Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest — lakeside
Location: Springerville, AZ, AZ
Price: From $38 per night
Price range: $38–$425 per night
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (337 reviews)
Season: May through October
Apache Trout Campground is one of five campgrounds at the Big Lake Recreation Area in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and is especially popular for group camping. With boating and fishing facilities and a variety of amenities, Apache Trout is a convenient and comfortable place to stay. Plenty of open space, shaded forests and mountain scenery make for a pleasant outdoor experience.The campground is especially convenient for small to medium sized groups.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Flush Toilets, Showers, Electric Hookups
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/apache-trout-campground to be notified when sites open up.
Apache Trout is one of five campgrounds at Big Lake Recreation Area in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, offering convenient access to a 450-acre lake with boating and fishing facilities. Shaded forests and mountain scenery provide a pleasant outdoor experience with ample open space.
Wildlife alert: Mexican wolves and wapiti (elk) have been documented in the area within the past 8km. Exercise appropriate caution and distance.
Insider tips for Apache Trout Campground: Book early—this is a federal campground and fills up quickly, especially for group camping Most sites have no hookups; confirm full hookup availability when reserving if needed Big Lake is a short walk from the campground, making water-based recreation easily accessible
Skip Apache Trout Campground if: You need hookups—only select sites offer full hookups at this campground. You plan to visit outside May-October—seasonal operations only. You dislike patchy smoke conditions—current NWS forecast shows smoke in the area.
Best time to visit Apache Trout Campground: May through October — Campground operates seasonally during these months only.
Nearby campgrounds: Cutthroat (Pinetop, AZ), Grayling (Pinetop, AZ), Brookchar (Pinetop, AZ), Rainbow (Az) (Pinetop, AZ).
Cell signal at Apache Trout Campground (Springerville, AZ): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Apache Trout Campground is one of five campgrounds at the Big Lake Recreation Area in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and is especially popular for group camping. With boating and fishing facilities and a variety of amenities, Apache Trout is a convenient and comfortable place to stay. Plenty of open space, shaded forests and mountain scenery make for a pleasant outdoor experience.The campground is especially convenient for small to medium sized groups.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Book early
this is a federal campground and fills up quickly, especially for group camping
Most sites have no hookups; confirm full hookup availability when reserving if needed
Big Lake is a short walk from the campground, making water-based recreation easily accessible
Campground operates seasonally during these months only
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.









From Pinetop, Arizona, take Highway 260 east 25 miles to Highway 273 south. Follow Highway 273 south 19 miles to Forest Road 8115 (Big Lake Entrance). Turn right and travel 3 miles.
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