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Apache Trout Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Springerville · Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest |
| Location | Springerville · Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest · 33.86893, -109.41667 · Map |
| Sites | 64 public sites counted from the federal listing — 21 standard electric; 17 standard nonelectric; 16 group standard area nonelectric; 10 group standard electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 31 of 64 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 31 of 64 sites Sewer hookups at 31 of 64 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 31 of 64 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 80 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 64 sites · 30 ft: 64 sites · 35 ft: 64 sites · 40 ft: 64 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 1:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 64 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 21 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 928-537-8888 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Apache Trout Campground is one of five campgrounds at the Big Lake Recreation Area in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and is 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. Plenty of open space, shaded forests and mountain scenery make for a pleasant outdoor experience. 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.
This is the only campground in the lake recreation area that has sites with full hookups. Flush toilets and showers offer additional convenience. 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. 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.
Directions, from the listing
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 3 miles.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceGrayling
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1 mi straight-line · ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceRainbow (Az)
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Trip Card — Apache Trout Campground
Springerville · Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Springerville · Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 31 · full hookups at 31 |
| Max RV | Up to 80 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 64 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234708 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.