CALIFORNIA ✦ GLAMPING

Last Updated On: April 9, 2023
Posted by: Highly Likely Out of Office

Note: Sprinkled all over this post are affiliate links that direct you to experiences, stays, or products recommended by myself along with the free guides and tips on this blog! This just means that should you decide to use these links, I may earn a small commission that directly supports this blog and my coffees 😉 at absolutely no additional cost to you. Cheers!

Deal: Get $25 off your stay when you book through my link HERE.

What is Getaway House?

If you’re just looking around and stumbled upon Getaway House – here’s a quick intro:

Getaway House is a unique experience for those seeking a break from busy city life. Imagine a mountain resort of its own kind where each space is its own tiny cabin sprinkled about in the woods. In serene natural settings, Getaway House offers these cozy cabins equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

At the moment, Getaway House has several outposts (25 and counting!) in major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and New York making it very accessible for city dwellers to have a much needed escape.

#GetawayOften: Most cabins are suited for double to quad occupancy and several package options are currently being offered for special prices on their website.

Just want to read on the experience? Jump to the Tiny Cabin Tour & Experience section of this post.

Getaway House Big Bear Lake, California

Location

Located only 2 hours from Los Angeles (LA), this scenic mountain getaway is the perfect combination of cozy cabins and breathtaking views. Nestled in the great outdoors of Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, Getaway House Big Bear occupies 59 acres of land with lots of trees and a great view of the mountains.

Something to note is the property is actually located in Running Springs, about a 25 minute (13-mile) drive from Big Bear city proper. Enjoy a scenic drive through winding mountain roads and take your time to stop at the turnouts for beautiful views of the San Bernardino mountains.

Why it’s an Ideal Glamping Destination

Big Bear is a great destination year-round for various seasonal activities such as water sports on the lake, wildflowers in spring, fall foliage, or snowboarding down the slopes. This idyllic mountain town and its scenic views make it the perfect respite from city living. In my post, 13 best things to do in Big Bear Lake in Summer, you’ll find all the things you can do while here and my tips on how to plan the perfect Big Bear lake getaway.

What to Expect When You Arrive at Getaway House Big Bear

Check-in Process

Getaway House will send you access instructions prior to the check-in time with everything you need to locate and access your cabin. Unlike typical hotels with lobbies and a front desk, you will find that it will only be you, your cabin, and the wilderness. If you have special needs, make your arrangements ahead of time as most requests accommodated by their customer service is prepared before you check-in.

Parking

Depending on the cabin you’re assigned to during your stay, you’ll either find parking right outside your cabin or on a small paved parking space just a short walk from your spot. Ours was right outside our cabin.

How close are the other cabins?

Set your expectations that your cabin will not be as remote photos might seem to illustrate. When we arrived I was a bit disappointed to have quickly spotted 2 other cabins in proximity to ours. However— after actually staying there for a few nights, I can tell you that we barely felt their presence and that the cabins were strategically placed and positioned so that any views from the inside were just of nature.

There are 40 cabins on the property but I loved that we didn’t feel short for space and privacy. Of course as courtesy, be a good neighbor and keep your noise level down especially while enjoying your time outdoors to help preserve the experience of other guests.

Tiny cabin Tour & experience

You’ll find that staying at a Getaway House is something like being in an airbnb but in camping scale. Your door has a keypad entry and you have a fully-equipped space for sleeping, cooking, bathing, and hanging out. Expect that everything will be TIGHT, but designed efficiently and thoughtfully.

We arrived to a welcome kit, some books, a radio, a minibar, and even a cellphone lockbox for those ready to commit to disconnecting! Cellular service can be limited depending on your carrier, but they have a landline in the cabin which you can use for emergencies (thankfully – we had no reason to use it).

The bed is placed right next to the large picture window where you’ll have the most amazing view of the landscape – the cabins in Getaway Big Bear will either have a mountain view or a forest view.

You can choose which view you prefer when booking your stay. Our cabin had a forest view and having the trees right up our window was BEAUTIFUL. The sunset view along the mountains, however, was GORGEOUS too. Pick whichever vibe you prefer or sample both 😉

For the rest of the space, there was a small dining table, a kitchenette equipped with a sink, double burner convection cooktop, mini fridge, utensils, plates, and cookware which we used to whip up some ramen and risotto!

The freezer was not as reliable (being a mini fridge) so keep that in mind in case you are thinking of storing some icecream or anything that needs to stay frozen. There are grocery stores nearby from which you can pick up some items.

Opposite the large window on the other end of the cabin was our own private bathroom equipped with towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, AND hot water. We had our trip late November which meant we had to keep the heater running. It didn’t quite reach the bathroom so taking a bath in the evening was much colder than comfortable, but not definitely not a deal breaker.

