Why Bear Lake Airbnb Bookings Skyrocket in July (And How to Ride That Wave Next Year)

If you’ve spent any time near Bear Lake, you already know why it’s earned the nickname "The Caribbean of the Rockies." With its turquoise waters, warm weather, and a lineup of family-friendly activities, Bear Lake Airbnb Bookings Skyrocket in July each year, and for good reason. But what most hosts don’t realize is how much preparation, timing, and strategic planning go into capitalizing on that seasonal surge.

Whether you already own a short-term rental in the area or you're considering investing in one, this blog will help you understand the seasonal trends, what guests are really looking for, and how TruStay helps hosts ride the wave, not get swept away by it.

The July Surge: Why It Happens

July is the peak of Bear Lake’s summer season, and several key factors make it the busiest month for Airbnb stays:

• Ideal Weather: July brings warm, sunny days perfect for boating, swimming, and paddle boarding.

• School Breaks: Families plan vacations while kids are out of school.

• Annual Events: Festivals, 5Ks, and parades draw larger crowds.

• Holiday Bookings: Independence Day week is one of the highest-demand timeframes of the entire year.

• Limited Inventory: Many properties book out months in advance, so supply shrinks as demand climbs.

  
  

That combination leads to high occupancy rates, premium pricing opportunities, and the potential to rack up valuable 5-star reviews if you’re ready in advance.

What Guests Are Looking for in July

Summer guests in Bear Lake tend to be families, groups of friends, and reunion crews. That means they’re looking for:

• Spacious accommodations with enough bedrooms and bathrooms — Larger groups often travel to Bear Lake together. These guests want to know the space will actually work for their group. Make sure to clearly list the number of beds, sleeping arrangements, and bathrooms. If your layout includes things like multiple master bedrooms or bunk rooms for kids, highlight that too. Including a simple layout description or floor plan can give guests confidence that your place will suit their needs, and help avoid confusion or disappointment on arrival.

• Easy access to the lake or walkable attractions — Guests don’t always know which homes are close to the shoreline or downtown areas. Taking time to highlight the distance to popular attractions, parks, boat ramps, and restaurants directly in your listing can make a big difference. Clear descriptions, maps, or even callouts like “2-minute walk to the lake” help set accurate expectations and increase your chances of being booked by searchers who filter based on location.

• Family-friendly amenities like BBQ grills, game rooms, bunk beds, and board games. These extras are more than just nice-to-haves; they can be deciding factors for families planning a group getaway. Make sure your listing is clear about which amenities are available so guests can plan accordingly, especially for trips involving children or multiple families.

• Outdoor spaces for dining, relaxing, or stargazing. Guests love spending time outside in the summer, especially in a place as scenic as Bear Lake. Patios, decks, fire pits, and lawn games all add to the experience. Clearly listing these features (and including a few inviting photos) can help guests picture themselves enjoying your space. Plus, letting them know what’s available helps them plan ahead, whether that’s bringing ingredients for s’mores or planning a family BBQ night.

• Fast Wi-Fi for guests who mix work and play. Remote workers, digital nomads, and even families with teens expect a stable, speedy internet connection. Whether your guests are sneaking in a few emails between lake adventures or streaming their favorite shows at night, strong Wi-Fi has become a non-negotiable. Highlighting this amenity in your listing helps set expectations and attracts a broader range of travelers who need that connectivity during their trip.

• Air conditioning - While Bear Lake’s cool mountain air can be refreshing, July temperatures often soar high enough that AC becomes a major selling point. Many older cabins and properties don’t have it, making listings that do stand out from the competition in a big way. Guests actively filter for air-conditioned homes in their searches, so this one amenity can mean the difference between a quick booking or being passed over entirely.

Having these amenities not only boosts bookings but also helps you charge more per night.

When to Start Planning

The biggest mistake hosts make? Waiting too long.

To truly take advantage of the July rush:

• Listings need to be active by spring at the latest.

• Marketing should begin 3–6 months in advance.

• Photos and listing descriptions should be updated for the summer crowd.

• Prices should be adjusted dynamically based on events and booking trends.

At TruStay, we recommend finalizing your July strategy by March to hit the peak booking window.

Missed the Rush This Year? Here’s How to Prepare for Next

If your property sat empty this July (or if you’re just starting out) don’t worry. Here’s what you can do now:

• Analyze this summer’s trends. What dates were most booked? Which listings had the highest occupancy and prices?

• Start optimizing your listing now with updated photos, strong summer-focused copy, and guest-friendly amenities.

• Invest in upgrades that will pay off next July, such as outdoor furniture or central air.

• Talk to TruStay for a personalized strategy to get your home summer-ready in time.

The TruStay Advantage: Local Expertise, Seasonal Strategy

TruStay isn’t just another property management company—we’re your partner in strategic short-term rental success. With years of experience in seasonal markets like Bear Lake, we help you:

• Understand when and how to price your listing for July

• Get your property in front of the right guests at the right time

• Boost your reviews early through hospitality and guest experience tactics

• Navigate guest inquiries, calendar gaps, and fast turnovers

And if you’re still in the shopping phase, we’ll even review properties you’re considering and provide real data on whether they’ll succeed as STRs—or not. If it’s a great fit, we’ll tell you. If it’s not, we’ll tell you that too.

Final Thoughts: Ride the July Wave—Don’t Miss It

Bear Lake is one of Utah’s best-kept short-term rental secrets, but only if you prepare early and play it smart. The way Bear Lake Airbnb bookings skyrocket in July is relatively uncommon and can lead to some of the most lucrative bookings in the region. With the right help, you can be fully booked and fully prepared.

Reach out to TruStay now for a free strategy session so you’re ready to ride the July wave next year—with less stress and more profit.