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Brookchar Campground
Brookchar Campground is tucked on the banks of Big Lake in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The campground is a small, tent-only facility comprised entirely of walk-in sites. Of the lake's five campgrounds, Brookchar is nearest to the water. The stocked lake draws anglers, and boat rentals and a boat ramp make it easy for campers to enjoy the lake's blue waters.
Natural Features:
The campground sits in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at an elevation of 9,100 feet. The area is scenic, forested with ponderosa pine, fir, spruce and aspen, interspersed with high elevation meadows. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and cool nighttime temperatures.
Recreation:
Big Lake is one of Arizona's top trout fishing lakes, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding and wildlife viewing.
Facilities:
- The facility is small, with 12 tent-only, walk-to campsites.
- Campfire rings and restrooms are provided.
- A campground host resides on-site for visitor assistance.
- A dump station, store, firewood, gas, food and boat rentals are located a short, half-mile drive away.
- Showers are just 1 mile away.
The map and EZ Camping PDFs are older documents. Please contact us if you would like assistance accessing them.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | Make a reservation at Recreation.gov. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Boat ramp, Tent camping, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water |
| Fees: | Per vehicle per night $16.00 Additional Camp Unit fees collected at the campground. *Additional Camp Unit $16.00 Interagency/Senior Discount $8.00 EZ Camping Tent Sites Per night $55.00 Reservation Fee $10.00 |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | Mid-May through September. |
| Closest Towns: | Springerville, AZ |
| Water: | No - expected by May 15 |
| Restroom: | Flush Toilet (expected by May 15) |
| Operated By: | Concessionaire |
| Information Center: | Springerville Ranger District (928) 333-6200 TTY: (928) 333-5397 |
General Information
Directions:Brookchar Campground is located in the Big Lake Recreation Area.
From Eagar: Go 5 miles west on State Route 260 turn south on State Route 261 go 29 miles to Sate Route 273, turn west go about 3 miles, Big Lake Recreational Area will be on the west side.
From Show Low, Arizona: take Highway 260 east for 42 miles to Highway 273. Take Highway 273 south for 30 miles Big Lake Recreational Area will be on the west side.
General Notes:
- Full service store at the lake
- Campground hosts
- Fire rings, grills, and picnic tables
- Dump station
- Showers
- No electric hookups
- Pets must be restrained or on a leash
- No fee camping after mid-October
- Because of the high elevation be prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and expect rain, often heavy, through July and August.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Campground Camping
13 units, tents only
Lake and Pond Fishing
Excellent fishing for trout in the lake.
Day Hiking
Viewing Scenery
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Tent camping: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Yes |
| Boat ramp: | Yes |
| Drinking water: | Yes |
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-01-01-24-24 Horse Creek Closure Order
- 03-01-01-24-26 Gravel Pit Closure Order
- 03-01-01-24-25 Home Creek Closure Order
- 03-01-01-24-23 Boggy Wildcat Closure Order
- 03-01-01-24-22 FR West Closure Order
- Regional Closure Order - Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks
- Prohibited in Big Lake Recreation Area - Storing or Possessing Food or Refuse