Camping at Big Lake in the White Mountains in Arizona
Located in east-central Arizona, within the Apache National Forest and White Mountains and about 25 miles south of the town of Springerville, Big Lake is home to over 200 National Forest Service campsites, within four campgrounds.
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Climate
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Big Lake and its campgrounds are located above 9,000 feet, lending to a mild summer climate and harsh winters. Be prepared for cool to cold nights, especially in early spring and late fall.
Camping Season
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Between December and April, the roads leading to Big Lake are usually closed. Facilities in the area, including campgrounds, are open from mid-April to mid-November.
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Campgrounds
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The National Forest Service operates four campgrounds in the Big Lake Recreation Area: Rainbow, Grayling, Brookchar and Cutthroat. Rainbow and Grayling offer both tent and RV sites, while Brookchar and Cutthroat are for tents only.
Facilities
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There is a small store at the lake with limited supplies, including firewood and groceries. Rainbow and Grayling campgrounds have flush toilets and showers, while Brookchar and Cutthroat offer vault toilets. All campgrounds have potable water.
Things To Do
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Big Lake is a prime spot for boating and fishing. Off the lake, there are plenty of hiking trails. Interpretive programs and guided nature walks are offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit camping on a tent image by Pierrette Guertin from Fotolia.com