Rainbow
Closed for seasonal closure. Opens May 15, 2026 weather permitting. Reservations available through Recreation.gov; Loop F sites 130-152 are first-come, first-served only.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until September 1 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Apache, Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...From Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across much of central and northern Arizona on Sunday and Monday, including the overnight hours Sunday night. These storms will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
No Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
14 Day Camping Limit Order
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests visitors are limited to no more than 14 consecutive days within any 30 day period.
About
Rainbow Campground sits at 9,000 feet in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, making it a popular escape from desert heat. The 165-site campground is organized into six loops, including four double sites accommodating up to 16 people and two ADA-accessible sites. Loop F (sites 130-152) operates on a first-come, first-served basis while other sites are reservable through Recreation.gov. The campground is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, renowned for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout. Beyond fishing, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. A small concessionaire store nearby sells gas, food, firewood, and boat rentals. Facilities include flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Paved roads throughout make navigation easy. Summer temperatures are pleasant but nights are cool at this elevation; afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage is required.
Directions
From Show Low, take Highway 260 east for 42 miles to Highway 273. Take Highway 273 south for 30 miles; Big Lake Recreation Area will be 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, then west about 3 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $34 - $110 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 180ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 180ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| camping@rrmofa.com | |
| Phone | +1 (928) 537-8888 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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