Big Lake Arizona In The White Mountains

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 7, 2026.

Big Lake is a high-elevation recreation destination in Arizona's White Mountains, about 25 miles south of Springerville in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Sitting near 9,000 feet, the lake is known for cool summer weather, scenic mountain surroundings and trout fishing for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout. Visitors also come for camping, kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing and access to nearby White Mountains lakes and forest roads. Because snow, road conditions, campground services and seasonal facilities can change throughout the year, travelers should check current conditions before driving to Big Lake.

• Big Lake Overview
• Fishing
• Boating And Paddling
• Camping And Amenities
• Things To Do
• Wildlife And Scenery
• Best Time To Visit
• Planning Your Trip
• Directions
• FAQ

Big Lake Arizona Overview

Big Lake is one of the largest developed recreation lakes in Arizona's White Mountains and serves anglers, campers, paddlers and families looking for a cool-weather mountain getaway. The lake lies within a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen, with open meadows and frequent wildlife sightings around the recreation area.

• Located about 25 miles south of Springerville
• Elevation near 9,000 feet
• More than 500 surface acres of water
• Known for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout
• Multiple campgrounds around the recreation area
• Boat ramps and seasonal boat rentals
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Hiking and mountain biking
• Wildlife and bird viewing
• Cool summer temperatures and cold nights

Fishing At Big Lake Arizona

Big Lake is one of the best-known trout fishing lakes in Arizona's White Mountains. Arizona Game & Fish currently lists brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout as the principal sportfish species. Fishing conditions vary throughout the season, but late spring through fall typically offers the most dependable access before heavy winter weather arrives.

• Rainbow Trout: Commonly targeted from shore and boat.
• Brook Trout: A popular cold-water species, especially as temperatures cool.
• Cutthroat Trout: Another established trout species in the lake.
• Shore Fishing: Productive when trout move into accessible water.
• Boat Fishing: Trolling can help anglers cover deeper water and suspended fish.
• Fly Fishing: Effective during insect hatches and calm conditions.
• Bait Fishing: Worms, salmon eggs and commercially prepared trout baits are commonly used where permitted.
• Fishing License: Arizona fishing license and current regulations apply.

Fishing regulations, stocking schedules and bait rules can change. Check Arizona Game & Fish regulations before each trip rather than relying on older printed information.

Boating, Kayaking And Canoeing At Big Lake

Boating is one of the most popular ways to explore Big Lake because its broad surface provides plenty of room for fishing and scenic cruising. Small fishing boats, kayaks and canoes are especially well suited to the lake, and seasonal boat rentals may be available near the recreation area.

• Boat-launch facilities serve the recreation area.
• Small fishing boats are commonly used for trolling and lake access.
• Kayaks and canoes are popular during calm weather.
• Seasonal boat rentals may be available near the lake.
• Strong afternoon winds can develop quickly.
• Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.
• Check current motor restrictions before launching a powered boat.
• Monitor thunderstorms during summer monsoon season.

Camping And Amenities At Big Lake

Big Lake Recreation Area includes several campgrounds with different site types and amenities. Facilities vary by campground, so campers should choose a site based on RV size, tent access, hookups, restroom preferences and reservation needs.

• Multiple developed campgrounds around the recreation area
• Tent and RV camping options
• Reservable and first-come opportunities depending on campground
• Picnic tables and fire rings at developed sites
• Restrooms at campground facilities
• Showers available in portions of the recreation area
• Dump station access for RV campers
• Seasonal store with food, gas, firewood and supplies
• Seasonal boat rentals
• Campground hosts at selected locations

Rainbow Campground is the largest campground in the recreation area, while Brookchar provides tent-only walk-in camping close to the lake. Apache Trout Campground includes a wider range of site types and is the only campground in the area currently listed with full-hookup sites.

Things To Do At Big Lake

• Fishing: Fish for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout.
• Camping: Choose from several developed campgrounds around the recreation area.
• Boating: Explore the lake by small fishing boat when conditions permit.
• Kayaking And Canoeing: Paddle the shoreline during calm mornings.
• Hiking: Explore nearby forest trails and recreation-area routes.
• Mountain Biking: Ride designated forest and recreation-area roads.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, deer and mountain birds.
• Photography: Capture forest, meadow, lake and sunset scenery.
• Scenic Driving: Explore roads connecting Big Lake with Greer, Crescent Lake and other White Mountains destinations.
• Stargazing: Enjoy dark high-country skies away from major cities.

Wildlife And Scenery Around Big Lake

The forests and high-elevation meadows surrounding Big Lake provide habitat for elk, mule deer, coyotes, squirrels, raptors, ravens and many other mountain species. Visitors may see wildlife along forest roads, near meadows and around quieter portions of the recreation area, particularly early and late in the day.

