Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Apache National Forest (NF) · Open Access

8,968 ft
Elevation

This is one of the better known areas on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, a diamond in the White Mountains. There are five campgrounds at the Big Lake Recreation Area complex. These campgrounds can accommodate a large RV of up to 82’, to a throw down camp with just a sleeping bag.  The Apache Trout Campground has full hooks with all the amenities and will facilitate a RV of almost any size. The Rainbow and Grayling campgrounds also have RV sites for smaller RV’s and don’t offer hookups. The Brookchar and Cutthroat campgrounds are tent only campgrounds. A large variety of camping sites are available for you to select from here at the Big Lake Recreation Area complex, whether you are in a tent or motor home.

There are fishing, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching opportunities that will keep you busy, or just relax, read a book, take some pictures, enjoy the quite and beauty of the area. If you forget to bring something don’t worry, the Big Lake Store offers boat rentals, fishing licenses, bait and tackle, T-shirts, sweatshirts, ice, groceries and much more. 

Rent-A-Tent

Getting there

33.89081, -109.41353 · 33°53'26.9"N 109°24'48.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in2.82.52.01.10.80.53.84.02.11.92.22.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site

Can you reserve a site at Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site?
No. Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.