Apache Trout Campground

Area Status: Open

Apache Trout Campground is one of five campgrounds at the Big Lake Recreation Area in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest especially popular for group camping. With boating and fishing facilities and a variety of amenities, Apache Trout is a convenient and comfortable place to stay. There is plenty of open space, shaded forests and mountain scenery which make for a pleasant outdoor experience.

Natural Features: The campground sits at an elevation of 9,100 ft. in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. It is a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen interspersed with high elevation meadows.

Some campsites have shade, while others are mostly sunny. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts.

Recreation: The Apache Trout facility is a short walk away from the 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. Big Lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

Facilities: The campground is especially convenient for small to medium sized groups. Campsites are diverse and offer a wide range of options. There are 22 double sites, one group site that can accommodate 50 people, another that can hold 100 and more than 20 individual sites. There are 41 electrical full hook up sites and 81 non-electrical sites.

This is the only campground in the lake recreation area that has sites with full hookups. Flush toilets and showers offer additional convenience.

Map of Apache Trout Campground. Please contact us if you would like assistance accessing the information in this map.

At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations for this campground can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. All reservations must be made at least four days ahead of arrival. For the group sites, reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance. For the standard sites, reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Area Amenities:	Accessible, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water
Fees:	Standard, non-electric and electric sites: $26 Standard Full-Hook Up $42.00 Group Sites are not eligible for Interagency/Senior Pass Discounts Group electric site: $84 Group non-electric site: $50-375
Usage:	Light
Best Season:	Mid-May through September weather permitting.
Closest Towns:	Springerville, AZ
Water:	No - expected May 15
Restroom:	No - expected May 15
Operated By:	Concessionaire
Information Center:	Springerville Ranger District (928) 333-6200 TTY: (928) 333-5397 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.

General Information

Directions:

From Pinetop, Arizona, take Highway 260 east 60 miles to Highway 261 south. Follow Highway 261 south 20 miles to Forest Road 115 and turn south for 1 mile.

General Notes:

Bears frequent the area; please obey all food storage rules and regulations. Check with your host for details.

Reservation only applies to first camping unit; additional camping units will be charged full price at the campground

This is a high elevation facility; use caution when traveling from lower elevations

Check-in is 2 p.m.; checkout is 1 p.m.

Sites may be available before and after the reservation period on a first-come, first-served basis; contact park for availability

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Accessibility:

Accessible showers and sites available.