With the cost of living constantly on the rise, it can sometimes feel like you simply don’t have the budget for that weekend retreat or family holiday. But taking a well-deserved break shouldn’t have to break the bank — and we know how important it is to balance affordability and comfort.
If you’re planning a trip to Big Bear, California, the last thing you want is to compromise on the quality of your experience by booking a vacation rental that’s simply not up to par.
To help budget-conscious travelers like you get the most out of your vacation, we compare some cheap Big Bear cabins that you can rent for your next trip in this post. We also offer some tips to help you save money when booking a vacation rental that can improve your overall experience.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
How to Save Money When Booking a Cabin in Big Bear
Big Bear is one of the most popular vacation destinations in California, and for good reason. The town offers countless activities for everyone in the family, including countless hiking and mountain biking trails, quaint streets and coffee joints, and top ski resorts.
Given its popularity as a weekend destination, Big Bear is by no means the cheapest place for a vacation. Nonetheless, with proper planning and by seeking out the best deals, you can still enjoy a great trip to Big Bear without breaking the bank.
Here are some ways you can save money when booking your next cabin in Big Bear:
Visit During Off-Peak Periods & Save Big!
The best way to save money when booking a cabin in Big Bear is by avoiding peak periods such as holiday weekends when rental rates tend to be the highest.
A simple search on Google Vacation Rentals confirms that this is the case. For example, at the time this was published, a Big Bear cabin for the Presidents’ Day long weekend for five people from the 16th to the 19th of February would set you back no less than $300 per night — with most places charging upwards of $400 per night.
In contrast, simply pushing your stay backward by one week could save you upwards of $200/night (when we checked). On Google Vacation Rentals, prices for a cabin for five people from the 23rd to the 26th of February start from just $200 per night, with the average cabin costing between $300 to $400 per night.
Read Reviews
In addition, it’s also crucial for you to read guest reviews of the cabins or vacation rentals that you are considering before committing to one. One of the main benefits of doing so is that you will be able to determine if the cabin you intend on booking is a safe and enjoyable choice.
The last thing you’d want when booking a cabin online is to arrive only to find that the cabin is in poor condition — causing you to have to seek alternative accommodation elsewhere at the last minute and to incur additional costs.
Reading reviews will also help you identify whether the provider you are booking with is reputable. This can help you avoid hidden fees or issues with the cabin that end up adding to the cost of your holiday.
Book Early
If you’re able to confirm your travel plans with your traveling companions in advance, make your booking early to lock in even better rates. This is because as you get closer to the date of your travel, fewer cabin options remain and the cheapest options tend to have already been snatched up by other deal seekers.
For instance, as of late January, if you’re interested in spending the Memorial Day weekend in Big Bear, making your booking in early January means that you can enjoy rates as low as ~$120/night for a cabin for five people.
Making your booking as early as possible can also enable you to enjoy the added benefit of having a larger selection of cabins and vacation rentals across a wider price range.
Compare Different Booking Sites
In addition to the money-saving tips above, it can also be beneficial for you to compare prices between different vacation rental providers if you’re looking to find the best deals. While Google Vacation Rentals provides a good overview of different options available – including “baseline” budget options – and the price range for your chosen dates, there are hidden gems t0 be found on the websites of local vacation rental companies such as Sky High Cabins.
When comparing between vacation rental providers, it is also important to bear in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best.
“Cheapest” Doesn’t Equal Best Value
When choosing between multiple different cabin options, the cheapest option may not always be best – while it’s possible to find great deals, you can often get significantly better value at just a slightly higher price.
When you book your vacation rental with Sky High Cabins, we can guarantee that you’ll get the best value for your money. Plus, our cabins are also generally larger than those you might find on Google Vacation Rentals, so the larger your group, the more money you can save when you book with us!
Often you will be able to find cabins with more comprehensive amenities for your group and in better locations for just a bit higher of a nightly rate. This is especially true with the Big Bear vacation rental market. So, when searching for your cabin, don’t forget to take these factors into consideration as well.
Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals
If you’re planning a family retreat to Big Bear, renting a cabin is a great way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and make the most of your experience.
Here are two great options if you’re looking for cheap Big Bear cabins that are suitable for families of up to 5 to spend a weekend in:
Moonridge Heaven on Google Vacation Rentals
Starting at just $149 per night, Moonridge Heaven is an affordable and family-friendly option with good reviews that you can easily find on Google Vacation Rentals. The cabin comes with 5 beds in two bedrooms and there are plenty of common spaces throughout the property, making it ideal for families with young children.
There are also two bathrooms on the property, so you are less likely to have family disagreements over bathroom usage. Plus, if weather allows, there is also an outdoor grill for you to whip up a feast if you don’t feel like eating out.
