Join the fun near Alpine. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Alpine, AZ. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
Rainbow is the largest campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. Because of its proximity to the lake, size and the many amenities it offers, Rainbow is a favorite for families. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding and fishing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$28 - $90 / night
Brookchar Campground is tucked on the banks of Big Lake in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The campground is a small, tent-only facility comprised entirely of walk-in sites. Of the lake's five campgrounds, Brookchar is nearest to the water. The stocked lake draws anglers, and boat rentals and a boat ramp make it easy for campers to enjoy the lake's blue waters.
Big Lake is one of Arizona's top trout fishing lakes, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding and wildlife viewing.
Big Lake is one of Arizona's top trout fishing lakes, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding and wildlife viewing.
The campground sits in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at an elevation of 9,100 feet. The area is scenic, forested with ponderosa pine, fir, spruce and aspen, interspersed with high elevation meadows. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and cool nighttime temperatures.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Several other lakes can be found in the surrounding area. Visitors can also 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.
$20 - $32 / night
Upper Campground
$25 - $65 / night
A small campground designed primarily for tent camping located on the west side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood and Alma, New Mexico
Pueblo Park Campground is located in a large, cool stand of old growth ponderosa pines adjacent to the northern edge of the Blue Range Wilderness boundary with Dangerous Park Trail #515 on the northern end of the campground, and the WS Mountain Trail #43 immediately south of the campground entrance.
A stunning view of the mountains by day & the amazing Milky Way at night.
The Cabin is private and self contained with a shower, sink & toilet.
The hot tub, outdoor shower & kitchen are out the door and a few steps away.
Wifi is everywhere, a Verizon tower is close, the water is sweet.
An oasis and sanctuary for wildlife; with ponds, shade trees & flowering plants.
Galleries, Art, Antiques, Curiosities, Shrines and Sculptures are abundant.
This is an experience as well as a place to recharge, relax & reconnect.
Copy and paste link below. I is a 2 minute video of the Dark Sky that was made on my property by Larry Gebhardt.
$114 - $134 / night
It had been 28 years since we last camped at Rainbow. It is still a great place to escape the desert heat. It was 115 when we left the big city. Five hours later we found ourselves camped at 9100 feet, enjoying the cool temps in the mid 60's and the passing rain showers. Aspens, pines, and wildlife were all in abundance. Big Lake is a good fishing lake too.
The sites have plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Roads are paved and in good shape. The restrooms were constantly cleaned by the very friendly and capable staff from recreation resource management which operates the campground for the forest service.
Firewood and ice are available (stage 2 fire restrictions were in effect so no campfires), water was convenient as was gray water disposal. There is a centralized dump station, showers, and a small but educational visitor center. Trash dumpsters are centralized and easy to access.
If you don't fish there is still hiking to Mount Baldy, and short scenic drives to the very small towns of Greer and Alpine. We enjoyed exploring the miles of scenic forest roads, and wildlife viewing. We saw 4 Mexican gray wolves which was very special.
This is a very popular campground that accommodates all types of rigs. They do have first come first serve sites available, but it is recommended to make reservations at least 4 days in advance. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. It's always best practice to print a copy of your reservation. There is no cell service in this area.
We look forward to camping again at Rainbow.
El Casi CG in Rec Area: Past the lake with large campsites. This is the only campground open in the rec area during our April visit.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4 for large sites. However, our site was trashy . Toilets are only moderately clean. Warnings are posted that no OHV allowed . A large group has camped at one end of the campground using Senegal sites. . Looks like it works out well. Price 2023: Free Security: None Usage during visit: 1/4 full Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: Large sites, well spaced. Pad surface: dirt SITE CLEANLINESS: most sites I noticed were trashy. We needed to pick up trash at our site upon arrival. Reservations: First come first serve Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: Gravel access road along side of the campground. Some sites near this access road may get a little dusty, I suppose, during dryer times of the year Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: At Pynon campground, which is not open until May. Charge for dog thing is going up for five dollars to $15 in. Potable Water Available: not at the campground. Generators: yes Bathroom: pit toilets. Not as clean as they should be. Supplied. Showers: no Pull Throughs: yes Cell Service (AT&T): no Setting: under scattered trees. Recent Weather: very cool nights Solar: yes Insects: no Host: no Rig Size: any size Sites: sites are not numbered
Cottonwood Campground: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: Not an appealing campground except as a stop over.
