Grayling
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Grayling Campground offers perhaps the most secluded sites in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. It sits on the shoreline of the lake in a mixed conifer and aspen forest and affords visitors many recreational opportunities in a quiet, scenic setting. Popular activities include trout fishing and hiking.
All 23 campsites in this small facility are located along one loop. Some sites have a view of the lake, though none are directly on the waterfront. Flush toilets are a comfort of home, and showers can be found one mile away.
A dump station for RV campers is one mile away. A store is also nearby with gas, food, boat rentals and firewood for sale.
Need to Know
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.
No hookups available.
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
Grayling sits in the White Mountains at an elevation of 9,000 feet. It is a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce 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. Springerville, Arizona is the closest town to the campground.
Recreation
The campground 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. Curious campers can attend educational programs at the recreation area's visitor center.
Contact Information
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APACHE-SITGREAVES AZ
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. Grayling is on the left.
Available Campsites
- Site 017, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop GRAY, Type Standard Nonelectric
