Save the Big Bear Night Sky: Join the Dark Sky Initiative

Big Bear’s Night Sky Is Disappearing — But We Can Save It

At over 7,000 feet elevation, Big Bear Lake offers one of Southern California’s most awe-inspiring natural features — a brilliant night sky filled with stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way. But every year, that view grows dimmer. Light pollution from surrounding cities and careless outdoor lighting is threatening our ability to see the stars. Lets dive in to the Dark Sky Initiative in Big Bear.

Did you know we’re losing visibility of one star per year due to increasing light pollution? Across North America, nighttime brightness grows by 10.4% annually, according to the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society. If we don’t act, we risk losing one of Big Bear’s most magical attractions.

We are losing sight of one star per night due to light pollution.

– Vatch Arouchian, Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society

✨ Why the Big Bear Night Sky Matters

1. For Nature: Wildlife like birds, bats, and insects rely on dark skies to migrate, feed, and thrive. Artificial lighting confuses them and disrupts critical patterns.

2. For People: Natural night skies improve sleep, reduce stress, and enhance human health. They also provide unforgettable moments — like stargazing from a hot tub or capturing long-exposure astrophotography.

3. For Big Bear Tourism: Stargazing, night hikes, and astronomy events are a major draw for guests. Protecting the night sky preserves Big Bear’s unique appeal for families, photographers, and outdoor lovers alike.

At Big Bear Lakefront Cabins, many guests visit just to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars. That’s why we’re proud to support the Dark Sky Initiative led by Care For Big Bear — a valley-wide effort to preserve our dark skies.

What Is the Dark Sky Initiative?

The Dark Sky Initiative, led by Care For Big Bear, is a community-wide movement to protect our night sky. Its goal: reduce light pollution across Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, Baldwin Lake, Erwin Lake, Sugarloaf, and Lake Williams.

New outdoor lighting policies have already been adopted, including:

  • A Dark Sky Curfew: Outdoor lights must be turned off when areas are unoccupied (with exceptions for safety lighting).

  • A strict light trespass standard of 0.1-foot candle in the Mountain and Desert Regions.

  • Tighter rules for string lights and commercial lighting.

✅ How You Can Help During Your Stay

When you visit Big Bear Lakefront Cabins, you’re already in the perfect place to enjoy a dark, star-filled sky. Here’s how to keep it that way:

Turn off exterior lights when not in use.
Use motion-sensor lights that turn off after 5 minutes.
Shield lights so they point downward — not into the sky.
Choose warm, low-wattage bulbs (under 40 watts when possible).
Spread the word: Share stargazing photos with #SaveOurSky and #DarkSkyBigBear.

Want to go deeper? Pack a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision, and use stargazing apps like Sky Guide or Star Walk 2 to navigate the stars overhead.

Perfect for Photographers and Stargazers

For night sky photographers, Big Bear is a dream. Long exposures, clear constellations, and no city haze. But preserving these views requires effort from all of us. As Brady Enger of Bending Energy Photography said:
“Big Bear is surrounded by ever-expanding cities, and our valley suffers more and more from light pollution.”

Let’s not wait until those stars are just memories.

Being a Southern California destination, Big Bear is surrounded by ever expanding cities, and our valley suffers more and more from light pollution that inhibits our ability to see and enjoy the night sky.

– Brady Enger, Bending Energy Photography

Experience the Magic — and Help Protect It

Big Bear is a stargazer’s dream, but we can’t take it for granted. With just a few mindful choices, we can preserve the Big Bear night sky for generations of visitors and residents to enjoy.

At Big Bear Lakefront Cabins, we’re proud to support the Dark Sky Initiative. Whether you’re soaking in a hot tub beneath Orion’s Belt or sipping wine on a deck under a meteor shower, you’re part of something bigger — a movement to keep our skies wild and wondrous.

Current Lighting Policies

Read current policies regarding exterior lighting in the City and within the unincorporated valley.

