Big Bear Parking Lots
Find parking for trails, beaches, village, and ski resorts. 9 parking areas with details on fees, capacity, and amenities.
Castle Rock Trailhead Parking Lot
Cost: Free
Capacity: 38 spaces
Restrooms: Yes
New parking lot opened July 2025 serving Castle Rock Trail. Features 38 spaces including 2 ADA-accessible spots, vault toilets, trash receptacles, and...
Cougar Crest Trailhead
Cost: $5 Adventure Pass required
Capacity: 10-15 spaces
Restrooms: No
Very limited parking at popular Cougar Crest Trailhead providing access to Pacific Crest Trail. Adventure Pass required ($5 daily or $30 annual). Alte...
Big Bear Discovery Center
Cost: Free
Capacity: 50+ spaces
Restrooms: Yes
Large free parking lot at Big Bear Discovery Center. Popular alternative for Cougar Crest Trail access. Restrooms inside facility. Adventure Passes so...
Pine Knot Trail (Aspen Glen Picnic Area)
Cost: $5 Adventure Pass required
Capacity: 20-30 spaces
Restrooms: Yes
Moderate parking at Aspen Glen Picnic Area serving Pine Knot Trail. Features vault toilet, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and community fire ring. Adv...
Snow Summit Base Parking
Cost: Varies - Free ADA, paid closer to base
Capacity: Large base lot plus overflow
Restrooms: Yes
Multiple parking tiers at Snow Summit ski resort. Free on-site ADA parking (first-come), paid parking closer to base. When full, visitors directed to ...
Bear Mountain Ski Resort Parking
Cost: Varies - similar to Snow Summit
Capacity: Base lot plus upper lots
Restrooms: Yes
Base parking plus Clubhouse Lot across street at 43092 Goldmine Dr. When full, visitors use Sandalwood overflow lot with shuttle (20 min ride). Restro...
Sandalwood Overflow Parking Lot
Cost: Free with shuttle service
Capacity: Thousands of cars
Restrooms: No
Large dirt overflow lot for both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts. Free parking with continuous shuttle buses (10 min to Snow Summit, 20 min ...
Big Bear Village Public Parking
Cost: Free
Capacity: 200+ spaces in multiple lots
Restrooms: No
Multiple free public parking lots throughout Big Bear Village on Pennsylvania Avenue, Bartlett Road, Knickerbocker Road, Cameron Drive, and Alden Road...
Meadow Park Parking
Cost: Free
Capacity: 40-60 spaces
Restrooms: Yes
Free parking at 16.25-acre Meadow Park facility. Access to McDill Swim Beach (lifeguarded), picnic tables, basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, play...
Parking Tips
- Adventure Pass ($5 daily, $30 annual) required at most trailhead parking lots
- Arrive early on weekends - popular trailheads fill by 9-10am
- Village parking is free dawn to dusk (no overnight parking)
- Ski resort parking fills quickly on powder days - use Sandalwood overflow lot with free shuttle
- Some north shore lots close seasonally for eagle nesting (November-April)
- Purchase Adventure Pass at Big Bear Discovery Center, 7-Eleven, or Big 5 Sporting Goods
Last updated: October 2025