How much does camping cost at Brookchar?

Camping fees at Brookchar range from $26-$32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Brookchar first-come first-served or reservation?

Brookchar accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Brookchar before I book?

Yes! Brookchar has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Brookchar?

Brookchar is open May 15 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Brookchar?

Yes, Brookchar has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Brookchar?

Fire policies at Brookchar: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Brookchar have?

Brookchar has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Brookchar?

Pets are not allowed at Brookchar. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Brookchar?

Brookchar offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Brookchar?

Popular activities at Brookchar include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Brookchar

4.45

55 reviews

APACHE-SITGREAVES

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Arizona Fishing Camping Arizona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

$26 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

$26 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Brookchar

$26.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $32.00; WALK TO: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-735-7313camping@rrmofa.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Brookchar

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Brookchar

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Nearby places

Pinetop, AZ (approx. 46 miles or 1 hour drive).

Weather at Brookchar

Current alerts(9)

Bears frequent the area; please obey all food storage rules and regulations. Check with your host for details.
Click here for more information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Extra Vehicles: Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Brookchar

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather at this 9,100 ft site—daytime highs are typically around 65–75°F with cool nights around 35–45°F—making lake activities and hiking pleasant. The stocked lake is fully accessible for fishing and boating (kayaks/canoes/small boats), and long daylight hours are ideal for multi-hour hikes, biking and wildlife viewing. Expect the campground to be busiest on holiday weekends and warm weekdays are calmer — arrive early or midweek for quieter lakeside Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Cool summer highs (65-75°F); busiest season with ideal temps but afternoon storms.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

About Brookchar

Brookchar sits at 9,100 feet in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, adjacent to Big Lake in Arizona's White Mountains. This Forest Service campground offers tent and primitive sites with full amenities including showers and a dump station. Visitors fish the stocked lake, launch kayaks and canoes, and explore alpine trails under summer skies that bring 65–75°F days and crisp nights.

Brookchar Campground caters exclusively to tent campers with 12 walk-in sites. RVs and trailers are not allowed.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather at this 9,100 ft site—daytime highs are typically around 65–75°F with cool nights around 35–45°F—making lake activities and hiking pleasant. The stocked lake is fully accessible for fishing and boating (kayaks/canoes/small boats), and long daylight hours are ideal for multi-hour hikes, biking and wildlife viewing. Expect the campground to be busiest on holiday weekends and warm weekdays are calmer — arrive early or midweek for quieter lakeside Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation9100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a volcanic basin ringed by ponderosa pine, fir, spruce, and aspen. The lake sits in the center, stocked for fishing and open to kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Meadows break up the forest cover, offering views of surrounding peaks. Aspens turn gold in fall. The mineral-rich volcanic soils support dense tree growth, and the high elevation keeps the forest cool and shaded even in midsummer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground; the campground only accommodates tent campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No designated group sites are available in the campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityThe campground offers walk-in tent sites with no specific mention of ADA-compliant facilities in the official source or user reviews.

Site SizeEach campsite is tent-only and varies in size. One review stated that Site 12 could accommodate three tents comfortably.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some reviews, such as one user describing Site 12, mention that it provides a 'private site and a parking spot,' while another user noted sites are approximately 45 to 50 feet apart.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Need help booking Brookchar?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The facility is small, with 12 tent-only, walk-to campsites. Campfire rings and restrooms are provided. A campground host resides on-site for visitor assistance. A dump station, store, firewood, gas, food and boat rentals are located a short, half-mile drive away, and showers are just 1 mile away.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a wide range of recreational activities. Big Lake is highly popular for trout fishing and boating activities. Visitors also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, birding, wildlife viewing, and relaxing near the lake's scenic beauty.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

55 reviews

Recommended

Brookchar is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to Big Lake, clean facilities, and natural beauty. Positive mentions include the helpfulness of hosts and the serene environment. Some complaints focus on noise from the road, lack of cell phone service, and specific site layouts.

Review Summaries

Based on 55 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 55 reviews.

Site 12Loved
Site 12 is highly recommended for its privacy and proximity to Big Lake.
Site 13Issues noted
Site 13 is criticized for its uneven ground and lack of privacy.

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, proximity to Big Lake, well-maintained facilities, and the helpfulness of campground hosts are commonly praised. Many users called it their 'favorite camping spot' due to the...

Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common issues include lack of cell service, disputes with campground hosts, and noise from nearby Big Lake Road. Specific complaints about site layouts include uneven ground and proximity to...

Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend downloading offline maps, reserving Site 12 for its privacy and proximity to the lake, and bringing warm clothing for cool nights. They also suggest renting a boat for lake...

Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highly popular for camping due to the cool temperatures and scenic beauty, though visitors should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms. Fall is appreciated for the golden aspen leaves,...

Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We stayed over a week in the pouring rain. It was the best camping ever.' 2. 'The campground has a parking lot and you have to walk to your site, but Site 12 comes with its own reserved parking...

Based on 55 reviews