Cutthroat

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.