy access to Village businesses.
- Knickerbocker Road Lot: Quieter location, short walk to Village center.
- Cameron Drive & Alden Road Lots: Additional overflow parking.
Important: All Village parking is dawn to dusk only - no overnight parking allowed. Violators may be cited or towed. On busy weekends, arrive before 10am for best availability.
Free Parking at Trails & Recreation Areas
Castle Rock Trailhead - NEW Free Parking (Opened July 2025)
Big Bear's most popular trail now has a brand new FREE parking lot! The Castle Rock Trailhead Parking Lot at Big Bear Blvd & Talbot Drive (38501 Big Bear Boulevard) offers 38 spaces including 2 ADA spots, vault toilets, trash receptacles, and bike rack.
NO Adventure Pass required - completely free! As of July 23, 2025, trail users are required to park here. Hours: 7am-7pm daily. The lot fills quickly on weekends, so arrive before 9am for the best chance at a spot.
Complete parking details → | Castle Rock Trail guide →
Big Bear Discovery Center (50+ Spaces)
The Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive offers a large free parking lot during center hours (seasonal). This is an excellent alternative for Cougar Crest Trail access - park here for free and walk just 0.6 miles on the paved Alpine Pedal Path (through the tunnel under Highway 38) to reach the Cougar Crest Trailhead instead of paying $5 Adventure Pass at the tiny Cougar Crest lot.
The Discovery Center has restrooms inside the facility, sells Adventure Passes if you need them for other trails, and provides maps and trail information. Great starting point for north shore exploration.
Location details → | Cougar Crest Trail guide →
Boulder Bay Park (Free Public Access)
Free parking at this San Bernardino County park on North Shore Drive. Lake access, picnic areas, and parking all available to the public at no charge.
Meadow Park (40-60 Spaces)
Free parking at this 16.25-acre San Bernardino County facility at 41220 Park Avenue. Access to McDill Swim Beach (lifeguarded in summer), picnic tables, basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, playground, and baseball fields. Public restrooms available. Dawn to dusk parking.
Alpine Pedal Path Free Access Points
The paved Alpine Pedal Path has several access points. Free parking is available at Stanfield Cutoff bridge area (plentiful roadside parking along the bridge). Other access points like Juniper Point Picnic Area and Meadows Edge Picnic Area require $5 Adventure Pass. Stanfield Cutoff is your best free option for this beautiful lakeside trail.
Big Bear Visitor Center (Free Parking)
The official Big Bear Visitor Center offers free parking, maps, brochures, and helpful staff. A great first stop to plan your trip and get local recommendations.
Winter Free Parking Options (Ski Season)
Ski Beach Park (Seasonal)
Free public parking when accessible (seasonal closures in winter). Popular summer beach access point on South Shore. Check current conditions before visiting in winter.
Free Shuttle Service (Snow Summit & Bear Mountain)
During ski season when base lots fill, both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer FREE shuttle service from Sandalwood Overflow Parking Lot (103 Sandalwood Drive, east of Vons). This massive dirt lot holds thousands of cars.
Shuttles run continuously throughout the day:
- To Snow Summit: 10-minute ride
- To Bear Mountain: 20-minute ride
No overnight parking allowed. The Sandalwood lot is a fantastic free option when you don't want to pay for premium base lot parking.
Sandalwood lot details → | Snow Summit parking info →
Where You'll Need to Pay (Adventure Pass Required)
These popular trailheads require $5 daily or $30 annual Adventure Pass:
- Cougar Crest Trailhead: Very limited 10-15 spaces, $5 Adventure Pass required. PRO TIP: Park free at Discovery Center 0.6 miles away instead! Details →
- Pine Knot Trail (Aspen Glen Picnic Area): 20-30 spaces, $5 Adventure Pass. Rarely fills in early morning. View lot →
- Grays Peak Trailhead: $5 Adventure Pass required. Trail closed Nov 1 - Apr 1 for eagle habitat protection.
- Most San Bernardino National Forest trailheads require Adventure Pass
Where to Buy Adventure Pass: 7-Eleven stores throughout Big Bear, Big Bear Discovery Center, Big Bear Visitor Center, or online from USFS.
Insider Tips for Free Parking Success
- Arrive Early: Free lots fill by 9-10am on summer and fall weekends. Get there by 8am for best selection, especially at popular spots like Castle Rock.
- Respect Time Limits: Village parking is dawn to dusk only. No overnight parking or you risk citation and towing. Always check posted signs.
- Use Discovery Center for Cougar Crest: Instead of fighting for limited Cougar Crest lot spaces ($5 Adventure Pass), park free at Discovery Center and walk 0.6 miles on the paved Alpine Pedal Path through the tunnel under Highway 38 to reach the trailhead. Saves money and stress!
- Consider the Shuttle in Winter: During ski season, the Sandalwood overflow lot with free shuttle service is often better than circling for expensive base lot parking. Park free, ride 10-20 minutes, hit the slopes.
- Castle Rock is Now Free: Take advantage of the brand new July 2025 free parking lot - no more searching for sketchy roadside parking or paying Adventure Pass fees for Big Bear's most popular trail.
- Download Offline Maps: Save offline maps on your phone before heading to Big Bear. Cell service can be spotty, and you don't want to get lost finding parking lots in unfamiliar areas.
- Check Seasonal Closures: Some parking areas and trails close seasonally for snow or wildlife protection. Always check current conditions before driving up the mountain, especially in winter or spring.
- Plan Ahead for Holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and October fall color weekends see massive crowds. Free parking fills by 8am. Consider arriving the night before or very early morning.
Save Even More: Annual Adventure Pass
If you visit Big Bear 7+ times per year, the $30 annual Adventure Pass pays for itself versus $5 daily fees ($5 × 7 days = $35). The pass is valid at hundreds of USFS recreation sites across California, not just Big Bear, making it a great value for frequent outdoor enthusiasts.
Interactive Parking Map
Want to see all parking locations on a map? View our complete interactive parking map →
Browse all parking locations with detailed information, hours, amenities, and capacity. Each location page links to nearby trails and beaches so you can plan your entire Big Bear adventure.
Bottom Line: Free Parking is Available
Don't let parking fees discourage you from exploring Big Bear Lake. With this guide, you can access the Village, major trails, beaches, and recreation areas without paying parking fees. The new Castle Rock free lot alone is a game-changer for the area's most popular trail.
Quick Summary of Best Free Parking:
- Village Shopping: Pennsylvania Avenue, Bartlett Road, Knickerbocker lots (200+ spaces)
- Hiking Castle Rock: New Castle Rock Trailhead Lot (38 spaces, no Adventure Pass!)
- Hiking Cougar Crest: Discovery Center (50+ spaces) + 0.6 mile walk
- Beach/Recreation: Meadow Park (40-60 spaces), Boulder Bay Park
- Skiing (Winter): Sandalwood overflow lot + free shuttle
Pro tip: Bookmark this guide and share it with friends planning Big Bear trips. Free parking information saves everyone money and reduces the stress of finding parking during busy weekends!
Browse all Big Bear trails → | View all parking locations → | Explore Big Bear dining →
Ready to Hit the Trails?
Explore our interactive trail map to plan your Big Bear hiking adventure!
View Trail Map →