Security: no
Usage during visit: light
Site Privacy: no
Pad surface: Dirt
Reservations: No
Outside Road Noise: This cg is right off the highway. Some sites back up towards the highway.
Through Traffic in campground: No
Setting: Under tree canopy.
Solar: solar looks to be pretty good in most sites.
Insects: Did not seem to be a problem during our brief April visit.
Host: No
Sites: Near highway. Site 1 backs up towards the highway.
Bighorn, NM: great for stopover., As it is right off the highway (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 3 perfect for a stop over Security: no Usage during visit: light Site Privacy: no Site Spacing: OK Pad surface: dirt Outside Road Noise: some highway noise Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no, Dump Station: no, Potable Water Available: no Generators: allowed Bathroom: pit toilet Showers: no Setting: parallel with creek, just off the highway. Solar: great Insects: none during our visit in April. Host: no Sites: along the creek bed, just off the highway.
We pulled in after hours and a ranger kindly helped us find our spot. She recommended a cool hiking trail to check out the next morning. Bathrooms and showers are super clean and well maintained. There is only one designated bathhouse building so if you park far, you’ll be walking a ways. Did I mention the views are gorgeous? The views alone are worth staying here.
The park was practically empty. The views are always amazing, and the weather was perfect. The wind picked up in the evenings to about 10 mph, but then was calm around 9pm. In the morning the lake was very calm, and taking the kayak out was so peaceful. I spoke with the ranger and ahead said next summer a vendor will have boat and jet ski rentals. Good and bad, but maybe that will help keep camping rates low. Highly recommend a trip here when you have a long weekend.
Reserved site #13 on line for August 15th. On arriving this site has no flat areas and you must pass directly through site #12 to access. The entire campground was EMPTY except us. We decided to move to site #12 to get a flat area. I informed the host out of courtesy of our move to the empty adjoining site. He said NO! I had to pay him $20 to make the change. If I did it on-line, it would be zero fee. THERE IS NO CELL COVERAGE at this campground, so it is impossible to go online and make that useless change. Another caretaker drove by and said he didn't see a problem moving if it was his call. The dude at Brookchar would NOT budge...he wanted his $20 bucks ( I have a senior pass and at worst it would have been $8.00). Told him to stuff it and to contact his manager. He refused. The other caretaker guy drove away and and said he would discuss it with her. Bear in mind, the entire campground had zero reservations for that evening besides us. He returned later to inform me that the manger had "OK'ed" the change for no fee. It is zero fee to change a campsites....zero! Unbelievable,,,,Beware....
There are 5 camping areas within this campground. We stayed in the 4th area and were the only campers. This area had two sites that could accommodate a travel trailer or motorhome. There are also two tent camping sites within this area. There is a toilet which was clean but not well stocked. Make sure to bring toilet paper. There is a dump and water station a mile away. 5.00 charge to dump. Quemado Lake is a short drive down the mountain. Several hiking trails in the area.
Clean, quiet, open campground, tents, trailers and cabins. Very happy with the week we spent here
It’s dry camping only meeting no water and put toilet. There are 12 sites with tables, fire pit, and barbecue reasonably level. Why a good location, because it’s between catwalk national recreational trail and the ghost town called Magpllon town
Ashley here from The Dyrt! We are so excited to welcome the owner of this unique cabin listing. Enjoy a soak in the hot tub, gaze at the starry night sky, and listen to the silence. Views of the Mogollon Mountain Range, and 300 yards from Whitewater Creek. Check them out and post your review!
Only three spaces, 1 up front closer to Hwy 180, 2 in the back. Clean pit toilet, fire rings and picnic tables, no fee. Dry wash along side that looks to carry water sometimes. We were the only ones there on a Friday in July. Fair amount of road traffic but mostly stopped after 10pm. Nothing special but a fine place to stay the night.
FHU available
Spacious sites
Wind does come up
Lake is down and good fishing
Clean restrooms and showers
Has store well stocked (no tobacco or alcohol)
Fish cleaning station
Nice viewing of stars at night
Quiet, cabins, tent sites, FHU available, beach camping.
Rangers on site along with hosts
Black top roads
Blacktop to park your rig. Some pull thru site
Mostly back ins
Large sites
Awesome cabins and the lake was great! The hiking and rock art was a cool addition !!
