Cutthroat
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Cutthroat Campground lies at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. It sits on the shoreline of Big Lake and affords visitors many recreational opportunities in a quiet, scenic setting. Popular activities include trout fishing and hiking.
Sites for tent camping only are scattered throughout this small facility and spaced a good distance apart. Some are directly on the waterfront. The basic amenities of restrooms, picnic tables and drinking water are provided, and anglers and boaters have the convenience of a boat ramp. An RV dump station is one mile away.
Notifications and Alerts
- Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. Only gas or propane stoves are permitted.
Need to Know
Tent camping only. Guest must walk to some sites.
Standard Single Family sites: Recreation Use Fee allows ONE camping unit ONLY.
Extra Vehicles: Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.
Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.
This is a high elevation facility; use caution when traveling from lower elevations.
- Bears frequent the area; please obey all food storage rules and regulations. Check with your host for details.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Click here for more information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
Natural Features
The campground is located in a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen trees, which provide ample shade. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer rain storms.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico.
Recreation
Named after a species of trout, Cutthroat is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing.
Contact Information
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APACHE-SITGREAVES AZ
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 928-735-7313
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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 2 miles to Cutthroat Campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 016, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop CUTT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
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