Arizona / Apache County / Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Rainbow

Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. Roads to Big Lake typically close December through early April. The campground reopens when weather permits, generally in late spring.

About

Rainbow Campground is the largest and most popular campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona's White Mountains. Situated at 9,000 feet elevation, the campground features 165 well-spaced campsites organized into six loops, including four double sites that accommodate up to 16 people each and two ADA-accessible single sites. The campground's proximity to 450-acre Big Lake makes it a favorite destination for families and anglers. Big Lake is one of Arizona's premier trout fishing destinations, known for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout. The recreation area offers extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding, and wildlife viewing. A nearby store sells gas, food, boat rentals, and firewood, and a visitor center provides educational programs. The campground is forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce, and aspen trees that provide ample shade. Summer temperatures at this elevation are pleasant and cool, offering a refreshing escape from Arizona's lower desert heat. Visitors should be prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer thunderstorms. Bears frequent the area, and all food storage regulations must be followed. The campground is managed by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and operated under permit.

Directions

From Pinetop, take Highway 260 east 25 miles to Highway 273 south. Follow Highway 273 south 19 miles to Forest Road 8115 (Big Lake Entrance). Turn right and travel 1 mile to the campground.

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