Is Running Springs, California Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Running Springs, California, begin by researching San Bernardino County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate and compliance with zoning laws that may restrict rentals in residential areas to a minimum of 30 days in some zones. Contact San Bernardino County Planning Department (909-387-8311) to verify current zoning restrictions and obtain necessary permits, including a business license and TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) permit, which runs approximately 10-12% in the area. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, Zillow, or working with local realtors familiar with Running Springs' mountain community market, focusing on cabins or homes near Lake Gregory or hiking trails that attract tourists year-round. Furnish the property with mountain-appropriate amenities including heating systems for winter months, cozy furniture, outdoor equipment, and essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, and WiFi, budgeting $15,000-25,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting mountain views and proximity to Big Bear attractions, setting competitive rates around $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing keyless entry systems, creating detailed house rules about noise and parking (important in this residential mountain community), and either self-managing or hiring local property management companies like Mountain Vacation Rentals or Big Bear Cool Cabins that service the Running Springs area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Running Springs, California, focus on properties within 1-2 miles of Snow Valley Mountain Resort and Lake Arrowhead, as these locations drive year-round tourism with skiing in winter and lake activities in summer. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or mountain homes with desirable features like fireplaces, hot tubs, mountain views, game rooms, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-12 guests, as larger groups generate higher nightly rates averaging $150-300 per night in this market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate comparable properties, aiming for markets with 60%+ occupancy rates and average daily rates that can cover mortgage, utilities, cleaning, and management costs while generating 15-20% annual returns. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, and use tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa to understand market saturation. Leverage resources such as the San Bernardino County planning department for zoning compliance, local STR permit requirements, and partner with Running Springs-area property managers who understand seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons during winter holidays and summer months when Los Angeles residents seek mountain retreats.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Running Springs, California, you must apply through San Bernardino County's Planning Department since Running Springs is an unincorporated area, either online through their permit portal or in person at 385 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92415. Required documents include a completed Short-Term Rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces, septic system inspection (if applicable), fire safety plan, noise mitigation plan, emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $500-800 with additional inspection fees of $200-400, and annual renewal fees of $300-500. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days for initial approval including plan review, neighbor notification period, and final inspection. Specific Running Springs requirements include maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, mandatory quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, parking requirements of 1 space per bedroom, compliance with mountain fire safety regulations including defensible space requirements, septic system capacity verification due to the area's reliance on septic systems, and designation of a local contact person who can respond to issues within 30 minutes since Running Springs is a remote mountain community.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Running Springs, California are generally legal but subject to San Bernardino County regulations since Running Springs is an unincorporated community. As of 2023, San Bernardino County requires STR operators to obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate and comply with various operational requirements including occupancy limits, noise restrictions, parking requirements, and 24/7 local contact availability. Properties must meet safety standards and cannot exceed 10 guests or 2 guests per bedroom, whichever is less. The county implemented stricter enforcement measures in recent years following community complaints about noise and parking issues in mountain communities like Running Springs. STRs are prohibited in some residential zones depending on specific zoning designations, and operators must pay transient occupancy taxes. Recent changes include enhanced complaint procedures and potential penalties for non-compliance, with the county conducting more frequent inspections and responding to neighbor complaints more aggressively than in previous years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Running Springs, California are the neighborhoods near Snow Valley Mountain Resort, particularly properties along Highway 18 and Kuffel Canyon Road, which attract year-round visitors for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The area around Lake Arrowhead (technically adjacent but highly relevant) draws tourists seeking mountain lake experiences and romantic getaways, with properties offering lake views commanding premium rates. The historic downtown Running Springs area near the Running Springs Elementary School and local shops provides convenient access to amenities while maintaining the mountain cabin charm that visitors seek. Properties near the Pacific Crest Trail access points are increasingly popular with hiking enthusiasts and outdoor adventure travelers. The neighborhoods around Deer Lick Springs and areas with larger lots offering privacy and mountain views perform well for family reunions and group retreats, especially during peak seasons from December through March for snow sports and June through September for summer mountain activities.

Airbnb properties in Running Springs, California are subject to multiple lodging taxes including San Bernardino County's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 10% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days, which applies to all short-term rentals and is collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the county. Additionally, California state sales tax of 7.25% applies to lodging rentals, with hosts required to register for a seller's permit and remit taxes monthly or quarterly depending on volume. The California Tourism Marketing District assessment adds approximately 1-2% to most commercial lodging transactions. Airbnb typically collects and remits the county TOT directly for participating hosts through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and must register with San Bernardino County's tax collector office. Monthly rentals of 30 days or longer are generally exempt from TOT but may still be subject to sales tax. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections, file returns even during periods of no activity, and may face penalties for late payments or non-compliance, with registration required within 15 days of beginning rental operations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Running Springs, California would be approximately $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $550,000-$650,000 based on median home prices in the San Bernardino Mountains area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete mountain cabin setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include business license ($100-$300), short-term rental permit ($500-$1,500), and potential HOA approval fees ($200-$500). Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$4,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$500 monthly or $1,800-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if used (20-30% of revenue) typically total $8,000-$15,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in the mountain resort market.

Airbnb properties in Running Springs, California, typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned cabins and mountain homes, with average daily rates ranging from $150-$300 depending on size, amenities, and seasonal demand. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), and maintenance reserves. Properties within walking distance of Lake Arrowhead or featuring hot tubs, game rooms, and mountain views command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy during peak seasons (winter ski season and summer months), while standard properties average 50-60% occupancy year-round. Successful operators like those managing luxury 4-bedroom cabins near Snow Valley Mountain Resort report net profit margins of 25-35% after all expenses, with properties purchased below $500,000 showing the strongest ROI. Key success factors include professional photography showcasing mountain views, responsive guest communication, partnerships with local activity providers, and strategic pricing that captures both weekend warriors from Los Angeles (90 minutes away) and extended-stay guests during holiday periods, with the most profitable properties being those that cater to groups of 6-12 people seeking authentic mountain experiences.

Based on Running Springs, California market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%. Properties in this mountain resort community, located near Big Bear Lake and popular for weekend getaways, generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months due to strong seasonal demand from Los Angeles and Orange County visitors. Average nightly rates range from $150-300 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak seasons (winter ski season and summer months). Initial investment requirements typically include 20-25% down payment plus $15,000-25,000 in furnishing and setup costs, while annual operating expenses including property management, utilities, and maintenance average 35-45% of gross rental income. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and consistent demand from outdoor recreation enthusiasts, though investors should factor in seasonal fluctuations and potential regulatory changes affecting short-term rentals in San Bernardino County.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Running Springs, California, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents serving the Running Springs area include Century 21 Beachside, RE/MAX Big Bear, and Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties, who have expertise in vacation rental investments in the San Bernardino Mountains region. National services like AirDNA provide market data and analytics for Airbnb investments, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools specifically for short-term rental properties in California mountain communities. BiggerPockets connects investors with local experts and provides educational resources for Airbnb investing, and companies like RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify and manage profitable vacation rental properties in Running Springs. Local property management companies such as Big Bear Cool Cabins and Mountain Caretakers also assist investors in finding and operating successful Airbnb properties in the area, leveraging their knowledge of the local tourism market and seasonal rental patterns that make Running Springs attractive for vacation rental investments.