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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.
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.
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.
Fantastic and convenient campground. Located a stones throw from Big Lake, the Apache Trout Campground is ideal for both tent campers and RV/Trailer campers. They have very clearly marked and prepared campsites with convenient services. The restrooms are GREAT, one of the few campsites that has showers (bring your flip flops). The camp hosts are friendly, helpful, but not in your face all the time.
As a family we've used the larger group sites for a few family reunions as well as the smaller individual sites - with both tents and trailers.
Only downside we have found is the close proximity to your neighbors and the significant number of people that are always there.
This is one of our very favorite family campgrounds because there are so many things to do in the area - fishing and boating on the lake, hike along the Black River, just enjoying the cooler weather! We go back again and again.
The White Mountains of Arizona have some of the most beautiful forests in the state. Camping here is a favorite with very nice greeters at the campground entrance and clean spaces. Not too crowded even when full. Bring all you need, there is very little amenities to purchase if you forget something. Lots of places to explore by car or walk the lake. You can rent boats to fish but shore fishing is successful too. Early summer is the best time to visit too avoid the cold.
Recreation Resource Management
Nice campground at 9,200 feet with 123 sites. Fir Loop (87-110) and Pine Loop (111-123) are reservable group loops. Full hook ups (E,W,S) sites 46-86 spread through Aspen and Oak loops at different rates. Four shower/toilet buildings with showers, flush toilets and lights included in the campground fee. Dump station for a fee.
Not a lot of shaded sites, but shade changes through the day.
Best RV campground for Big Lake. Paved road up to campground, then very wide, smooth, & packed dirt/gravel. A beautiful, newer development, w/modern utilities, deep, spacious sites (my 55ft combo was easy), and nicely separated & secluded by trees. Gracious & locally knowledgeable hosts (Mark & Lisa), & super clean & maintained. I arrived mid-week, 9/29/21, during the F/F period, and had plenty of full hook-up sites to choose from. Welcomed w/a snow dusting the 1st night (melted off by afternoon), but the stars, the elk bellowing at night, and proximity to the lake, were remarkable. Pull-thru dump station for non-FHU sites. I believe they close 10/31 for the winter, but Apache Trout is my Big Lake destination from now on.
Great Fishing 🎣 trip. Our camp hosts were awesome, and ⚠️ us about Dorothy the skunk and others.
The restrooms were clean and the showers were awesome. The park all around was clean and felt very safe. We had double-side full RV hook-ups, this was fantastic. Will be back in a few months. The temperature was about 39 -40 at night and during the day was mid-60s. Our families loved this campground. ❤️
Thank you.
