Big Bear Lake beach

Cuzzart, West Virginia · on Beaver Creek

Verified · 3 independent sources

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: $17/person
SEASON: Best in summer

About Big Bear Lake beach

Big Bear Lake beach is the swimming hole and swim beach on Big Bear Lake, a 35-acre private lake at Big Bear Lake Camplands, a family-oriented, deeded-property camping resort in the mountains near Bruceton Mills/Cuzzart in Preston County, West Virginia. For guests it is a private lake to swim in, and the resort, operating since 1972, advertises swimming, fishing, and boating on the lake alongside a smaller Baby Bear Lake and a separate paid water park.

The lake sits within roughly 1,000 acres of wooded West Virginia mountain terrain that is part of a larger ~5,000-acre deeded-property development, with nearly 50 miles of hiking and mountain-bike trails open January through October surrounding the property.

Swimming at Big Bear Lake beach

The official site describes swimming, fishing, and lounging on the beach at the 35-acre Big Bear Lake, with a smaller 4-acre Baby Bear Lake also available for families (rafts, sandcastles) suited to a gentler, shallower experience for young kids. No first-hand trip reports describing water clarity, depth, or bottom conditions were found.

How to get to this swimming hole

From I-68, take Exit 29 (near Hazelton, WV); Big Bear Lake Camplands is about 3 miles south, at 450 Big Bear Lake Rd, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, near the Cuzzart/Mountain Dale area of Preston County.

The hike in

Big Bear Lake beach is reached via internal camp roads from a guest's campsite/property, not by a trail. Separately, the resort maintains almost 50 miles of dedicated mountain-bike/hiking singletrack trails (open Jan 1-Oct 31, $10 day fee or $30 season pass, maps at the main gate) that are a distinct recreational feature and do not lead to or from the swim beach.

No hike is required to reach the swimming area itself.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

Official site markets the separate, smaller 4-acre Baby Bear Lake specifically for young children (rafts, sandcastles, gentle water), implying the main 35-acre Big Bear Lake beach is the general/family swim area rather than a dedicated toddler spot. No lifeguard, depth, or bottom-condition info is published for either lake, so caution/supervision is warranted at Big Bear Lake proper.

Parking

Lot

This is a private, gated, deeded-property camping resort (not public land); parking exists on internal resort roads/lots for registered campers, property owners, and their booked guests only. As of a 2024 policy update the operator does not permit day-use/drive-up visitors, so there is no general public parking area for the beach.

Restrooms

Yes

A 'clean comfort station' is advertised within walking distance of the Beaver Creek Village overnight camping sites; exact proximity to the Big Bear Lake beach itself is not specified on the official site.

Hours

No public day-use hours exist because walk-up/day visitors are not permitted. Camping/property access follows a seasonal rate structure (pre-season mid-April-late May, summer season late May-early September, post-season September-late October). The resort's separate ~50-mile hiking/mountain-bike trail system is open January 1 through October 31 each year (day pass $10, season pass $30, purchased online).

On the water

The official activities list includes generic 'BOATING' among on-site amenities but does not specify which craft types (kayak, canoe, paddleboard, motorboat) are permitted or any speed/motor restrictions. The resort's 2026 recreation schedule includes an annual 'Anything But a Boat Race' community event on the lake each June (homemade/improvised floating craft), suggesting informal small-craft use by guests is part of camp culture, but this is not a documented rental/rule and should not be read as confirming any specific craft type is allowed.

Backstory

Big Bear Lake Camplands has operated as a family camping and deeded-property resort since 1972.

Big Bear Lake beach: FAQ

Does Big Bear Lake beach charge a fee?

The lake beach itself is included with camping/property access; a separate fee applies for the on-site Bearfoot Springs water park, mini-golf, and Saturday night live music (posted at each facility's entrance). Overnight camping in Beaver Creek Village runs from $17/person (primitive tent) to $45+/night (deluxe RV sites) depending on season, plus sales tax and a campground fee.

Is Big Bear Lake beach kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Big Bear Lake beach?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Big Bear Lake beach?

When is the best time to visit Big Bear Lake beach?

Camping and lake use follow a seasonal rate structure: pre-season (mid-April to late May), summer season (late May to early September), and post-season (September to late October); hiking/biking trails are open January 1 through October 31.

What are the rules at Big Bear Lake beach?

Big Bear Lake Camplands is a privately owned, gated, deeded-property community, not open public land. As of a 2024 policy update, no day visitors/drive-up guests are permitted; all guests must be included on a camper's or property owner's reservation. Fishing is allowed without a license within the property.

What water body is Big Bear Lake beach on?

Big Bear Lake beach is on Beaver Creek, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.