Just Listed in Big Bear Lake: 236 Zaca — Mountain Cabin for Sale as a Primary Home, Vacation Retreat, or Short-Term Rental

If you’ve been waiting for the right cabin to come on the market in Big Bear Lake, California — this is the one. 236 Zaca just hit the market, and it checks every box for buyers looking for a cozy mountain retreat, a full-time home in the mountains, or an income-producing short-term rental in one of Southern California’s most in-demand vacation markets.

I walked through this property and put together a quick video so you can get a feel for it before you even set foot inside. Take a look:

Now let me give you the full picture — what makes this property worth looking at, what the Big Bear Lake market looks like right now, and what to know if you’re thinking about buying here as an investment.

What Makes 236 Zaca Worth Your Attention

The address itself tells you something important: Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. That zip code puts you within reach of everything that makes this mountain town special — the ski resorts, the hiking and biking trails, the village restaurants and shops, and of course the lake itself. Big Bear Lake isn’t a one-season destination. It draws visitors year-round, and that matters enormously if you’re thinking about this as a rental investment or even a second home you want to actually use.

The cabin at 236 Zaca has the feel that buyers come to Big Bear looking for — a proper mountain retreat, not a generic house that happens to be at elevation. Properties with this character in this location tend to move quickly, and "just listed" in Big Bear doesn’t mean "available for long." If this fits your criteria, the time to act is now, not next weekend.

The Three Types of Buyers This Property Makes Sense For

In my experience working with Big Bear Lake buyers, properties like 236 Zaca attract three distinct groups — and this one works for all three.

The full-time mountain resident. More buyers than ever are choosing Big Bear as a primary home. The remote work shift changed everything. If you can work from anywhere, why not work from a cabin with ski resort access ten minutes away and a lake out the back? Big Bear Lake has a genuine community, real services, and a lifestyle that urban buyers pay a premium to access on weekends. Living it full-time is the upgrade version.

The vacation home buyer. A lot of families in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and Orange County own a piece of Big Bear as their family escape. Two hours from the basin, and you’re in a completely different world. A cabin that’s yours — not rented, not shared — means you go when you want, you decorate how you want, and you build memories in a place that actually belongs to you.

The short-term rental investor. Big Bear Lake is one of the most active Airbnb and VRBO markets in Southern California. The demand is structural: Southern California has tens of millions of people within driving distance, and Big Bear Lake offers skiing, hiking, lake recreation, and mountain scenery — all within a day trip, but good enough to stay for a long weekend. A well-managed STR in this market can generate meaningful income while the property appreciates. That combination is what keeps investors coming back to Big Bear even as other vacation markets have softened.

The Big Bear Lake Real Estate Market in 2026

Here’s the honest market picture: Big Bear Lake inventory is structurally limited. The mountain geography caps how much buildable land exists, which means supply can’t just expand to meet demand the way it can in a flat suburban market. That’s been a consistent tailwind for home values here for years, and it hasn’t changed.

In 2026, buyer demand in Big Bear is being driven by two forces working together: lifestyle buyers who want the mountain life, and investors who want the STR income. Both groups are competing for the same finite pool of properties. When a cabin with the right feel hits the market at a competitive price, it doesn’t sit. That’s the environment you’re buying into — or missing out on — right now.

If you’ve been watching Big Bear and waiting for the "right time," the better question is: right time for what? Values in this market have held well because the underlying demand is real and the supply is constrained. Waiting rarely produces a better entry price here — it just produces a different listing.

What to Know Before Buying a Big Bear STR

If the short-term rental angle is part of your thinking on this property, here’s what I tell every investor client before we move forward.

First, confirm the permitting. The City of Big Bear Lake has specific rules around short-term rentals — permits are required, and not every property or zone qualifies. This is something I verify on behalf of my buyer clients before we go under contract, so you’re never surprised after close.

Second, do honest pro forma math. Don’t model your rental income on best-case weekends. Look at average occupancy across the full year, including shoulder seasons. Big Bear does well in both summer and winter, with spring and fall being softer — but a well-positioned property with strong marketing can outperform the average in any season.

Third, factor in management. If you’re not local or don’t want to self-manage, professional property management fees typically run 20–30% of gross revenue in this market. Build that into your numbers before you fall in love with the gross income figure.

I’m happy to walk through the numbers with you on any property you’re considering. That’s part of what I do for buyers in this market — not just show you the house, but help you understand what you’re actually buying.

If you’re deciding between Big Bear Lake and another mountain destination, this comparison might help: Big Bear Lake vs. Lake Arrowhead: Which Mountain Escape Is Right for You?

Is This the Only Listing Worth Looking At Right Now?

236 Zaca is what’s new today — but it’s not the only property on my radar. I’m also actively marketing another just-listed Big Bear Lake property: 40153 Lakeview Drive, listed at $980,000, with lakefront positioning and an entirely different profile. If you’re comparing options or looking at a specific price point, it’s worth a look alongside 236 Zaca.

And if you’re on the sell side — thinking about listing your own Big Bear cabin — this post walks through how to find the right representation: How to Choose the Best Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Big Bear Lake Cabin in 2026.

Ready to See 236 Zaca?

This property won’t be available long. If you’re serious about Big Bear Lake real estate — whether as a buyer looking for a retreat, a full-time home, or a rental investment — let’s talk before this one is under contract.

Reach out directly:

Rachael Smith
Broker Associate, RE/MAX Big Bear
DRE #01923537
📞 909.744.2190
✉️ rachaelsmithrealestate@gmail.com

I work with buyers in Big Bear Lake full-time. I know this market, I know this inventory, and I can help you move quickly when the right property comes up — or make sure you don’t overpay when you’re the one being patient. Either way, I’m here when you’re ready to talk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 236 Zaca in Big Bear Lake a good short-term rental property?

Big Bear Lake has one of the strongest short-term rental markets in Southern California, drawing visitors year-round for skiing, hiking, and lake recreation. A cabin in this market — properly permitted and managed — can generate significant rental income. Contact Rachael at 909-744-2190 for current STR performance data on comparable properties.

What neighborhoods are near 236 Zaca in Big Bear Lake?

236 Zaca is located in Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. The address places it within easy reach of Big Bear Lake’s village, ski resorts, hiking trails, and the lake itself — making it a versatile property for buyers who want access to all four seasons of mountain living.

How do I schedule a showing for 236 Zaca in Big Bear Lake?

Contact Rachael Smith, Broker Associate at RE/MAX Big Bear, at 909-744-2190 or rachaelsmithrealestate@gmail.com to schedule a private showing or ask questions about the listing.

What is the Big Bear Lake real estate market like in 2026?

Big Bear Lake remains a competitive market in 2026, with buyer demand driven by both lifestyle buyers seeking mountain retreats and investors seeking STR income. Inventory stays limited because of the geography, which has historically supported home values in the area.