CompCasa Property Analysis · single_family

304 Big Bear

Big Bear Lake & Mountain Views — 3BR Recreational Cabin (1920)

Historic cabin across from Big Bear Lake with National Forest access.

3 beds3 baths1,912 sq ftBuilt 19200.0459 acresnone
CompCasa valuation analysis
Estimated market value
$372,500
Low $350,000 · Midpoint $372,500 · High $395,000
Confidence65%Sales comparison approach
CompCasa estimate$372,500Mar 12, 2026
$350,000$372,500 midpoint$395,000
Price / sq ft$195.72
Median sale price$575,000
Avg days on market45 days
Inventory3.5 months

Estimate anchored to list price ($375,000) and AVM (~$373,634), adjusted for government-lease cabin status, year built (1920), lake views, and local Big Bear seasonal market dynamics. No live comparable sales fetched — use as directional guidance only.

About the property

Big Bear Lake & Mountain Views — 3BR Recreational Cabin (1920)

Rare opportunity to own a sizable recreational cabin with sweeping Big Bear Lake and mountain panoramas. Located on the north shore in Fawnskin directly across from the water, this approx. 1,912 SF cabin blends historic cabin character with flexible family and entertaining spaces. The main living areas include a comfortable living room and a dedicated game room with a small sleeping/play loft — an ideal hideaway for kids or guests. Three stone fireplaces create warm gathering points throughout the home and underscore the property's rustic charm.

The layout offers three bedrooms and three baths, including two bedrooms with private baths, allowing privacy for guests and owners. Large windows and elevated outdoor living areas — a spacious deck, two balconies and multiple patio spaces — capitalize on the panoramic lake and mountain backdrop and extend daily living into the outdoors. The property backs to National Forest land, delivering instant trail access, wildlife viewing opportunities (deer, eagles, occasional bear) and a strong sense of seclusion despite the short walk to public boating and shoreline access.

Practical details: the cabin is described as a recreational-use (government-lease) property; buyers should confirm USFS lease terms, transferability, and any restrictions. The home is served by public sewer and a private water supply. Built around 1920, the structure has evident character and will benefit from targeted maintenance and system updates — a perfect project for buyers who want to preserve historic appeal while improving rental or everyday utility. Seller financing may be available for qualified purchasers, broadening buyer options.

For buyers seeking a lifestyle property with direct lake access, exceptional views, and proximity to Big Bear's recreation (boating, fishing, hiking, and winter sports), this cabin is a compelling and affordably priced alternative to fee-simple lakefront homes. Schedule a showing and bring your questions about the USFS lease, water system, and financing options.

Property details

A 1920 cabin on 0.05 acres.

Building

Year built1920
ConstructionWood Frame (Likely Historic Cabin Construction)

Site & utilities

Lot size0.0459 acres
Garagenone
ConditionAverage
BasementNone
FireplaceYes
Improvement notesThree stone fireplaces, multiple decks and balconies; game room with loft; likely historic remodels over time
Lot area2,000 sq ft
TopographySloping
FrontageAcross street from Big Bear Lake; likely limited street frontage due to cabin orientation and deck
ParkingDriveway And On Street
Parking spaces2
Parking notesNo garage listed; informal parking/driveway typical of North Shore cabins
AccessPrimary access from Big Bear (local road); seasonal winter access considerations may apply
WaterPrivate Water Supply (Seller Provided Private System)
SewerPublic Sewer (Per Listing Remarks)
Location & nearby

Fawnskin / Big Bear North Shore

Researched nearby locations

Big Bear Lake public boat launch (0.1 mi)
Boulder Bay Park / Discovery Center (1–2 mi)

Location

304 Big Bear, Fawnskin, CA 92333

View in Google Maps
Editorial neighborhood context

Fawnskin and the north shore of Big Bear Lake are intimate, recreation-focused communities with a mix of historic cabins and newer vacation homes. The area is quieter than Big Bear Village but offers immediate lake access, local eateries, and scenic forested streets. Resident population is small and seasonal; properties here are prized for proximity to trails, shoreline, and a relaxed mountain lifestyle.

