Reservation Lake Campground

Campground Information

Reservation Lake Campground

Region: Big Lake

Best for: Trout fishing, tent camping, truck campers, small self-contained RVs or trailers and visitors seeking a remote high-country lake
Permits and reservations: Tribal camping permit required; designated campsites are first-come, first-served

Reservation Lake Campground is a quiet, high-elevation campground nestled among towering ponderosa pines on the White Mountain Apache Reservation near scenic Reservation Lake. At over 9,000 feet, it offers a peaceful mountain camping experience with excellent trout fishing, cool summer temperatures, abundant wildlife, and easy access to hiking and outdoor recreation in one of Arizona's most beautiful alpine settings.

Quick Facts:

🏕 Number of Campsites: 60

📏 Max RV Length: 24 ft.

🐕 Pets: Yes

💧 Drinking Water: No

🚻 Flush Toilets: No

⛰ Elevation: 9050 ft.

🧺 Picnic Tables: Yes

🚿 Showers: No

🔥 Fire Ring: Yes

🌊 Lake Access: Yes

🚻 Vault Toilets: Yes

🏪 General Store: No

🚤 Boat Rentals: No

🎣 Lake Fishing: Yes

🏞️ Stream Fishing: No

Latitude: 33.8448

Longitude: -109.5064

📅 Reservations: No - (If "No" then first come - first served)

Helpful Links

White Mountain Apache Tribe Reservation Camping, Fishing, Boating, Hiking, and Other Permits

Google Map

Return To Campground Index

Best Hikes Near Show Low

Additional Details:

Reservation Lake Campground is one of the most scenic primitive campgrounds in Arizona's White Mountains. Located on tribal land south of Greer, the campground sits at approximately 9,050 feet in elevation, providing cool summer weather and beautiful forests of ponderosa pine, spruce, fir, and aspen.

The campground offers approximately 60 spacious campsites, accommodating both tents and small to medium RVs. Campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets, but there are no hookups or potable drinking water, so campers should arrive fully prepared with sufficient water and supplies. Camping is generally available from spring through late fall, depending on weather conditions.

Reservation Lake is well known for its excellent trout fishing, including rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Because the lake lies within the White Mountain Apache Reservation, both camping and fishing require permits issued by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. An Arizona fishing license is not valid on Reservation Lake. Permits are available through the White Mountain Apache Tribe Game & Fish Department.

The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, birding, hiking, and relaxing in a peaceful mountain setting. Nearby attractions include Thompson Trail (#629) along the East Fork of the Black River, one of the most scenic hiking trails in the White Mountains. Deer, elk, wild turkey, and even black bears are commonly seen in the area, so proper food storage is recommended.

Because the campground is accessed by approximately 11 miles of graded gravel road, conditions can vary after heavy rain, and larger RVs should use caution. There are no reservations—the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

For current permit information, camping regulations, and fishing licenses, visit the White Mountain Apache Tribe Game & Fish Department:

Directions:

From Show Low:
Travel east on State Route 260 approximately 46 miles to State Route 273 (just beyond Hon-Dah). Turn right (south) onto SR 273 and continue approximately 14 miles to Forest Road 116. Turn left onto FR 116 and follow the graded gravel road approximately 11 miles to Reservation Lake Campground. The final stretch is unpaved but generally suitable for passenger vehicles in dry conditions. Travel time from Show Low is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on road conditions.

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