Shooting Sports & Archery in Big Bear
Anchored by the Big Bear Valley Sportsman's Club — Big Bear's public rifle, pistol, and trap range, officially listed by the U.S. Forest Service. A premium, safety-forward, mountain-outdoor guide.
Safety First — Read Before Visiting the Range
Firearms and archery are inherently dangerous activities that require strict safety practices and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. This page is an informational directory only — EverythingBB is not a range operator and does not provide instruction.
All Visitors Must:
- Wear eye and ear protection — required for all shooters AND spectators within the shooting area
- Bring their own firearms and ammunition (the Sportsman's Club does not rent firearms)
- Follow all posted range rules and Range Safety Officer instructions
- Comply with all California and San Bernardino County firearms regulations
- Practice safe gun handling rules at all times
- Inspect archery equipment before each use
Plan Ahead at Altitude:
- Verify operating hours before driving up — the range is volunteer/staffing dependent
- No restrooms and no potable water on site (per the U.S. Forest Service listing) — pack your own water
- Special-event closures can affect access, especially the 2nd Saturday morning each month
- Mountain weather changes fast — dress in layers and check conditions
- First-timers should start with low-caliber firearms or beginner archery equipment
California & San Bernardino National Forest Regulations
California has some of the strictest firearms regulations in the nation. All shooters must comply with California Penal Code regarding firearm transport, storage, and use — firearms must be transported unloaded and in a locked container. The Big Bear Valley Sportsman's Club operates as a designated public shooting range within the San Bernardino National Forest. Dispersed/recreational shooting on surrounding National Forest land is heavily restricted — use the established range rather than shooting in undeveloped forest areas. Never shoot near structures, roads, or trails, follow all U.S. Forest Service rules, and pack out everything you bring in.
Hours, pricing, allowed calibers, seasonality, and facility policies can change without notice. The range is seasonal and weekend-only. Always verify details on the official range website or by phone before visiting.
🏔️Outdoor & Multi-Discipline Ranges
Big Bear Valley Sportsman's Club
Big Bear City — North Shore & Division
Big Bear's anchor public shooting facility — officially listed by the U.S. Forest Service as open to the public for rifle, pistol, and trap on weekends in Big Bear City.
Eye and ear protection are required for all shooters and spectators within the shooting area. Shooters must bring their own firearms and ammunition — the range does not rent or sell them. Per the U.S. Forest Service listing for the site, there are no restrooms and no potable water — plan accordingly. Mountain weather and volunteer staffing can affect operations; always verify current status before driving up.
Big Bear Valley Sportsman's Club — Trap Field
Big Bear City — North Shore & Division
Public-access trap shooting at the Big Bear Valley Sportsman's Club — clay rounds in an alpine forest setting on weekends during the season.
Eye and ear protection are required for all shooters and spectators in the shooting area. Bring your own firearm and ammunition. The site has no restrooms and no potable water per the Forest Service listing — plan accordingly.
🏹Archery in Big Bear
Big Bear Valley Sportsman's Club
Big Bear City — North Shore & Division
Big Bear's anchor public shooting facility — officially listed by the U.S. Forest Service as open to the public for rifle, pistol, and trap on weekends in Big Bear City.
Eye and ear protection are required for all shooters and spectators within the shooting area. Shooters must bring their own firearms and ammunition — the range does not rent or sell them. Per the U.S. Forest Service listing for the site, there are no restrooms and no potable water — plan accordingly. Mountain weather and volunteer staffing can affect operations; always verify current status before driving up.
Big Bear Archery — Sportsman's Club & 3-D Shoots
Big Bear City & San Bernardino National Forest
Big Bear's archery context — anchored by the Big Bear Valley Sportsman's Club (which surfaces in local archery range search results) and the Big Bear 3-D Archery Shoot tradition in the surrounding national forest.
Inspect bows, strings, arrows, and rests before every shoot. Wear appropriate eye protection and follow lane etiquette — draw and release only when the range is clear. For forest-based 3-D shoots, follow all U.S. Forest Service rules: stay on designated courses, never shoot toward trails or roads, and pack everything out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shooting ranges and archery in Big Bear
This guide is for informational purposes only. EverythingBB encourages safe and responsible participation in all mountain recreation activities.
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