Nearby access summary

Exceptional access to outdoor recreation — immediate trails off the back lot into National Forest, short walk to the lake and public boat launches; year-round activities from boating and hiking to winter sports.

ElementaryNorth Shore Elementary (Bear Valley Unified) — approx. 5/10 (moderate confidence)
Middle schoolBig Bear Middle School (Bear Valley Unified) — approx. 5/10 (moderate confidence)
High schoolBig Bear High School (Bear Valley Unified) — approx. 5/10 (moderate confidence)
School districtBear Valley Unified School District
Market context

A factual market snapshot around 304 Big Bear.

Median sale price$575,000
Avg days on market45 days
Inventory3.5 months
1-year appreciation400.0%
5-year appreciation1800.0%
Editorial market perspective

Big Bear and Fawnskin operate as a seasonal mountain market driven by recreation and second-home demand. In 2026, inventory for lake-view and access properties remains relatively tight compared with inland San Bernardino County, producing steady buyer interest and price resilience. Government-lease cabins trade at a discount to fee-simple properties because lenders may be more conservative; that gap can create value for buyers who accept lease terms and financing constraints. Expect average days on market in the 30–60 day range for well-priced lake-view cabins and stronger competition during spring/summer listing windows. This property’s combination of size, direct lake-facing orientation, and backing National Forest marks it as an above-average opportunity in the leasehold niche.

Zoning & land use

Property described as a government-lease recreational cabin (USFS lease) — use and improvements likely governed by lease terms and USFS regulations

Zoning

DescriptionProperty described as a government-lease recreational cabin (USFS lease) — use and improvements likely governed by lease terms and USFS regulations
JurisdictionSan Bernardino County / USFS lease area
Current useResidential
SetbacksSetbacks and permitted improvements subject to lease and county codes; verify with County and USFS

Research-indicated uses

  • Recreational Cabin (Resident Seasonal Use)
  • Vacation/Resort Use Subject To Lease Rules
  • Limited Structural Alterations Subject To Federal/Local Approvals
Verify with the jurisdiction: Zoning, setbacks, and allowed-use summaries are research indicators—not legal advice or a determination that a specific use is permitted.
Research findings & due diligence

What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.

Key findings

  • Property is a government-lease recreational cabin (lease terms must be verified with USFS).
  • Listing price $375,000 aligns with AVM and local demand for lease cabins.
  • Built circa 1920; structure likely has historic character and requires ongoing maintenance.
  • Served by public sewer and private water supply (verify capacity and rights).
  • No garage; parking is informal (driveway / on-street typical for area).
Highlights & features

What stands out about this property.

Interior Features

  • Approx. 1,912 sq ft of living space
  • 3 bedrooms; 3 bathrooms (two en-suite bedrooms)
  • Three stone fireplaces
  • Game room with small sleeping/play loft
  • Multiple living areas for family and guests

Exterior & Lot

  • Across the street from Big Bear Lake — lake views from decks/balconies
  • Spacious deck, two balconies, and patio areas
  • Backs to National Forest for immediate trail access
  • Lot approx. 2,000 sq ft (sloping, typical of North Shore parcels)
  • Informal driveway / on-street parking; no garage

Location & Neighborhood

  • Fawnskin / North Shore community — quiet, recreation-focused neighborhood
  • Short distance to public boat launch and lakeside access
  • Close to local dining, seasonal markets, and Big Bear Village amenities
  • Bear Valley Unified School District (local schools listed below)

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 35/100
  • Immediate access to National Forest trails and shoreline
  • Nearby boating, kayaking, fishing, and picnic areas
  • Winter sports and snow play within short drive
Research transparency

Sources & research confidence.

See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.

View sources & confidence
1
Redfin listingView source
Important: This analysis is AI-assisted using pre-scraped listing data and model knowledge. It is not a formal appraisal. Verify all critical facts before making decisions.