Summer is in full swing at Big Bear Lake, with opportunities to enjoy water sports and the great outdoors. Enjoy National Picnic Month with a summer picnic at Big Bear. Here are a few tips to have the perfect picnic at Big Bear this summer.
Perfect Picnic Spots
With warmer weather comes a great opportunity to enjoy a picnic near Big Bear Lake. Luckily for you Big Bear Lake has fantastic picnic pavilion spots. Some great picnic spots to choose from include:
- The Aspen Glen Picnic Area, which includes barbecues and a fire ring. Evening s’mores, anyone?
- The Grout Bay Picnic Area is located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake and has picnic tables.
- The Meadows Edge Picnic Area includes picnic tables with barbecue grills in place for each table.
Be aware that current fire restrictions at Big Bear prohibit the use of charcoal during the summer in picnic areas. Need an alternative to charcoal? Burn wood but wait for the wood to burn to embers before cooking food. You can also use portable propane-fueled stoves in the parks.
Adventure Passes are Required
Adventure Pass day recreational passes, which cost $5 per day, are required to access most picnic areas. Passes can be purchased from the San Bernardino National Forest at the following locations.
Watch for Storms
Weather watching is key to the perfect summer picnic. Check for storms before you leave and make sure you have a weather app on your cell phone that alerts you to storms approaching your area. This will allow you to know when it’s time to pack up the picnic.
Summer Picnic Attire
It’s summer time so you have a lot of picnic outfit options. Planning a picnic near Big Bear Lake? If your family will be boating before the picnic, make sure everyone wears bathing suits and there are changes of clothing handy for wet boaters. Shorts and T-shirts are the proper attire on the shore.
Planning an evening summer picnic at dusk? Don’t forget a light jacket for cooler summer evenings in the mountains.
Summer Picnic Menu Suggestions
Who doesn’t love summer picnic food? Keep it simple by avoiding messy and complex foods like tacos and ribs.
Take some pre-sliced subs or wraps for an easy lunch main course. Wash it down with cool lemonade and pre-sliced watermelon. Looking for some dessert? Nobody has ever turned down a brownie before, have they?
Looking for some healthy options for the kids? Bring along some juice boxes and promise them some chips if they eat their carrot sticks.
Keeping Your Picnic Food Safe
The behind the scenes tip to making sure your picnic runs smoothly is making sure the food stays safe. Follow these guidelines:
- Use insulated containers and ice packs to keep cold cuts and other items cold.
- Keep food covered to protect it from flies.
- Take hand sanitizer and wipes.
- Don’t leave food out in the sun.
- Use mason jars with lids and straws to keep bugs out of the drinks.
Picnic Must Have Items
Now that you have your picnic food menu packed, it’s time to add these other picnic essentials to your picnic basket.
Bring a camera to capture the fun, towels for those enjoying the water and wipes and napkins for messy hands and faces. Disposable plates and utensils and a trash bag to clean up after your mess should also be considered. Don’t forget to bring lots of sunscreen too and reapply often.
Picnic Activities
There is so much to do at Big Bear Lake. Rent a boat or a Jet Ski and get out on the water. Hike one of Big Bear’s nature trails to walk off your picnic lunch. Read our blog on Experiencing the Great Outdoors at Big Bear for tips on experiencing all those outdoor activities. Take advantage of the picnic grounds and play baseball, kickball or a game of tag with the kids.
Now there’s nothing left to do than to get out there and enjoy summer with a good old fashioned American picnic. Not ready to leave after your picnic? There’s no need to head home. We have comfortable cabins and luxury hotel rooms ready for you at Big Bear Frontier. Make your reservation today!
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