Rainbow (Az)
FSU.S. Forest Service — Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest |
| Location | Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest · 33.87639, -109.40389 · Map |
| Sites | 153 public sites counted from the federal listing — 148 standard nonelectric; 5 group standard nonelectric |
| 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 0 of 153 sites Water hookups at 0 of 153 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 153 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 153 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 180 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 154 sites · 30 ft: 154 sites · 35 ft: 147 sites · 40 ft: 140 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 153 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 2 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 2026-10-28.
From the official listing
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.
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 1 mile to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceGrayling
1 mi straight-line · ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceCutthroat
1 mi straight-line · ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceApache Trout Campground
1 mi straight-line · Springerville ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBuffalo Crossing Campground
6 mi straight-line · Arizona
Trip Card — Rainbow (Az)
Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Arizona · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 180 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 153 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232200 · 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.