Big Lake White Mountains Arizona

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 3, 2026.

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 at Big Lake

• Trout fishing (rainbow, brook, cutthroat)
• Kayaking, canoeing & 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.

Fishing at Big Lake

Big Lake is one of the best trout fishing lakes in Arizona’s White Mountains, especially during the warmer months when access roads are open and the lake is regularly used by anglers. Rainbow trout are the most common catch, while brook trout, cutthroat trout and occasional Apache trout add variety for fishermen. Boat fishing is often more productive than shore fishing at this White Mountain lake because anglers can reach deeper water, submerged structure and cooler areas where trout hold during bright or warm conditions.

• Best fish species: Rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and occasional Apache trout.
• Best methods: Trolling, casting lures, fishing flies, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs.
• Best season: Late spring through fall, with October and November often producing larger brook trout.
• Fishing license: Arizona fishing license rules apply for anglers fishing Big Lake.

Boating, Kayaking & Canoeing

Boating is one of the most popular ways to enjoy Big Lake because the large water surface gives visitors room to explore, fish and enjoy mountain views from the water. Motorized boats are allowed, but motors are restricted to electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less. Kayaks, canoes and small fishing boats are especially well suited for the lake’s calm alpine setting.

• Boat access: Big Lake has boat ramps for launching small fishing boats, kayaks and canoes.
• Motor rules: Electric motors and gas motors of 10 horsepower or less are permitted.
• Boat rentals: Rentals are typically available at the lake during the main recreation season.
• Best use: Fishing, paddling, wildlife watching and scenic lake cruising.

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.

Best Times to Visit Big Lake

• Spring: Late spring is the beginning of the main recreation season once roads and facilities open. Fishing improves as the lake becomes accessible and temperatures warm.
• Summer: Summer is the most popular time to visit Big Lake, with cool mountain temperatures, open campgrounds, boating, kayaking, fishing and family recreation.
• Fall: Fall is one of the best seasons for trout fishing, quieter camping and colorful White Mountains scenery. October and November can be especially good for brook trout.
• Winter: Winter access is generally restricted because of heavy snow and seasonal road closures. The lake often freezes over, and most visitor facilities are closed.

Things To Do Near Big Lake

Big Lake is surrounded by some of the most scenic high-country recreation areas in eastern Arizona. Visitors can combine a lake trip with mountain drives, nearby lakes, hiking, wildlife viewing and small-town stops in the White Mountains region.

• Visit Greer: Explore one of Arizona’s most scenic mountain communities, with nearby streams, cabins, trails and forest scenery.
• Explore Crescent Lake: A nearby White Mountains lake known for fishing, camping and quiet mountain views.
• Drive scenic forest roads: Enjoy cool pine forests, meadows, wildlife viewing and mountain landscapes around the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
• Look for wildlife: Elk, deer, birds and other wildlife are commonly seen in the high meadows and forests around Big Lake.

Directions to Big Lake

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.

Big Lake FAQs

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?
Big Lake has rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and occasional Apache trout. It is widely known as one of the better trout fishing lakes in Arizona.

Can you camp at Big Lake?
Yes, Big Lake has multiple fee-based camping areas with tent and RV sites, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, boat ramps and other seasonal amenities.

Are boats allowed on Big Lake?
Yes, boats are allowed on Big Lake, but motors are restricted to electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less.

Is Big Lake open in winter?
Winter access is generally restricted because roads can close due to heavy snow, and the lake often freezes beginning in late November.

More Information
Big Lake Website

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