Arizona / Apache County / Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Brookchar

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late May through mid-October. Free camping available after mid-October when services are not provided.

About

Brookchar Campground is tucked on the banks of Big Lake in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, offering an intimate camping experience in a scenic high-elevation setting. The campground is comprised entirely of 12 walk-in tent sites, requiring campers to carry their gear from nearby parking areas to campsites, most within 50 yards. Of Big Lake's five campgrounds, Brookchar sits nearest to the water, providing convenient access for anglers and boaters. The campground sits at 9,100 feet elevation in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, surrounded by ponderosa pine, fir, spruce and aspen trees interspersed with high-elevation meadows. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, providing respite from lower desert heat, though visitors should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms and cool nighttime temperatures even in summer. Big Lake is one of Arizona's premier trout fishing destinations, stocked with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout. The recreation area also offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding and wildlife viewing. A full-service store, boat rentals, and boat ramp are located a half-mile away, with showers available 1 mile from the campground and a dump station nearby.

Directions

From Show Low, take Highway 260 east for 42 miles to Highway 273. Take Highway 273 south for 30 miles to Big Lake Recreation Area on the west side. From Eagar, go 5 miles west on State Route 260, turn south on State Route 261 for 29 miles to State Route 273, turn west and go about 3 miles to Big Lake Recreation Area on the west side.

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