Rainbow (Az)
Campground · Arizona · 121 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Apache National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 121
- Bookable sites
- 180 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 16
- People per site
- 2
- Accessible sites
- 9,121 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Rainbow is the largest campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. Because of its proximity to the lake, size and the many amenities it offers, Rainbow is a favorite for families. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding and fishing.Recreation
The campground is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species.The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. Curious campers can attend educational programs at the recreation area's visitor center.
Facilities
The facility boasts 165 campsites organized into six loops. Four double sites are available for up to 16 people each, which is convenient for larger families, and two single unit accessible sites are also available.A small store nearby sells gas, food, boat rentals and firewood. A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.
Natural Features
Rainbow Campground sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the White Mountains. It is a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen trees, which provide ample shade.Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of the lower desert. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer thunderstorms.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. Springerville, Arizona is the closest town to the campground.The facts
- Season: May 15 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 121 bookable sites
- 166 sites in total, including non-bookable
- 2 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 180 ft
- Up to 16 people per site
- Loops: MANAGEMENT SITES, PTHR, QUAD, RAIN
Site types
- 116 Standard Nonelectric
- 45 Management
- 5 Group Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.
166 campsites at Rainbow (Az)
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 111 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 112 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 113 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 114 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 115 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 116 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 117 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 118 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 119 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 120 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 121 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 122 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 123 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 124 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 125 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 126 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 127 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 128 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 129 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 130 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 131 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 132 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 133 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 134 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 135 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 136 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 137 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 138 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 139 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 140 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 141 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 142 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 143 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 144 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 145 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 146 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 147 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 148 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 149 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 150 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 151 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 152 | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| XXX | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | |
| XXXX | MANAGEMENT SITES | Management | — | — | — | — | |
| 003 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 008 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 66 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 017 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 019 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 029 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 031 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 032 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 66 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 037 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 039 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 85 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 046 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 87 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 049 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 125 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 058 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 064 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 067 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 078 | PTHR | Group Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 16 | 🐾 |
| 087 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 155 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 090 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 092 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 093 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 094 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 098 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 133 | PTHR | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 002 | QUAD | Group Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 130 ft | 16 | 🐾 |
| 047 | QUAD | Group Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 180 ft | 16 | 🐾 |
| 080 | QUAD | Group Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 16 | 🐾 |
| 106 | QUAD | Group Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 99 ft | 16 | 🐾 |
| 001 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 004 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 005 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 006 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 007 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 009 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 010 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 011 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 012 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 013 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 014 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 015 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 51 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 016 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 51 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 018 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 020 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 021 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 022 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 023 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 024 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 025 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 026 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 027 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 57 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 028 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 030 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 033 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 034 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 035 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 036 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 51 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 038 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 040 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 041 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 042 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 043 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 044 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 045 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 048 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 050 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 051 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 052 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 053 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 054 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 055 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 056 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 057 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 059 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 060 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 061 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 062 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 063 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 065 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 066 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 99 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 068 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 069 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 75 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 070 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 071 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 072 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 073 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 074 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 075 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 076 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 077 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 079 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 081 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 082 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 083 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 084 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 70 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 085 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 70 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 086 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 088 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 089 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 091 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 095 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 096 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 097 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 099 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 100 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 101 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 102 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 103 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 104 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 105 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 107 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 108 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 109 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 110 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 111 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 112 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 113 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 42 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 114 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 115 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 116 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 117 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 118 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 119 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 120 | RAIN | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 52 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Pinetop, Arizona, 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.
33.87639, -109.40389 · 33°52'35.0"N 109°24'14.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 2.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Rainbow (Az)
- Can you reserve a site at Rainbow (Az)?
- Yes, Rainbow (Az) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Rainbow (Az) have?
- 166 sites in total, of which 121 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at Rainbow (Az)?
- 180 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Rainbow (Az)?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Rainbow (Az).
Also listed by
Rainbow (Az) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Rainbow (Az)'s operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Standard Family Sites per night $20 - $22 Group Sites are not eligible for Interagency/ Senior Pass Discounts Mini Group Sites (2, 47, 80) per night $22 - $80 (reservation fee not included) EZ Camping Tent Sites Tent Package per night $55.00 Reservation Fee $10.00
Camping near Rainbow (Az)
- Brookchar 0.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Grayling 0.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cutthroat 0.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Apache Trout Campground 0.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Big Lake Recreation Area 0.5 mi · Facility
- Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site 1.1 mi · Facility
- Buffalo Crossing Campground 6.5 mi · Campground
- Deer Creek Campground 6.9 mi · Campground
- Raccoon Campground 6.9 mi · Campground
- Horse Springs Campground 6.9 mi · Campground
- Aspen Campground - East Fork Black River 7 mi · Campground
- Diamond Rock Campground 7.2 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 928-537-8888
- Email camping@rrmofa.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-20.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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