BearRoam Lake Arrowhead
Lake access
Lake Arrowhead's lake is not a public lake. Read these rules before planning anything on the water.
Private lake — public access is restricted
Unlike Big Bear Lake, the water here is privately controlled. Nothing on this page implies public access. Every statement below is quoted from the organization that sets the rule.
Lake ownership
Lake Arrowhead is privately owned and managed by the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA); it is not a public lake, and access to the water and surrounding reserve strips is generally restricted to ALA members and their guests.
Boating
To boat on Lake Arrowhead, including kayaks and canoes, a person must be an ALA member with a purchased ALA membership, the boat must be registered with ALA, and a valid Boat Operator License is required to operate any vessel.
Swimming
Swimming rules are set out in ALA's Boating and Swimming Rules (effective April 1, 2024); all members and their guests using ALA beaches or the water must follow these rules as well as state and county laws.
Source: Arrowhead Lake Association – Boating and Swimming Rules (PDF)
Short-term rental (STR) guest access
Following a 2024 court-approved Settlement Agreement in Vertical Web Ventures, Inc. v. Arrowhead Lake Association, ALA no longer enforces its prior ban and now allows short-term rental clients renting in Arrowhead Woods to access the Lake and ALA-owned reserve strips, subject to the settlement terms.
Source: Arrowhead Lake Association – STR Lake Access Update (PDF)
2020 STR ban history
In 2020, more than 83% of ALA members voted to ban short-term rental clients from accessing Lake Arrowhead, the reserve strips, parks, and beach clubs, a policy that was later superseded by a court injunction and 2024 settlement.
Source: Arrowhead Lake Association – Member notice on STR rule
Public tours
Members of the public without ALA access can still see and experience the lake via the Lake Arrowhead Queen, a public sightseeing tour boat departing from Lake Arrowhead Village, since it is not the same as private lake access.
Lake & recreation
Lake Arrowhead is a privately owned lake. Public boating, swimming, fishing and dock access are restricted and are NOT the same as Big Bear. Confirm access rules with the source below before planning.
- Lake Arrowhead Village — lake tours & activities →
Published visitor access information (e.g. Arrowhead Queen tours)
- San Bernardino County →
County agency information for the mountain communities