A panoramic view of Big Lake in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona
Lake Recreation Guide

Big Lake Recreation Area

Five campgrounds, three boat ramps, a 10 horsepower motor limit, and some of the White Mountains' most reliable trout fishing, all at 9,000 feet.

Last updated: 2026-09-23

Quick Verdict

Big Lake is the largest of the White Mountains' high-elevation lakes, a 575-acre reservoir at about 9,000 feet with five campgrounds, three boat ramps, and a 10-horsepower motor limit that keeps it calmer than the region's bigger reservoirs. It's a serious trout fishery, regularly stocked with rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, and its campgrounds range from full-hookup RV sites to tent-only. Like every lake at this elevation, it closes for winter, typically from December through early April, so check current seasonal status before you plan a trip outside summer.

Big Lake at a Glance

Big Lake sits at roughly 9,000 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, covering about 575 acres with an average depth of around 16 feet. It's the largest of a cluster of high-elevation lakes in this corner of the White Mountains and functions as a convenient hub -- Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake, and the East and West Forks of the Black River are all within easy reach, which makes Big Lake a practical base if you want to fish more than one water in a single trip.

Access is generally via AZ-273, reached from AZ-260 near Sunrise Park or from the Springerville-Eagar side of the mountains. The lake sits inside the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rather than on tribal land, so the standard national forest rules and Arizona fishing regulations apply here, not the separate tribal permit system that governs reservation waters like Hawley Lake or Sunrise Lake.

Campgrounds at Big Lake

The Big Lake Recreation Area complex includes five separate campgrounds, which gives visitors a real range of options at a single destination. Apache Trout Campground is the most developed, with full hookups and the fullest set of amenities. Rainbow and Grayling campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs without hookups, while Brookchar and Cutthroat are tent-only. All of the campgrounds sit at roughly 9,000 to 9,100 feet, so pack for genuinely cold nights even during the height of summer.

Given the number of campgrounds and the lake's popularity, reservations are worth making well ahead of a summer weekend trip. Check current availability, fees, and any site-specific restrictions through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests' recreation listings before you go, since individual campground amenities and open dates can shift year to year.

Boating and Fishing

Three public boat ramps serve the lake -- South Cove, Railroad Cove, and a concessionaire site at the marina, where boat rentals are typically available in season. Motors are restricted to 10 horsepower or less, which rules out water-skiing and personal watercraft but keeps the lake notably quieter than power-boating reservoirs like Lyman Lake elsewhere in the region -- a real draw if you're here primarily to fish or paddle rather than to run a speedboat.

Big Lake is managed as a trout fishery. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks it regularly through the season with rainbow trout, along with cutthroat and brook trout, and rainbows are generally the most commonly caught species. A current Arizona fishing license is required, and specific bag limits, gear restrictions, and any special regulations should be confirmed before you fish -- they can change year to year and by water.

Hiking, Wildlife and Other Activities

Big Lake isn't only a fishing destination. The surrounding forest offers hiking and mountain biking on national forest routes, and the lake's shoreline and meadows are good territory for birding and general wildlife viewing -- elk are common in the area, particularly around dawn and dusk. A visitor center at the recreation area has historically offered naturalist programs seasonally, worth checking for current schedules if you're traveling with kids or want a guided introduction to the area.

The lake's calm, low-wake character -- a direct result of the motor horsepower limit -- also makes it a reasonable spot for canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, weather permitting. As with any high-elevation water, conditions can turn quickly during monsoon season, so keep an eye on the sky and get off the water if thunderstorms build.

Seasonal Access and Planning Your Visit

Big Lake is a genuinely seasonal destination. At roughly 9,000 feet, it is typically closed from December through early April due to snow, though the exact opening and closing dates shift from year to year with the snowpack and road conditions. Confirm current status with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests before planning any trip outside the core summer season, and expect cold mornings and nights even in July.

Springerville, Eagar, and Greer are the nearest towns with lodging, all a manageable drive away on AZ-273 and AZ-260. If you're combining Big Lake with a broader White Mountains trip, it pairs naturally with a Greer stay or a Sunrise Park visit, given the shared access corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Big Lake, and how deep is it? +
Big Lake covers about 575 acres at roughly 9,000 feet of elevation in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, with an average depth of about 16 feet. It's the largest of the high-elevation lakes clustered in this part of the White Mountains and a convenient base for reaching nearby Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake, and the East and West Forks of the Black River.
Are there boat motor restrictions on Big Lake? +
Yes. Motors on Big Lake are restricted to 10 horsepower or less, which keeps it a quieter, low-wake lake compared to power-boating reservoirs elsewhere in Arizona. Three public boat ramps serve the lake -- South Cove, Railroad Cove, and a concessionaire site at the marina -- and boat rentals are typically available seasonally.
What campgrounds are at Big Lake? +
The Big Lake Recreation Area has five campgrounds. Apache Trout Campground offers full hookups and the most amenities; Rainbow and Grayling accept smaller RVs without hookups; and Brookchar and Cutthroat are tent-only. All sit at roughly 9,000 to 9,100 feet, so expect cold nights even in summer.
When is Big Lake open each year? +
Big Lake is a high-elevation lake that is typically closed from December through early April due to snow, though exact opening and closing dates shift year to year with the snowpack. Confirm current seasonal status and road conditions with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests before planning a trip outside peak summer months.
What fish are in Big Lake? +
Big Lake is managed primarily as a trout fishery, stocked with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout, with rainbows the most commonly caught. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the lake regularly through the season. A current Arizona fishing license is required, and specific bag limits and regulations should be checked before you fish.

Planning Your Trip

Springerville and Eagar are the closest towns for lodging before a Big Lake trip, with Greer offering a quieter, closer alternative on the west side of the drive. Compare hotel deals or browse tours built around the region's lakes below.

Check Springerville Hotel Deals Browse White Mountains Tours

Keep Reading

Fishing the White Mountains →

Big Lake, Sunrise Lake, Crescent Lake, and the Little Colorado, with licenses and seasons explained.

White Mountains Camping Guide →

Apache-Sitgreaves campgrounds, lake camping, and dispersed camping rules for the high country.

Escudilla Mountain and the Escudilla Wilderness →

Arizona's third-highest peak, a closed fire lookout, and the Aldo Leopold connection.

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