Arizona lakes for boating, fishing, and water recreation

Big Lake White Mountains Arizona

Last updated on April 12, 2026.

Big Lake Arizona

Big Lake Recreation & Things To Do

Located high in Arizona’s White Mountains at nearly 9,000 feet elevation, Big Lake is one of the state’s premier destinations for cool-weather outdoor recreation and alpine scenery. Surrounded by dense forests within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Big Lake offers a wide range of activities including boating, kayaking, canoeing, and some of the best trout fishing in Arizona, with healthy populations of rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. The lake spans more than 500 acres and features multiple campgrounds, boat ramps, and a marina with rentals, making it ideal for both day trips and extended stays. Greer, just a short drive north, adds access to additional hiking trails, streams, and scenic mountain drives, while nearby lakes and the Black River provide even more opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration.

Location & Description. Big Lake is located about 25 miles south of Springerville, Arizona in the Arizona White Mountains. It sits at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. The temperatures are cool and refreshing during late spring, summer and early fall. The lake will freeze over beginning late November. Access is restricted in the winter (December - April) when roads are closed due to heavy snow. Big Lake is considered by many as the best fishing lake in the White Mountains area. Facilities are open mid-April to mid-November. See Springerville Weather Chart.

Why Visit Big Lake

Big Lake is a favorite getaway for visitors seeking a refreshing escape from Arizona’s desert heat, offering crisp mountain air, peaceful surroundings, and a slower pace of travel that’s perfect for relaxing outdoors. It is the second largest of the White Mountains Arizona lakes. Whether camping under the stars, enjoying a quiet morning on the water, or spotting elk and other wildlife in the surrounding meadows, the area delivers a true high-country experience that feels worlds away from the city. The combination of scenic beauty, abundant recreation, and family-friendly amenities—along with easy access to nearby destinations like Crescent Lake and the White Mountains trail system—makes Big Lake one of the most enjoyable and rewarding outdoor destinations in Arizona for anglers, campers, and vacation travelers alike.

Top Activities, Things To Do at Big Lake

Trout fishing (rainbow, brook, cutthroat)
Kayaking, canoeing & boat boating
Camping (tent & RV campgrounds)
Hiking & wildlife viewing
Scenic drives to Greer & surrounding lakes

About Big Lake Arizona

Lake Size. 532 water surface acres with an average depth of about 16 feet.

Fish Species. Fish species include Rainbow, Brook and Cutthroat Trout. Anglers sometimes catch an occasional native Apache Trout. The lake is stocked once per year with 40,000 fingerling trout that are mostly of the Rainbow variety.

Fishing. Big Lake is popular for producing large Brook Trout during October and November. Fishing from a boat is more productive than shore fishing. Flies, lures, nightcrawlers, and Salmon eggs are permitted. Daily bag limit is six trout for licensed anglers and three for youth under 14 years without a license. State fishing license with a trout stamp is required for anglers over 13 years old for fishing at Big Lake.

Boating. Boat motors are restricted to electric or 10 HP or less gas motors. Boats are available for rent at the lake.

Big Lake

Camping, Hiking & Amenities. There are over 200 fee-based camping sites at Big Lake, two boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, picnic tables, showers, drinking water, a dump station and restrooms with flush toilets. It has a small convenience store that sells limited food, gas, fishing supplies and fishing licenses as well as boat rentals. A visitor center is open during the summer months.

Directions. From Springerville, travel west 5 miles to the Big Lake turnoff (AZ261). Travel up the mountain 18 miles to FR 113 and turn left. Travel 2 miles to the Big Lake entrance (FR115) and turn right. Follow the road all the way around the lake and take the first paved road to the right.