Rainbow Cg
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Big Lake Dump Station Dump Station · 0.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 33.8763, -109.4039
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Rainbow is the largest campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. Rainbow is a favorite for families because of its proximity to the lake, size and the many amenities it offers. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding and fishing.Natural Features:Rainbow Campground sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the White Mountains. 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 the lower desert. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer thunderstorms.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.Facilities:The facility boasts 165 campsites organized into six loops. 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.A small store nearby sells gas, food, boat rentals and firewood. A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.View MapEZ Camping
From the USFS.Official page
Is Rainbow Cg free?
No. Rainbow Cg charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Rainbow Cg?
Rainbow Campground is located in the Big Lake Recreational Area.From Eagar: Go 5 miles west on State Route 260 turn south on State Route 261 go 29 miles to Sate Route 273, turn west go about 3 miles, Big Lake Recreational Area will be on the west side.From Show Low, Arizona: take Highway 260 east for 42 miles to Highway 273. Take Highway 273 south for 30 miles Big Lake Recreational Area will be on the west side.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
