It is located on the northwest side of Big Bear Valley, in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, at an altitude of 6,827 feet (2,081 m).

The tiny community has a "permanent" population of 380, and many vacation homes that range from multi-million dollar mansions to decaying log cabins.

[2] This small community was once an artists' colony, which attracted artisans, musicians, composers and actors from the Los Angeles area.

Fawnskin was once the hub of lakeside activity, serving as a stagecoach stop and tourist attraction with hotels and dining.

Composer Fannie Charles Dillon founded Woodland Theater in Fawnskin in 1924, and served as its general manager from 1926 to 1929.

Hanna Flat Campground,[7] and YMCA Camp Whittle [8] are located within the forest above Fawnskin, and remain favorites of summer vacationers.

Typically, bald eagles are found in Big Bear Valley from November to April, [9] but a nesting pair are full-time residents.

Marty Ingels and Shirley Jones bought a piece of property in 2001 and created Fawn Park in downtown Fawnskin.

The efforts of the North Shore Improvement Association (NSIA) have sometimes been opposed by those who want to "Keep Fawnskin Funky," as it certainly does have a unique charm to it.

[14] Many scenes of Columbo: Murder by the Book (1971) (with guest star Jack Cassidy, then married to Shirley Jones) were filmed here, as was a Perry Mason episode, "The Case of the Violent Village.