Rainbow Campground

Location: Big Lake Recreation Area
Elevation: Approximately 9,000 feet
Best for: Families, tent camping, moderate-size RVs, fishing and extended Big Lake stays

Learn more and make reservations here.

Greer, Lee Valley and Mount Baldy Campgrounds

The forests surrounding Greer, Lee Valley and Mount Baldy contain some of the highest and most scenic camping areas in Arizona. Visitors have access to the Greer Lakes, the Little Colorado River, mountain meadows, fishing streams and trails leading toward the Mount Baldy Wilderness.

Return to List of Greer and Lee Valley Area Campgrounds

East Fork Black River Campgrounds

The East Fork Black River Recreation Area extends through a forested river valley west of Alpine. Campgrounds are reached by forest roads and are generally more rustic than the Big Lake complex. The area is especially popular for trout fishing, streamside camping and quiet stays beneath ponderosa pine.

Return to List of East Fork Black River Area Campgrounds

Hannagan Meadow and Coronado Trail Campgrounds

The high country along U.S. Route 191 south of Alpine includes small, primitive campgrounds surrounded by spruce, fir, aspen and mountain meadows. These sites are better suited to tents and compact camping vehicles than to large RVs.

Return to List of Hannagan Meadow Area Campgrounds

Campgrounds on White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands

The campgrounds in this section are located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and are managed under White Mountain Apache Tribe laws and recreation regulations. They are not Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest campgrounds.

Return to List of White Mountain Apache Tribal Campgrounds

How to Choose the Right White Mountains Campground

Best Big Lake Campground for Large RVs

Apache Trout Campground generally provides the broadest range of RV accommodations at Big Lake, including selected sites with hookups. Confirm the maximum vehicle length and hookups for the exact site before reserving.

Best Big Lake Campgrounds for Tent Camping

Brookchar and Cutthroat are the principal tent-only choices. Brookchar offers a small walk-in camping environment very close to the water, while Cutthroat provides shaded tent sites along the shoreline.

Best Big Lake Campground for More Privacy

Grayling is smaller and is often preferred by visitors seeking a quieter campground while retaining access to Big Lake.

Best Campground Near Greer

Hoyer Campground is a strong all-around option for families and anglers because of its established facilities and proximity to Greer Lakes and the Little Colorado River.

Best Campground for Mount Baldy Hiking

Winn Campground provides convenient access to the Mount Baldy trailheads and the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River.

Best Developed RV Campground Near Show Low

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers water-and-electric sites, selected sewer connections, showers, lake recreation and convenient access to Show Low services.

Best White Mountains Group Campgrounds

Benny Creek is appropriate for gatherings near Greer, Gentry provides a more secluded group setting near Heber-Overgaard, and Lewis Canyon can accommodate particularly large groups near Pinedale.

Best Camping Near Alpine

Luna Lake is the most convenient developed lake campground near Alpine. Horse Springs is the largest campground along the East Fork of the Black River, Diamond Rock is best for tents and compact camping vehicles, and Buffalo Crossing offers a more remote streamside experience. Caldwell Cabin provides a reservable historic lodging alternative.

Best Small Campgrounds Along the Coronado Trail

Hannagan Meadow Campground offers paved-highway access and limited seasonal water, while KP Cienega is a smaller and more primitive tent-oriented campground overlooking a meadow.

Best Campground on White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands

Hawley Lake generally provides the broadest range of camping and visitor services. Reservation Lake is especially attractive to anglers seeking remote high-country trout fishing, while Horseshoe Cienega and Drift Fence Lake are better suited to self-contained campers seeking a more primitive setting. Tribal camping permits are required, and fishing or boating requires the appropriate additional tribal permits.

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White Mountains Arizona Camping Safety and Planning

Prepare for High Elevation

Many White Mountains campgrounds sit between 8,000 and 9,100 feet. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to adjust, drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion during the first day.

Expect Cold Nights

Nighttime temperatures can fall sharply, even during summer. Campers should bring layered clothing, adequate sleeping bags and protection from rain and wind.

Watch for Summer Thunderstorms

Afternoon storms can develop quickly during the summer monsoon. Avoid exposed ridges, open water and isolated tall trees when lightning is nearby.

Check Fire Restrictions

Campfires may be limited or prohibited during periods of high fire danger. Confirm current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest alerts before traveling and never leave a permitted fire unattended.

Do Not Assume Drinking Water Is Available

Seasonal systems may be shut down because of freezing weather, maintenance problems or water-quality concerns. Carry enough drinking water for every person and pet unless current availability has been confirmed.

Store Food Securely

Black bears, raccoons, skunks and other wildlife may enter developed campgrounds. Store food, trash, scented toiletries and cooking equipment in a secure vehicle or approved wildlife-resistant container.

Download Directions Before Leaving

Mobile service is unreliable in much of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Download maps, reservation confirmations and driving directions before entering remote areas.

Check Apache-Sitgreaves Alerts and Closures

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Frequently Asked Questions About White Mountains Campgrounds

Do White Mountains campgrounds require reservations?

Many developed campgrounds accept reservations through Recreation.gov, while others contain first-come, first-served sites or do not accept reservations. Group campgrounds and Caldwell Cabin should generally be reserved in advance.

Are Big Lake campgrounds open all year?

No. Big Lake is a high-elevation recreation area affected by snow and freezing weather. Campground operating dates vary by season, road accessibility and weather conditions.

Which Big Lake campgrounds are tent-only?

Brookchar and Cutthroat are primarily tent-only campgrounds. Several campsites require campers to walk a short distance from their vehicles.

Which Big Lake campground has RV hookups?

Apache Trout contains selected hookup sites. Rainbow and Grayling accommodate appropriately sized RVs but generally do not provide utility hookups.

Can I camp near Greer Lakes?

Yes. Hoyer Campground and Benny Creek Group Area provide access to the Greer Lakes area. Hoyer serves individual campers, while Benny Creek is oriented toward group camping.

Where can I camp near Mount Baldy?

Winn Campground is conveniently located near the principal Mount Baldy trailheads and the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River.

Is Fool Hollow Lake a Forest Service campground?

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is located within the broader national forest landscape and is managed through a partnership with Arizona State Parks. Camping reservations are handled through Arizona State Parks.

Are dogs permitted in White Mountains campgrounds?

Pets are generally permitted at many developed campsites but must be controlled and comply with campground-specific rules. Verify the current policy for your particular campground and campsite.

Is cellular service available?

Cellular service is weak or nonexistent in many areas, particularly around Big Lake, Mount Baldy, the Black River and southern forest roads. Do not depend on a mobile phone for navigation or emergencies.

Do I need a permit to camp on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands?

Yes. Non-members must obtain the appropriate White Mountain Apache Tribe camping permit before camping on tribal lands. Fishing, boating, hiking and other activities may require additional tribal permits. Current regulations and closures should be checked directly with WMAT Game & Fish.

Are Hawley Lake, Horseshoe Cienega and Drift Fence Lake Forest Service campgrounds?

No. These campgrounds are on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands and operate under tribal laws, permits and regulations rather than Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rules.

Which Black River campground is best for an RV?

Horse Springs generally provides the broadest range of sites for trailers and moderate-size motorhomes. Diamond Rock is best for tents and compact vehicles, while Buffalo Crossing requires careful review of road and site conditions. None of these campgrounds provides campsite hookups.

Can I have a campfire?

Campfires are allowed only when current regulations and fire restrictions permit them and generally only within provided fire rings or grills. Restrictions can change quickly during dry or windy conditions.

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