Bear Mountain Ski Retreat on Sky High Cabins
For a more luxurious cabin right on the edge of the Bear Mountain ski slopes, consider staying at Bear Mountain Ski Retreat, where prices start at $216 a night. The additional ~$50-75/night brings with it lots more amenities and overall cabin vibes for your group.
Bear Mountain Ski Retreat is located just one block away from Bear Mountain, and there’s a ski lift and a golf course just a short walk away, making this cabin ideal for families that love skiing or golfing.
In addition, this cabin is furnished with amenities such as memory foam mattresses, Smart TVs, record players, game consoles and a spa. Cooks in the family will also be happy to know that the cabin comes equipped with an outdoor grill, a full kitchen fully stocked with spices and a bar counter.
Quiet Couples Retreat
Big Bear is also a great place to visit if you’re looking for some peace and serenity away from your friends or family. For a relaxing couples’ getaway, you can consider booking these cabins:
Timber Haven Lodge on Google Vacation Rentals
From just $96 per night, the Timber Haven Cabin offers a tranquil stay a little outside Big Bear’s town center. The cabin is small, rustic and cozy, making it perfect for couples looking for some privacy.
While it may not be walkable to everything in Big Bear, some the best facilities and restaurants the area has to offer are just a short drive away. Cabin furnishings are relatively minimal, but offers all the basic essentials for a weekend away – including a kitchen, a fireplace and wireless internet.
Green Pines Lake Retreat on Sky High Cabins
At a very slightly higher price, the Green Pines Lake Retreat offers a great deal as well and you can easily book it on Sky High Cabins starting from just $125 per night. This cabin has had over 50 five-star reviews and is right on the edge of Big Bear Lake.
With this cabin, you can wake up to the beautiful lake right at your doorstep and enjoy romantic walks along the lakeshore at dusk while you bask in the light of the setting sun.
In terms of amenities, the Green Pines Lake Retreat also doesn’t lose out to any of the other cabins in the area. There is an outdoor grill that is perfect for a barbeque at night and a cozy fireplace to get away from the cold winter air. There is also a full kitchen complete with all the appliances you would need if you fancy a nice night in instead of eating out.
Large Group Getaways
If you’re planning a large group getaway to Big Bear, whether it be with friends or extended family, there are plenty of options available as well, such as:
Under the Starry Skies Cabin on Google Vacation Rentals
One of the most affordable options for cost-conscious travelers is the Under the Starry Skies Cabin, which starts from just $189 per night and sleeps up to 10 guests. However, it is worth noting that the cabin only has 1 bathroom and 6 beds, 2 of which are pull-out couches.
The essential amenities such as heating, cooking utensils and wireless internet are available, but not much else; so this may not be an ideal option if you intend on spending a lot of time in your cabin during your trip.
Nonetheless, if cost is your number one priority, this remains a great cabin to consider staying in.
Wolf Cabin on Sky High Cabins
For something with more amenities, consider staying at the Wolf Cabin, which starts from just $325 per night. This cabin is able to sleep up to 10 guests and at full capacity, the cost works out to just $32.50 per person per night, which is a small price to pay for the luxuries it offers.
The property is located on the mountainside so you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape throughout the day. There are also four bedrooms and four bathrooms, ensuring that everyone in your party will be able to enjoy privacy.
Moreover, Wolf Cabin also has an outdoor hot tub on its balcony which overlooks the forest, offering an unforgettable relaxing escape.
Don’t Fall Victim to Hidden Fees
When you’re browsing the hundreds of different cabin rental options, you may be drawn in by some deceivingly cheap cabin listings on vacation rental websites such as Airbnb and VRBO.
However, don’t be fooled by advertised prices you see before clicking through; these platforms are notorious for charging exorbitant cleaning fees and service fees. With some listings, the fees can even add up to half or more of the rental cost.
In addition, these websites usually also do not show you the fees you will need to pay until you are about to complete your booking and make payment.
By this point, most vacation-goers typically have already decided on their favorite cabins and just pay the fees to avoid going through the booking process again. If you want to ensure that you’re getting the best deal, avoid making your booking on such websites and instead opt for local vacation rental companies that don’t charge any hidden fees!
Book Affordable Big Bear Cabins Here
If you want to make the most of your next holiday to Big Bear, book your cabin on the Sky High Cabins booking site today. Sky High Cabins is the #1 provider of quality cabin rentals in Big Bear, and we have everything from rustic cabins in the woods to ski & snowboard retreats.
With hundreds of 5-star ratings across our properties and no hidden fees, enjoy the best that Big Bear has to offer when you book with us. Browse our vacation rental listings today, and we can guarantee that you’ll find something that suits your group’s needs.