Cutthroat
Currently closed for seasonal closure. Opens May 15, 2026, weather permitting. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.
Red Flag Warning issued June 29 at 6:45PM MST until June 30 at 7:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM MST /11 AM MDT/ TO 7 PM MST /8 PM MDT/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Critical Fire Weather conditions will subside this evening as winds speeds decrease. The Red Flag Warning for Monday will expire at 7 PM MST. These conditions redevelop by late Tuesday morning, with Critical Fire Weather conditions developing for much of Tuesday in the same area, Expect southwest winds 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, along with minimum relative humidity values from 6 to 20 percent. * WHERE...East and southeast of Flagstaff, stretching along the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains, as well as northward into the Little Colorado River Valley. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves and Coconino National Forests. * WHEN...From 10 AM MST /11 AM MDT/ to 7 PM MST /8 PM MDT/ Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Fires will have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Elevated potential for new fire starts.
Red Flag Warning issued June 29 at 6:45PM MST until June 29 at 7:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM MST /11 AM MDT/ TO 7 PM MST /8 PM MDT/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Critical Fire Weather conditions will subside this evening as winds speeds decrease. The Red Flag Warning for Monday will expire at 7 PM MST. These conditions redevelop by late Tuesday morning, with Critical Fire Weather conditions developing for much of Tuesday in the same area, Expect southwest winds 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, along with minimum relative humidity values from 6 to 20 percent. * WHERE...East and southeast of Flagstaff, stretching along the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains, as well as northward into the Little Colorado River Valley. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves and Coconino National Forests. * WHEN...From 10 AM MST /11 AM MDT/ to 7 PM MST /8 PM MDT/ Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Rapid spread and growth of any new or existing fires. Fires will have the potential to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Elevated potential for new fire starts.
About
Cutthroat Campground sits at 9,040 feet in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, offering tent campers direct access to Big Lake's renowned trout fishing. The 18 sites are scattered throughout the facility with good spacing, and some feature waterfront locations. The campground is named after the cutthroat trout, one of several species anglers pursue in the lake alongside rainbow, brook, and Apache trout. The setting features a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen providing ample shade. Summer temperatures are pleasant compared to Arizona's lower deserts, though campers should prepare for cool nighttime temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Bears frequent the area, and proper food storage is required. Facilities include flush toilets, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables at each site. Showers and a dump station are available within the Big Lake Recreation Area. A boat ramp provides convenient lake access for anglers. The campground is designed exclusively for tent camping and cannot accommodate trailers or motorhomes.
Directions
From Eagar: Go 5 miles west on State Route 260, turn south on State Route 261, go 29 miles to State Route 273, turn west and go about 3 miles to Big Lake Recreation Area. From Show Low: Take Highway 260 east for 42 miles to Highway 273, then south for 30 miles to Big Lake Recreation Area. From Pinetop: Take Highway 260 east 25 miles to Highway 273 south, follow 19 miles to Forest Road 8115 (Big Lake Entrance), turn right and travel 2 miles to Cutthroat Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $26 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 537-8888 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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