Arizona · Camping

Rainbow Cg

from $26
fee
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Rainbow Cg open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Rainbow Cg, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 9,122 ftHigh camp: expect cold nights, even in summer
  • Springerville Ranger DistrictApache-Sitgreaves National Forests

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

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Rainbow Cg

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      42° / 11°

    2. Feb

      42° / 15°

    3. Mar

      46° / 21°

    4. Apr

      53° / 25°

    5. May

      62° / 31°

    6. Jun

      71° / 37°

    7. Jul

      71° / 44°

    8. Aug

      70° / 43°

    9. Sep

      67° / 37°

    10. Oct

      60° / 27°

    11. Nov

      51° / 21°

    12. Dec

      42° / 14°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sunrise Mtn, AZ, 11.3 mi away at 9,370 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Rainbow Cg

Book on Recreation.gov

Reserve