What to Pack for a Big Bear Lake Family Trip (A Host's Honest Checklist)

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This guide is our honest, experience-based packing list for a Big Bear Lake family trip. We've broken it into what The Cubhouse already provides, what you absolutely need to bring, and what's nice to have.

What The Cubhouse Already Has (Don't Pack These)

Before you start loading up the car, here's what's waiting for you at the cabin:

• Full kitchen with all cookware, dishes, silverware, and appliances
• Coffee maker and coffee basics
• Board games and books
• Kids' toys, books, and games in the bunk room
• Bed linens, pillows, and extra blankets for all beds
• Bath towels and hand towels
• Hair dryer
• Baby monitor
• Humidifier
• Booster Seat / pack n play (ask us to confirm availability)
• BBQ grill and utensils on the back deck
• Private hot tub (towels provided)
• Outdoor furniture and dining area

The Essentials — Bring These No Matter What Season

For the Drive

• Snacks and drinks for the car (mountain roads take longer than Google Maps suggests)
• Car activities for kids — download shows before you lose cell service
• A cooler if you're bringing groceries up

For the Cabin

• Your food and groceries — the full kitchen saves a lot vs. eating out every night
• Favorite snacks, breakfast foods, and easy dinner ingredients
• Coffee creamer if you're particular about your brew
• Any specialty items for dietary needs
• Dog food and dog bed if bringing a pet (The Cubhouse is pet-friendly!)
• Dog leash — required on all Big Bear trails

Personal Basics

• All medications, vitamins, and supplements (nearest pharmacy is a drive away)
• Sunscreen — altitude means stronger UV rays than at the beach
• Lip balm — mountain air is dry
• Any baby or toddler supplies you use at home

Packing for Winter (November – April)

Big Bear winter is magical but it requires real preparation — especially with kids. Don't rely on renting gear when you get there; it's expensive and often sells out.

Winter Clothing (Per Person)

• Waterproof snow jacket — not just a regular coat
• Waterproof snow pants — the #1 thing people forget
• Warm base layers — thermal top and bottom for each day
• Warm socks — wool or synthetic, more than you think you need
• Snow boots — waterproof and insulated
• Gloves or mittens — bring an extra pair per child
• Warm hat — one per person minimum
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• Ski goggles — if hitting the slopes or tubing

Snow Activity Gear

• Ski or snowboard gear if you own it (renting at the resort is pricey)
• Ski helmets — especially for kids, non-negotiable
• Hand warmers — cheap and worth every penny
• A small backpack for the slopes with snacks and water

For the Cabin (Winter)

• Cozy slippers or indoor shoes
• A favorite warm sweater or fleece
• Hot cocoa mix, tea, wine — everything tastes better after a snow day

Packing for Summer (May – October)

Big Bear summer is underrated and wonderful — cool temperatures, hiking, the lake, and way fewer crowds than ski season.

Summer Clothing

• Light layers — mornings and evenings get cool even in July
• A light jacket or fleece for evenings
• Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
• Sandals for the cabin and village
• Swimsuit — for the hot tub and lake
• Hat and sunglasses

Summer Activity Gear

• Reusable water bottles — hydration is key at altitude
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended at elevation)
• Hiking backpack with snacks for trail days
• Bikes or scooters for the Alpine Pedal Path
• Bug spray for evening outdoor time
• A good camera — Big Bear sunsets are unreal

Lake Day Gear

• ​A backpack packed full of snacks in case you get hungry out on the lake!
• Waterproof sandals
• Life jackets for young kids if renting a boat
• Dry bags for phones and valuables

Packing for Kids Specifically

• Extra change of clothes — double what you think you need
• Portable sound machine if your baby needs one to sleep
• Favorite stuffed animal or comfort item
• Kids' Tylenol/Motrin and any regular medications
• Altitude awareness — keep them hydrated and take it easy day one
• Car seat for the drive here and getting around town
• Any of your kid snack or food favorites - Big Bear has a grocery store, but it's better to be safe than sorry with littles!

What to Buy When You Arrive

• Firewood — buy local, don't transport across county lines
• Fresh groceries — Lakeview Market (0.2 mi) or Vons (3.4 mi)
• Souvenirs! The village is a great place to shop.
• Sunscreen and basic toiletries — CVS and village shops

What to Leave at Home

• Too many outfit options — you'll wear the same cozy clothes the whole trip
• Elaborate cooking equipment — the kitchen is fully stocked
• Pack n Play - we got you covered!
• Anxiety about forgetting something — Big Bear has stores

Frequently Asked Questions