Municipal Code – City of Big Bear Lake

17.25.080 – Residential site design standards

Section E – Lighting
  1. For the purposes of establishing lighting requirements, the following terms shall apply: “Cutoff” shall mean the point at which all direct light rays from the bulb are completely shielded from view. “Footcandles” shall mean the measurement of lighting level at the property line at ground level, as measured with a direct-reading, portable light meter. The measurement shall be made after dark, first with the lights on and then again with the lights off. The difference between the two readings shall meet the standard for maximum permitted illumination in footcandles. “Luminaire” shall mean the lighting fixture containing the light source or bulb. “Luminaire height” shall mean the distance from ground level to the highest point of the luminaire (including base and pedestal).
  2. Within residential zones, all luminaires shall be designed to have a cutoff of less than ninety (90) degrees, as shown on the following illustration:
  3. Maximum permitted luminaire height shall be fifteen (15) feet.
  4. Minimum permitted illumination within parking areas and walkways in residential projects of four or more dwelling units shall be 0.25 footcandles.
  5. Maximum permitted illumination within all residential projects, regardless of size, shall be 0.5 footcandles.
  6. Decorative incandescent fixtures of forty (40) watts or less are allowed within residential districts without approval.
  7. Any security lighting used within residential zones, including single-family residential uses, shall be placed so that the bulb or light source is not visible off-site, the light is directed down, and the light level at the property line does not exceed 0.25 footcandles.
See Full Section
17.35.080 – Site Design Standards for Commercial & Public Zones
Section E – Lighting
  1. For the purposes of establishing lighting requirements, the following terms shall apply: “Cutoff” shall mean the point at which all direct light rays from the bulb are completely shielded from view. “Footcandles” shall mean the measurement of lighting level at the property line at ground level, as measured with a direct-reading, portable light meter. The measurement shall be made after dark, first with the lights on and then again with the lights off. The difference between the two readings shall meet the standard for maximum permitted illumination in footcandles. “Luminaire” shall mean the lighting fixture containing the light source or bulb. “Luminaire height” shall mean the distance from ground level to the highest point of the luminaire (including base and pedestal).
  2. Within commercial zones, all luminaires shall be designed to have a cutoff of ninety (90) degrees or less, as shown on the following illustration:
  3. Maximum permitted luminaire height shall be twenty (20) feet within parking lots and sixteen (16) feet within other portions of the development site.
  4. Minimum permitted illumination within parking areas and walkways shall be 0.25 footcandles for low-intensity uses and 1.0 footcandle for high-intensity uses.
  5. Maximum permitted illumination on site shall be 3.0 footcandles for low-intensity uses and 5.0 footcandles for high-intensity uses, except that if the site abuts residentially used or designated land the maximum illumination adjacent to these areas shall be 1.0.
  6. Decorative incandescent fixtures of forty (40) watts or less are allowed without approval.
  7. Lighting fixtures and luminaires shall be of decorative design in keeping with the design theme of the site. Colors shall be dark green, gray, brown, or other earth tone color to blend with the forest environment.
  8. Lighting shall not be used for advertising. The use of searchlights to attract attention is prohibited.
  9. Lights shall not be allowed to blink, flash, change intensity or color, or give the illusion of movement.
  10. Where exterior mounted lights are used to illuminate signage or architectural features, the lights shall be sharply focused and directed to minimize light spillage. Backlighting is encouraged.
  11. Exterior lighting shall be reduced to the extent feasible during hours that the business is not in operation, to preserve views of the night sky.
  12. Security lighting shall be directed downward so that the light source (bulb) is not visible from off site, the light is directed down, and the light level at the property line does not exceed 1.0 footcandle, excluding public street right-of-way.
  13. Upward lighting used to illuminate flags shall be sharply focused and directed to minimize light spillage.

See Full Section

County of San Bernardino

The Light Trespass Ordinance was adopted December 7, 2021 the Board of Supervisors. Outdoor lighting regulations are implemented by region, focusing on prevention of light trespass onto neighboring properties and protection of dark night skies in the Mountain and Desert Regions. See Brochure

Mountain and Desert Region:

A stricter standard of 0.1-foot candle for light trespass has been established in the mountain and desert regions. Additional requirements to protect dark night skies in mountain and desert areas include a Dark Sky Curfew, and new standards for the use or residential string lights.

Compliance Timeline: Any modifications or replacement of outdoor fixtures required to comply with the ordinance will have a grace period of 18 months for commercial and industrial properties and 24 months for all other land uses.

Dark Sky Curfew: unless the outdoor light is used to illuminate the entry or exits or the structure , parking areas or driveways, or on a motion sensor that shuts off after five minutes of activation – all outdoor lights must be extinguished as soon as there are no longer people present in exterior areas.

Read Full Ordinance

Book Your Summer Adventure with Big Bear Lakefront Cabins

When you stay with Big Bear Lakefront Cabins, you’re not just booking a room—you’re unlocking discounts on summer’s best activities, from Discounted pontoon boat rentals and ziplining to kayaking and paddle boarding. With stunning lake views, pet-friendly properties, hot tubs, and private docks, your cabin is the perfect base for adventure.

From cozy one-bedroom cabins to spacious five-bedroom vacation rentals, Big Bear Lakefront Cabins has the perfect vacation rental for every group. Enjoy top amenities like pet-friendly stays, private hot tubs, EV chargers, game rooms, and stunning lakefront rentals. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a 5-star luxury escape, your ideal cabin is waiting.