Fishing Campgrounds in Arizona

Discover the best fishing campgrounds across Arizona. Wake up to the sound of rushing water and spend your days casting lines in pristine fishing waters. Lake, river, and stream access for every angler.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Spring through Fall (April-October)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.7

(402)

Rainbow (Az)

Springerville
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Anglers cast their lines into Big Lake's pristine waters, home to four distinct trout species—rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache—that draw fishermen to these high-country shores.

Springerville
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Cast your line into Big Lake's crystal-clear waters where four prized trout species—rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache—thrive in one of Arizona's most productive alpine fisheries.

PAYSON
Tonto National Forest

Cast your line directly from your campsite into spring-stocked waters teeming with rainbow, brook, and brown trout. The creek flows right through camp, giving anglers immediate access to productive fishing spots where visitors regularly land multiple catches in a single outing.

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About Fishing Campgrounds in Arizona

Fishing camping in Arizona offers anglers access to some of the Southwest's most diverse and productive waters, from high-elevation mountain lakes teeming with trout to desert reservoirs holding bass and catfish. The state's varied topography creates distinct fishing zones, with the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim providing cool-water fisheries at elevations above 7,000 feet, while lower desert lakes offer year-round warm-water fishing opportunities.

Best Time

The best fishing camping in Arizona follows distinct seasonal patterns based on elevation and target species. High-country campgrounds in the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim typically open from late April or early May through October, with peak trout fishing occurring from June through September when waters are fully accessible and fish are most active.

Activity Highlights

Direct lake and river access
Boat launches and marinas
Fish cleaning stations
Local fishing guides available

More Fishing Campgrounds in Arizona

Discover 16 additional top-rated fishing campgrounds in Arizona

Fool Hollow Lake stretches before your campsite, offering direct water access where trout and bass swim beneath the surface of these high-elevation waters. A dedicated fish cleaning station awaits your day's catch, turning morning fishing expeditions into evening shore dinners beneath the pines.

Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest Recreation

Anglers can cast lines into stocked lakes teeming with trout, bass, and channel catfish throughout this Coconino National Forest retreat. The 46-site base camp puts multiple fishing lakes within easy reach, though seasonal water levels at Lake Mary can affect conditions.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Show Low
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Cast your line into a 150-acre mountain lake regularly stocked with trout and largemouth bass, where anglers find both challenge and reward. The shoreline access and calm waters invite patient fishermen to test their skills from dawn until dusk beneath towering ponderosa pines.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout cruise the pristine waters of Big Lake just steps from your tent site. Anglers can cast from the shoreline and hook multiple rainbows using nightcrawlers, with the lake's clear waters delivering consistent catches without needing a boat.

Springerville
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Cast your line into Lee Valley Reservoir's cool waters, where stocked Apache trout await anglers seeking high-country catches at 8,500 feet elevation. The nearby forks of the Little Colorado River provide additional stream fishing adventures within minutes of your campsite.

Payson
Tonto National Forest

Anglers cast for trout in the rushing waters of Christopher Creek, just a short walk downstream from camp beneath the pines. A quick 10-minute drive opens up Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes, where boat ramps and stocked waters provide high-country fishing across multiple alpine reservoirs.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Woods Canyon Lake draws anglers to Arizona's most popular Rim Lakes destination, where trout rise through crystal-clear mountain waters just moments from your campsite. Launch your boat from nearby ramps and cast your line across shimmering expanses framed by towering pines and dramatic cliff faces.

Eagle Ridge Group Campground

Prescott
Prescott National Forest

Lynx Lake sits just a quarter-mile from camp, stocked with five species including trout, bass, and catfish that keep lines tight throughout the season. Launch your small motorboat or rent one on-site to explore productive waters where crappie and bluegill school near submerged structure.

Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Happy Jack
Coconino National Forest Recreation

Cast your line into the pristine waters of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, just minutes from camp beneath towering ponderosa pines at over 7,300 feet elevation. The reservoir's tranquil shoreline provides peaceful fishing spots where cool mountain air and crystal-clear water create an angler's...

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Campground Locations

Showing top 19 campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in Arizona

Map of campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in Arizona

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Map Key

Rainbow (Az)

Grayling

Christopher Creek

Mallard Campground

Pinegrove

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Cutthroat

Winn

Sharp Creek

Crook Campground

Eagle Ridge Group Campground

Rock Crossing Campground (Az)

Brookchar

Diamond Rock Campground

Caldwell Cabin

C Campground

Forked Pine Campground

Red-Tailed Hawk Campground

Upper Twilight Group Site

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Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Lake fishing for trout, bass, and catfishStream fishing for rainbow, brook, and brown troutFly fishing in mountain creeks and riversBoat fishing and trolling on alpine lakesHiking to remote fishing spots and backcountry streamsWildlife viewing including elk, deer, and bald eagles

Tips & Recommendations

1Arizona requires a valid fishing license for anyone 10 years or older, available online or at sporting goods stores, with additional stamps required for trout fishing in many locations.
2Purchase licenses before arriving at remote campgrounds where services are unavailable.
3Bring a variety of tackle suited to Arizona's diverse fisheries: small spinners, spoons, and flies for mountain trout streams, larger lures and live bait for lake fishing, and bass gear for warm-water reservoirs.
4Pack layers for mountain fishing camps where morning temperatures can dip into the 30s even in summer, warming to the 70s by afternoon.

19 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Fishing Campgrounds in Arizona

Fishing Campgrounds in Arizona FAQ

We've ranked 20+ fishing campgrounds in Arizona based on review ratings, lake/river access, and amenities. The top-rated options include campgrounds with boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and proximity to stocked waters.

Yes, Arizona requires a valid fishing license for most anglers. Check the Arizona Fish & Wildlife agency for current license requirements, fees, and regulations before your trip.

Spring through Fall (April-October) is typically the best time for fishing camping in Arizona. Specific peak times vary by fish species and water body—check local fishing reports for current conditions.

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