Snow-covered A-frame cabin in a winter forest

Know before you go

Policies & House Rules

We want every guest to enjoy a comfortable, relaxing stay. Because our homes are located in residential mountain communities, we ask all guests to review and follow the policies below. These help protect the home, respect the neighbors, and keep your stay smooth from check-in to check-out.

House Rules

  • 1. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. During this time, outdoor noise should be kept to a minimum, including hot tub use, music, and conversations on decks or patios.
  • 2. Big Bear is a residential mountain community, and guests are expected to respect the neighborhood and nearby homes throughout their stay.
  • 3. Maximum occupancy may not exceed the number listed on your reservation. This includes both overnight guests and daytime visitors.
  • 4. Parties, events, weddings, and large gatherings are not allowed unless approved in writing before your stay.
  • 5. Smoking, vaping, and marijuana use are not allowed inside the home. Outdoor smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
  • 6. Amplified music should not be heard beyond the property line at any time.
  • 7. Please do not move or remove furniture without approval.
  • 8. When leaving the property, please lock all doors and windows.
  • 9. We kindly ask guests to leave the cabin in good condition, including washing dishes, removing trash, and keeping the space tidy.
  • 10. If anything is damaged or not working properly, please let us know right away so we can address it quickly.
  • 11. The primary guest on the reservation must be present during the stay. Reservations may not be transferred to another person or sublet.

Fireplace & BBQ Safety

  • For safety reasons, please do not use lighter fluid in the BBQ or fireplace.
  • Charcoal BBQs are not permitted at the property. If the home has a BBQ, only use the BBQ provided and follow the posted property instructions.
  • Please do not remove fireplace or BBQ ashes from the property. If applicable, use the provided ash container.

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on the booking schedule. Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Once your required pre-arrival steps are completed, your access instructions will be provided electronically before arrival. Depending on the property, access may be provided by smart lock or lockbox with a hard key. No in-person meeting is required.

As required by the City of Big Bear Lake, guests must complete the Good Neighbor Policy agreement before arrival. ID verification is also required and can be completed electronically.

Access information may not be released until all required agreements and verification steps are complete.

Cancellation Policy

Guests may cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the reservation was made at least 72 hours before check-in.

For standard reservations:

  • 30 or more days before check-in: full refund, less any non-refundable credit card processing fees.
  • 14 to 29 days before check-in: 50% refund.
  • Within 14 days of check-in: non-refundable.

Holiday, peak-season, and special-event reservations are non-refundable within 30 days of check-in. This includes, but is not limited to, Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Presidents' Day weekend, Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, and other high-demand dates.

Date changes may be possible depending on availability and must be approved in writing. Date changes are not guaranteed and may be subject to rate differences, minimum-stay requirements, and the cancellation policy applicable to the original reservation.

If all three mountain highways close due to weather, rescheduling may be permitted.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, especially for winter stays, holiday bookings, and reservations outside the cancellation window.

Please note that credit card processing fees are non-refundable and will be deducted from any eligible refund.

Minimum Stay

Most properties have a 2-night minimum. During major holidays and peak weekends, including Christmas, New Year's, Fourth of July, and Presidents' Day, a 3-4 night minimum may apply.

The required minimum stay will be shown during the booking process.

Pet Policy

Some of our homes are dog-friendly and are clearly marked on the listing page. Dogs are only allowed at designated dog-friendly homes with prior approval.

  • Dog-friendly homes allow a maximum of 2 dogs per stay. A pet fee of $25 per night, per dog applies.
  • Dogs must be house-trained, treated for fleas and ticks, and kept off furniture and beds.
  • Dogs may not be left unattended outside or inside the home. If your dog is prone to barking, please take them with you when you leave the home or make sure they are safely crated indoors.
  • Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and for any pet-related damage or excessive cleaning.

Cats and other pets are not permitted.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

Service animals, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are welcome at all of our properties. No pet fee applies.

  • Service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times and may not be left unattended at the property.
  • Guests are responsible for their service animal's behavior and for any damage caused by the animal.

Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. For direct bookings, emotional support animals are treated as pets and are only permitted at dog-friendly properties with prior approval and the applicable pet fee, unless otherwise required by law.

Parking

All homes include free parking. The number of vehicles allowed varies by property and will be listed on the individual property page, reservation details, and/or the exterior sign posted at the home.

Vehicles must be parked only in the driveway, garage, or designated parking areas. Street parking and yard parking are not allowed in Big Bear. This helps keep roads clear for neighbors, snow removal, and emergency access.

Guests are responsible for any parking violations, citations, towing fees, city fines, or other costs incurred during their stay.

During winter months, guests should bring tire chains. Chain controls are common on mountain roads, and requirements can change quickly during storms.

Hot Tubs & Spas

Many of our cabins include private hot tubs. If your cabin has a hot tub, please check that it is working when you arrive and let us know right away if there are any issues.

  • Please keep the cover closed and secured when the hot tub is not in use.
  • Do not use soaps, bubble bath, oils, or any products that create suds.
  • Showering before use helps keep the water clean for your stay.
  • Outdoor hot tub use should follow quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  • Hot tubs are used at the guest's own risk. Children must be supervised at all times.

Excessive soiling or misuse may result in additional cleaning charges.

Trash & Wildlife

Big Bear has strict trash rules for vacation rentals, and trash instructions may vary by property.

  • All household trash must be properly secured and disposed of before departure. Depending on the home, guests may be required to use the provided trash receptacle or take trash to one of the local Clean Bear disposal sites.
  • Please do not leave trash bags on decks, driveways, patios, or outside the home.
  • Property-specific trash instructions will be provided with your arrival information.

Guests are responsible for any trash violations, cleanup fees, city fines, or other costs incurred due to trash left behind or improperly stored.

Emergencies & Safety

For any life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

For non-emergency incidents, you may contact:

Each property is equipped with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher. Please take a moment to identify exits when you arrive.

During wildfire season, winter storms, or other emergencies, guests should follow all official instructions from local authorities.

Travel Insurance

Mountain weather and travel conditions can change quickly, especially during winter. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind.

Travel insurance is optional and purchased directly through the provider of your choice. Wander Vacation Rentals is not affiliated with any travel insurance provider.

Damage Deposit

A refundable $100 security hold is placed on the payment method used for booking. The hold is authorized prior to check-in and is released within 48 hours after check-out, provided no damage, excessive soiling, or policy violations are identified during the post-stay inspection.

The hold is in addition to the Accidental Damage Protection below. If damage or additional cleaning is required, the associated costs may be charged against the hold or billed separately. Depending on your bank or card issuer, the hold may appear as a pending authorization on your statement and can take a few additional business days to clear after release.

Accidental Damage Protection

Each reservation includes accidental damage protection through Safely insurance. This coverage is designed to help with eligible accidental damage that may occur during a stay, provided the damage is reported promptly.

Guests are responsible for reporting any damage or issues right away so we can address them quickly and fairly.

Coverage does not include: intentional damage, negligence, excessive cleaning, smoking, pet-related damage, unauthorized parties, rule violations, missing items, or unreported damage. Any damage, loss, or costs not covered by the protection plan may be charged to the guest.

Normal wear and tear is expected and will not be charged.

What We Provide

Our cabins are stocked with basic starter supplies to help make your stay comfortable. Items typically provided include:

  • Bed linens, pillows, and bath towels
  • Toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags
  • Basic kitchen essentials, such as pots, pans, dishes, and utensils
  • WiFi
  • Smart TVs with streaming apps

Each home is individually owned, so supplies, kitchen inventory, and amenities may vary by property.

Guests should bring groceries, coffee, condiments, personal toiletries, specialty cooking items, extra supplies for longer stays, and winter road supplies when needed.

Questions?

We are here to help make your stay as smooth as possible.

Phone: (949) 892-3146
Email: Jen@wandervacationrentals.com

Ready to plan your Big Bear stay?

Browse our available cabins or reach out with any questions before booking.

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