• Observe elk and deer from a safe distance.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Keep pets controlled around wild animals.
• Store food and scented items properly at camp.
• Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for close views.
• Pack out trash and fishing line.
• Watch for wildlife crossing forest roads.

Food Storage And Bear Safety

Food storage is especially important in the Big Lake Recreation Area because wildlife can quickly become conditioned to human food. Forest Service rules require food, refuse and scented items to be stored properly during nighttime hours unless attended by an adult.

• Store food and trash in a secure vehicle, hard-sided camper or approved container.
• Store pet food with the same care as human food.
• Secure toiletries and other scented products at night.
• Clean grills and dispose of food residue properly.
• Never keep food in a tent or sleeping area.
• Do not intentionally feed wildlife.
• Follow all posted campground food-storage instructions.

Best Time To Visit Big Lake

The main recreation season generally runs from late spring through fall, but exact road access and campground operations depend on snow, weather and annual opening schedules.

• Spring: Fishing improves as ice disappears and seasonal roads reopen.
• Summer: Most dependable season for camping, boating and escaping Arizona's lower-desert heat.
• Fall: Cooler weather, lighter crowds and good trout fishing opportunities.
• Winter: Heavy snow and seasonal road closures can make access difficult or unavailable.

Even during summer, overnight temperatures can be cold at roughly 9,000 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms, hail and strong wind are also possible during the monsoon season.

Planning A Trip To Big Lake

• Check current road and campground status before leaving home.
• Reserve popular campsites early for summer weekends and holidays.
• Bring warm clothing even during summer.
• Carry rain protection during monsoon season.
• Check current fire restrictions before using a campfire or charcoal grill.
• Review current Arizona fishing regulations.
• Bring drinking water even when campground water is expected.
• Fill the fuel tank before entering remote forest roads.
• Store all food and scented items securely.
• Expect limited mobile-phone service in remote areas.
• Check boat and motor restrictions before launching.
• Pack out all trash, fishing line and food waste.

Things To Do Near Big Lake

Big Lake is surrounded by some of eastern Arizona's best-known White Mountains destinations, making it easy to combine a lake trip with scenic drives, mountain communities and other high-elevation waters.

• Greer: Visit a scenic mountain community with streams, cabins, restaurants and forest recreation.
• Crescent Lake: Explore another nearby White Mountains fishing and camping destination.
• Springerville: Stop for fuel, groceries, lodging and other services before entering the high country.
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest: Explore miles of forest roads, trails and mountain scenery.
• Black River: Visit nearby high-country river and forest recreation areas where access permits.

Directions To Big Lake From Springerville

From Springerville, travel west on U.S. Highway 260 for approximately five miles and turn south toward Big Lake on State Route 261. Continue through the White Mountains toward State Route 273 and follow signs for the Big Lake Recreation Area. Local forest-road routing may vary by campground or destination within the recreation area.

Snow, wildfire activity, road maintenance and seasonal closures can affect access. Check current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest road conditions before traveling.

Big Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Big Lake Arizona?
Big Lake is located in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, about 25 miles south of Springerville in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

What kind of fish are in Big Lake?
Arizona Game & Fish lists rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout among the primary sportfish species at Big Lake.

Is Big Lake good for trout fishing?
Yes. Big Lake is one of the best-known trout fishing lakes in Arizona's White Mountains.

Can you camp at Big Lake?
Yes. The Big Lake Recreation Area has multiple campgrounds offering tent and RV camping with different facilities and site types.

Are RV hookups available?
Most campsites do not have hookups, but Apache Trout Campground currently includes some full-hookup sites.

Are showers available?
Yes. Showers are available in portions of the recreation area, although services can vary by campground and season.

Can you boat on Big Lake?
Yes. Small fishing boats, kayaks and canoes are popular. Check current motor restrictions before launching a powered boat.

Can you rent a boat at Big Lake?
Seasonal boat rentals are available in the recreation area when concession services are operating.

How high is Big Lake?
Big Lake sits at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation.

Is Big Lake open during winter?
Winter access can be limited or unavailable because of snow and seasonal road closures. Check current road conditions before traveling.

Does Big Lake freeze in winter?
The lake commonly develops winter ice during prolonged cold weather, but ice conditions and timing vary by year.

What is the best time to visit Big Lake?
Late spring through fall usually offers the most dependable access for fishing, camping, boating and other recreation.

What wildlife can you see near Big Lake?
Visitors may see elk, mule deer, coyotes, raptors, ravens and other White Mountains wildlife.

Are food-storage rules required?
Yes. Forest Service food-storage requirements apply within the Big Lake Recreation Area to help prevent wildlife from accessing food, trash and scented items.

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