Leave No Trace

Leave a positive impact on the environment by travelling green!

In any season, a drive to Big Bear Lake is a scenic experience. Winding roads through the mountains lead you to a destination worlds apart from the bustling cities below. The smell of fresh pine fills the air and a town of rustic cabins and mom n' pop shops welcome your arrival. We invite visitors year-round but ask that you treat our home with care, pick up after yourself, and respect our wildlife and environment.

Please remember...

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare

• Know the rules and regulations for the area, particularly camping and fire restrictions.
• Prepare for weather hazards and emergency situations.
• Carry chains in your vehicle from November to April as well as a shovel and traction aids like cat litter or gravel.
• Travel with blankets and water should you become stuck or stranded on mountain highways.
• To avoid the heaviest traffic, plan to travel weekdays and non-holiday periods.
• Dine out and support local restaurants.
• Make activity reservations if possible before you arrive.

2. Use & Maintain Campfires Responsibly

• Campfires are only permitted in established fire rings at open campgrounds. Check Restrictions
• Use local firewood. Firewood Task Force
• You must obtain a CA Campfire Permit. Campfire Safety

3. Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance, do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and dangers.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

4. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors.
  
• Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

5. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Check open campgrounds first
• Durable surfaces include established trails and roads, campsites, rock, and gravel.
• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Do not alter a site.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches in the wilderness.
• Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
• Do not disrupt areas where the impact is minimal or nonexistent.
• If you see areas where impact is beginning, avoid the area and let it recover.

6. Respect Trails & Leave What You Find

• Keep to existing trails. Do not create new ones.
• Do not leave trash on trails and pick up any trash you find.
• Do not take away rocks, plants, or other natural objects.
• Do not approach wildlife.
• Examine - but do not touch - cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Do not introduce or transport non-native species.

7. Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods.
• Bury human waste in holes 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from the water, camp, and trails.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.