Rainbow Campground sits just above 450 acre Big Lake and has all of the amenities you would want out of a campground. Rainbow Campground is the largest campground at Big Lake with 152 campsites. Campsites are well spaced and most have some shade. Four double sites are available for up to 16 people each, which is convenient for larger families, and two single unit accessible sites are also available.
Just outside the entrance to the campground is a visitors center, a dump station and a shower facility that offers hot showers. Just around the corner from the campground is a country store that has a nice selection of camping goods, groceries, including boat rentals. For boat rentals call 928-521-1387. Store hours are as follows; weekend:6:00 am-6:00 pm, all other days 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Activities in the Big Lake Recreation Area include fishing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.
A boat ramps are available near Brookchar Campground and there are a few dotted around the lake as well.
Trout fishing at big lake is almost perfect, the wind and the summer storm season being the only drawbacks. Big trout can be caught here and if you don’t believe me, check out the pictures under the glass at the counter at the general store. Fish species at Big Lake include rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout.
Not far from Big Lake is both the Lee Valley Recreation Area and the East Fork Recreation Area. At Lee Valley, there are great hiking and horseback trails leading up the mountain. At the East Fork, the stream fishing really doesn’t get much better in Arizona. For more information check out the visitor center at Big Lake.
Here is the link for the Big Lake Tackle and Supply located on the lake for information about boat rentals.
Directions
General Notes
- Elevation: 9040′
- Season: Mid April – September
- Stay Limit: 14 Days
- Campsites: 152
- Trailer Limit: 32′
- Potable Water: yes
- Waste Disposal: Yes
- Restrooms: Flush
- Showers: Yes
- Campsite Grills, Tables and Fire Rings
- Utility Hookups: no
- Campsites 130 thru 152 (loop F) are available on a first come first serve bases
- Supplies available from concessionaire.
- Deer, skunks and bear are common campground visitors.
- A variety of hummingbirds
- Be prepared for rain, often heavy through July and August.
- Because of the high elevation be prepared for cool night time temperatures.
- Campground hosts
- Pets must be restrained or on a leash
