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Do You Need an Adventure Pass in Big Bear Lake?

Most visitors don’t need an Adventure Pass everywhere in Big Bear. The biggest confusion happens at trailheads, forest pullouts, and parking areas near recreation sites. Here’s how to know when you actually need one.

Required For

Some National Forest Areas

Not Needed

City and Town Parking

Alternative

America the Beautiful Pass

At a Glance

You’ll Usually Need One

✔ Trailheads in National Forest
✔ Forest access roads
✔ Roadside pullouts on forest land
✔ Undeveloped recreation areas

You Usually Don't Need One

✔ Village parking
✔ City parks
✔ Marinas
✔ Developed parking lots

What is the Adventure Pass

The Adventure Pass is a recreation parking permit used in certain areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the San Bernardino National Forest—including parts of Big Bear Lake. It isn’t an entrance fee to visit Big Bear and it doesn’t apply everywhere.


In Big Bear, visitors most commonly encounter Adventure Pass requirements when parking at hiking trailheads, forest access roads, roadside pullouts, and other undeveloped recreation areas on National Forest land. 

The easiest way to think about it: if you’re parking in town, developed parks, or most commercial areas, you usually won’t need one. Once you start heading into forest-managed recreation areas, it becomes much more likely.

Hiking Access

Forest Recreation

Roadside Parking

How to Know if You Need One

Look for Signs

Most managed areas have posted notices.

Check Parking Type

Forest-managed areas vs city lots.

When in Doubt—Ask

Discovery Center can usually clarify quickly.

Local Take

Most confusion happens at trailheads and roadside pullouts where visitors assume parking is free because it doesn’t look like a formal lot.

Can You Use an America the Beautiful Pass?

In most eligible National Forest locations, an America the Beautiful pass can be displayed instead of purchasing a separate Adventure Pass.


If you already own one from visiting national parks, check before buying another pass.

Common Adventure Pass Mistakes

Buying One “Just in Case”

Not Checking Signs

Forgetting to Display It

Assuming No Sign Means No Pass

Where to Buy an Adventure Pass

Discovery Center

Learn More

Online Before Arrival

Buy Online

How to Display Pass

Place your Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass on your dashboard where it's clearly visible from outside your vehicle.

Note: If your pass isn’t clearly displayed, citations may still be issued.

Adventure Pass Pricing

$5

Daily Pass

$30

Annual Pass

Pricing can change. Verify price before purchasing.

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