Boat ramp guide
Big Bear Lake East Public Launch Ramp (Carol Morrison)
Big Bear City, San Bernardino County, CA
Overview
The East Public Launch Ramp, named for Carol Morrison, is one of two public launch ramps run by the Big Bear Municipal Water District, at 41911 North Shore Drive on the lake's east end. The District's West Ramp (Duane Boyer) in Fawnskin is listed as closed and serves only banded boats and non-registered vessels, so the East Ramp is the main public launch for trailer boats.
Hours and permits
The ramp is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every vessel on Big Bear Lake needs a District Lake Use Permit, sold at the public launch ramps, the District office and most marinas. Registered vessels also need a current California registration and Mussel Fee sticker.
Inspection and decontamination
All motorized and non-motorized vessels must arrive clean, drained and dry and be inspected by certified District staff before launching. The District has added two decontamination units and a catchment drain pad at the East Ramp.
Size limits and lake rules
Boats over 26 feet long or 9 feet wide won't be launched, and houseboats are banned. The lake limit is 35 mph, 10 mph from sunset to 7 a.m., and 5 mph inside the shoreline buoys. Waterskiing, wakeboarding and PWC riding are allowed only from 7 a.m. to sunset, and ski boats run counterclockwise.
Getting there & access
By road
The ramp is at 41911 North Shore Drive on the east end of Big Bear Lake. The West Ramp at 38925 North Shore Dr. in Fawnskin is listed as closed.
Lake Use Permit
All vessels need a Lake Use Permit. For 2026, registered vessels pay $148 for the season (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027), $46 for one day, $68 for two or $91 for three. Non-registered craft such as kayaks and paddleboards pay $68 for the season or $29, $40 or $51 for one to three days. Consecutive daily permits must be bought in one transaction.
Inspection
Arrive clean, drained and dry; certified staff inspect every vessel before launch. Decontamination units and a drain pad are on site at the East Ramp.
Launching tips
Load gear, remove tie-downs and put the drain plug in while still in the lot. Keep the winch strap on until the engine is running, and tie up on the outside of the courtesy dock fingers. On retrieval, wait offshore until your tow vehicle is at the ramp. Failing to follow District staff instructions can cost you your permit.
Amenities
- Public launch ramp — District-run, open daily 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Courtesy docks — Tie up on the outside of the dock fingers
- Inspection station — Certified District inspectors for all vessels
- Decontamination — Two decontamination units and a catchment drain pad
- Permit sales — Lake Use Permits sold at the ramp
Rules & official resources
- Lake Use Permit required for all vessels on Big Bear Lake
- All vessels must arrive clean, drained and dry and be inspected before launching
- Maximum 26 ft long and 9 ft wide; houseboats prohibited
- Registered vessels must display a current Mussel Fee sticker
- 35 mph max; 10 mph sunset–7 a.m.; 5 mph between buoys and shore; 3 mph in Papoose Bay, Canvasback Cove and Mallard Lagoon
- Waterskiing and PWC 7 a.m. to sunset; ski boats travel counterclockwise
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
High-altitude engine tuning
Mountain altitude affects engine tuning, and the District warns that a poorly running boat shouldn't launch, so tune-ups before the season are common.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Winterization
Big Bear winters freeze water in engines, lines and ballast. Seasonal winterizing and spring recommissioning are standard for boats kept in the valley.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Clean-drain-dry prep
Every vessel is inspected before launch, so washdowns and a full drain of bilges, livewells and ballast tanks before each trip save time at the ramp.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Covers and storage
Snow, UV and pine sap are hard on boats stored in the mountains. Good covers and winter storage are a steady need.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
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