Nice campground out of the way. Very polite rangers. Sad the lake is so low ... climate change, but enjoyable 2 days. Petroglyphs were cool! Tip: best campsite would be #17 - trust me ;) Hottest, highest pressure (ie: exfoliating showers) I've ever had in a campground!
Once again we are the only ones here! It got a little cold this morning, down to 15 but the sunrise was awesome. Lots of nice spots, you can get everything from a small cabin to a dry spot down by the beach. Some of the bathrooms are closed for the winter but there are a couple still open. 30 and 50 amp power. Water at the pull through sites but you need to disconnect at night to avoid freezing.
Quiet and secluded with a huge lake!
Clean and peaceful area. Camped here as a jump point to the Petrified Forest Park the next morning.
Camped here in October 2016. My all-time favorite campgrounds. We tent camped and it was freezing cold, poured rain. We had huge sleeping bags and a little propane heater, and still really enjoyed it. Lots of area to hike and tons to see.
Spots are close to the lake which is really nice. The overall campground is nice and the spots were spaced out nicely.
Nice place : water, sewer and electric Picnic table at my site but not at others . No public washrooms or showers. Didn’t see trash bins. Small place and close to town which is small also. Near Catwalk hike area in NM
Great lake view from all sites. Cabins and rv sites have easy access and parking. Nice bathrooms.
We stayed here for two days. There are some short trails with wonderful views of the lake and surrounding area, and there are petroglyphs to explore. Decent fishing, although the lake was flooded and murky while we were there, and we didn’t give it the best shot. It likely could be a really good fishing spot under ideal conditions. T-mobile service was awful, and the staff were super helpful and friendly. I’m sure we’ll be back.
Love this site. We end up here a few times a year. This was a special occasion to celebrate life and enjoy family. It was spring break and we drove through a blizzard to find ourselves under clear skies at Quemado Lake. El Caso camp ground is a few miles into the canyon. The camp sites are spread out well, and the roads and trails are solid. The weather caught up to us and we had about four to five inches of snow fall on us overnight. It was beautiful. The slash-pit had plenty of wood to burn, and we were the only fools in the snow and on the lake. It was perfect.
You’re really roughing it here. The dirt washboard road getting in (45 mins) was enough for me to not love this place (I’m traveling with an infant and toddler). But, once you’re there it really is a beautiful place. The lake itself is awesome and the camping is primitive but awesome views. The little shop is closed, not covid related, looks as though it’s been boarded up and closed for a while. Make sure you get the correcting passes for camping and fishing permits since you’re on the reservation.
I have been coming up to the White Mountains since I was a kid. Rainbow campground has been our go-to spot for camping. There are 3 loops that are FCFS. The rest of the sites are reservations. The sites all have picnic tables and fire rings. There are full bathrooms throughout the area and pay showers when is not covid. Big lake is a short drive from the campground, where you can rent a boat, fish from shore and a small store with supplies. There is always wildlife around, especially skunks, so watch your pets. The sites are laid at where you don't feel like you are right on top of your neighbor. None of the sites in Rainbow have hook-ups, bit there is a dump station down the road. There is another campground for full hook-ups down the way.
We're frequent campers, and this is one of our favorite spots in AZ!
The tent-only campground is small, but the sites are large and have multiple great clearings for tents. Lots of shade and easy paths for walking around the grounds, plus there's potable water at several sites. Central bathrooms with running water are kept very clean, plus there's trash service and a (very friendly) camp host if you need anything.
Directly across a small road from Big Lake and the boat ramp. There are several places to go right down to the shore, and it's only a 5-6 minute walk along the road to the general store and boat rental area, where there's also a fish cleaning station. Brookchar is just down the road from the giant Rainbow Lake, so you'll hear some RVs and ATVs on the road, but very minimal.
We camped in site 12, which in our opinion is the best! Closest to the lake with water views, plus parking right outside your site for 2 vehicles (other sites, you park in a main lot). Bring your fishing gear and kayak/SUP (can also rent very reasonably)!
Over Memorial Day weekend, we saw highs close to 80 and lows in the high 30s/low 40s. Only sprinkled once!
It's also just an hour from Pinetop-Lakeside, so it's easy to make grocery stops or even grab a coffee (try Pinetop Coffee House + Roasters right on the highway!) on your way in/out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Alpine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Alpine, AZ is Rainbow (AZ) with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Alpine, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
