Big Bear Filming Locations, Production Services & Permits
Just a few hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear offers filmmakers, photographers, brands, and content creators access to lakefront homes, mountain cabins, luxury estates, forests, village settings, and four-season scenery in a single destination.
Whether you’re producing a commercial, television show, social media campaign, brand photoshoot, music video, documentary, or corporate content, Destination Big Bear can help connect you with filming locations, accommodations, local resources, and production-friendly properties.
Why Film in Big Bear?
Big Bear offers a unique combination of accessibility and scenery that is difficult to find elsewhere in Southern California.
Benefits include:
- Approximately 2 hours from Los Angeles
- Lakefront filming locations
- Forest and mountain backdrops
- Four distinct seasons
- Snow, fall colors, spring blooms, and summer lake scenes
- Luxury estates and unique cabins
- Large properties suitable for production crews
- On-site lodging for talent and crew
- Small-town charm with modern amenities
Featured Productions & Past Shoots
Big Bear’s mountain scenery, lake views, forests, cabins, and four-season atmosphere have attracted productions ranging from national television commercials and apparel campaigns to financial services advertising, influencer content, and lifestyle photography.
Recent brands and productions include TravisMathew, Chase Bank, and other national campaigns filmed throughout the Big Bear Valley.
Featured examples include:
Filming Locations by Destination Big Bear
From luxury estates and lakefront homes to modern mountain retreats and iconic forest cabins, Destination Big Bear offers a diverse collection of filming locations throughout Big Bear Lake.
For producing a commercial, television segment, product shoot, social media campaign, or branded content, our homes provide a variety of backdrops ranging from rustic mountain charm to contemporary luxury. Many properties feature large open interiors, dramatic views, expansive outdoor spaces, private docks, and amenities that can support both small and large-scale productions.
Explore featured filming locations below or contact our team to help match your production with the perfect property.
Find a Big Bear Cabin Rental
Production Services in Big Bear
Need local support for your production? Big Bear offers a variety of services to help streamline your shoot.
Find the perfect filming location based on your creative vision and logistical requirements.
Connect with licensed FAA drone operators familiar with Big Bear’s airspace and filming regulations.
Local professionals available for production support and content creation.
Can You Fly a Drone in Big Bear Lake?
Drone footage is one of the most popular ways to capture Big Bear’s lake, forest, and mountain scenery. Before flying, be sure to follow FAA regulations, check airspace restrictions, verify local rules, obtain any necessary permits, and work with licensed drone operators when required.
Before flying:
- Follow all FAA regulations
- Check airspace restrictions
- Verify local rules and temporary flight restrictions
- Obtain any necessary permits
- Use licensed drone operators when required
Need help? We can connect you with local drone professionals familiar with filming throughout Big Bear.
Do You Need a Permit to Film in Big Bear?
Depending on your production type and filming location, permits may be required.
Permits may apply to:
- Commercial productions
- Television productions
- Feature films
- Drone operations
- National Forest filming
- Large-scale productions
Resources:
- San Bernardino County Film Office
- City of Big Bear Lake
- United States Forest Service
Always confirm permit requirements before scheduling production activities.
Travel & Production Logistics
Travel Time to Big Bear
Approximate driving times:
- Los Angeles: 2 to 3 hours
- Orange County: 2 to 3 hours
- San Diego: 3 to 4 hours
- Palm Springs: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Las Vegas: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Nearby Airports
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Parking & Production Access
Production crews should review parking restrictions, neighborhood regulations, and occupancy guidelines before filming.
Some locations may require additional coordination for equipment vehicles, production trailers, and large crews.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Many properties allow filming with prior approval. Requirements vary by property.
Commercial filming often requires permits depending on location and production type.
Drone operations must comply with FAA regulations and local restrictions.
Many properties can accommodate both production and lodging needs.
Yes. Occupancy limits vary by property and local regulations.
Most visitors can reach Big Bear in approximately two to three hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Big Bear offers unique filming opportunities year-round, including snow-covered winters, colorful fall foliage, spring wildflowers, and summer lake activities.
