As far as launching goes - i would launch somewhere around the moors and motor up (several miles) to the dam - I would avoid the mess launching at the dam. There are several campgrounds around Big Bear. The east side of the lake has some good campgrounds too (Hilman Ferry is nice) and that would not be too far of a run to the dam. If there are any left, the dam has some pretty nice cottages - they aren't too expensive - But there will be a crowd around there. I know just the regular BFL's creates a little chaos at the north end of the lake. Everybody and their brother will be out watching some of this.