Outside our tiny house there were two adirondack chairs, a private fire pit, firewood & starters, a picnic table, and a propane grill. There was a burn ban during our stay which limited our outdoor cooking to the propane grill.

What’s not included?

What you won’t find are a TV, wifi, and room service. Enjoy being off the grid!

Safety in Getaway House

All of the cabins are equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Since this is the forest, it’s advised that you keep all trash securely in the cabin especially at night to avoid attracting wildlife.

Add-ons

• Getaway House is dog-friendly (flat fee of USD$50)
• Sustenance Box – few meals portioned for 2 people – pasta, soup, snacks (currently USD$35)
• Early Check-in / Late Check-out can be requested (for a fee)

They usually have kits for celebrations, smores, kids’ explorer kits, etc. depending on the season and outpost location. If you’re visiting for a special occasion, it will be worth contacting them directly to see what’s available.

My favorite parts of the experience

I gotta say – I have a true love-hate relationship with Getaway House. Love because it’s everything you could want for a weekend of seclusion and relaxation, and hate because… why didn’t I think of this first?! A rundown of my favorite moments:

Spending time by the big window.

Getting to swap my laptop for a book.

Enjoying the sunset in the property.

Preparing food in the cabin for a cozy dinner in and grilling breakfast in the chilly mountain air.

Falling asleep to a view of the stars.

Exploring the nearby towns of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead.

How to Make the Most of your Getaway Experience

Tips for Activities, Dining, and Exploring

When it comes to getting away, there are so many ways you can make the most of your experience. From trying new activities to exploring the local area, there are plenty of things you can do to enhance your trip! Here are some of my favorite things to do in Big Bear for when you want to do a bit of exploring:

Hiking (dogs on a leash allowed)

• Castle Rock Trail | Google Maps | 2.7 miles, moderate, 1 hr
• Heart Rock Trail | Google Maps | 1.3 miles, easy, loop

Dining

• Hortencia’s | Google Maps | Come for mexican food
• LouEddies | Google Maps | Pizza, it’s always very busy here so try to order ahead
• Tropicali | Google Maps | Authentic Hawaiian Poke (my favorite!)
• Fire Rock Burgers & Brews | Google Maps | Burgers & beer
• Lake Arrowhead Brewing | Google Maps | Beer & occasional pop-ups

Vista Points

• Red Rock Overlook | Google Maps
• Lakeview Point Scenic Overlook | Google Maps

What to Pack for your Trip to Getaway House Big Bear

Since you’ll already have all your glamping equipment taken care of, all you have to worry about is how to enjoy your time and how to stay comfortable based on your personal needs!

Here’s what we brought to our little trip to Getaway House:
✦ Water enough for our whole stay
✦ Ingredients for simple dishes: we had noodles, mushroom risotto, and basic breakfast like eggs, mushrooms, and bacon
✦ Sunscreen, bug spray
✦ Comfortable clothing and shoes for hiking and exploring
✦ First aid kit and OTC medicine (antacid, painkillers) for emergencies

So… Is Glamping in Getaway House Big Bear Worth It?

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience nature without sacrificing luxury & comfort, glamping at Getaway House in Big Bear may be worth considering. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, this retreat offers a cozy cabin-like atmosphere with amenities such as a comfy bed, heating, and electricity, all while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

On the downside, the cabins are small, so if you’re looking for more space, this may not be the place for you. Another consideration is the price, as it can be a bit on the costly side. But if you’re willing to splurge a little for a one-of-a-kind experience in the great outdoors, glamping at Getaway House may just be the perfect getaway for you. It’s truly a unique kind of accommodation that’s different from staying in any of Big Bear’s vacation rentals, mountain resorts, or other Big Bear cabins!

How to Score Deals, Special Promos, & Pricing

The best way to score some savings is to sign up for their newsletter. You’ll get notifications of any current or upcoming special events or promotions that could save you some money in the long run. Also consider:

✦ Purchasing one of their packs for special pricing
✦ Book your trip on a weekday as Fridays thru Sunday tend to be much more expensive
✦ Check for new upcoming outposts that usually have special intro pricing
✦ Use my link HERE to save you $25 off your booking

conclusion

After reviewing all there is to know about glamping in Getaway House Big Bear, it’s clear that this luxurious experience is worth every penny! Through the breathtaking natural beauty of their airy cabin design and cozy amenities, Getaway House offers an unforgettable escape into nature without sacrificing comfort. Packing just the right amount of necessary items will ensure that your getaway trip is void of any modern-day stresses and allows you to enjoy every moment of your stay.

I personally had such a great time at Getaway House Big Bear – it was my first time in both Big Bear and Getaway and it could not have been a more perfect location! Could not recommend this experience enough.

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