Big Lake Recreation Area

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Apache National Forest (NF) · Open Access

8,990 ft
Elevation

If getting completely away from it all and experiencing the outdoors for all it has to offer is your camping ideal then plan your camping vacation in the Big Lake Recreation Area. Big Lake itself is 575 acres, and makes a convenient base for other local lakes like Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake and the East and West Forks of the Black River. Choose your site from one of nine campgrounds and experience exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing, and trout fishing. Campers have the convenience of paved roads, a dump station and showers, but no electric hookups. Apache Trout, the largest campground can accomodate RVs (max 45 feet) as well as in sections of Grayling Campground. Two campgrounds give tent campers the entire campground all to themselves. A visitor center and naturalist programs offer plenty of knowledge about the area. 

Getting there

33.87459, -109.41162 · 33°52'28.5"N 109°24'41.8"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, 4.2 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 Recreation Area

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

Camping near Big Lake Recreation Area

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Contact

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.