Cutthroat

Star4.59
94 reviews
APACHE-SITGREAVES
Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open May 16 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation Resource Management of America site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cutthroat
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Tent-only non-electric site fees are $20 per night during peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-735-7313camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 94 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

dusty

"The campground is praised for its scenic views, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. Common themes include the beauty of the lake, the peaceful setting, and the well-maintained facilities. Some negative comments focus on uneven ground, parking challenges, and lack of privacy in certain areas."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Cutthroat

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Driving directionsFrom Pinetop, Arizona, take Highway 260 east 25 miles to Highway 273 south. Follow Highway 273 south 19 miles to Forest Road 8115 (Big Lake Entrance). Turn right and travel 2 miles to Cutthroat Campground.
From Pinetop via Highway 260, the campground is accessed through paved roads. The final stretch involves navigating Forest Road 8115, which is also paved and suitable for most vehicles.
Nearby places
25 miles from Pinetop (approximately 30 minutes by car), 25 minutes from Greer.
Nearby supplies
The Marina store sells basics like propane, ice, and wood. Greer, 25 minutes away, has additional supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Cutthroat

Experience the refreshing embrace of mountain summers, where daytime temperatures offer a cool respite from the desert heat below. As evening falls, the crisp mountain air invites cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. During Arizona's dramatic monsoon season, afternoon thunderstorms roll through with spectacular displays of nature's power, bringing the forest to life with the scent of rain-soaked pine and the symphony of rainfall on canvas tents.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sept; cool respite from desert heat though monsoons/hail can occur.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into late Oct; aspen presence suggests strong fall colors and quieter visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 16 so late spring is available; early spring access limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility is seasonal (open mid‑May to Oct); winter access/activities not described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16 - September 18 for peak season reservations. First-come, first-served season runs September 19 - October 31.

About Cutthroat

Perched on a gentle wooded slope with breathtaking views of Big Lake, this intimate tent-only retreat offers campers an authentic wilderness experience. Here, where pristine waters reflect towering pines and the air carries whispers of adventure, anglers cast for rainbow trout while nature enthusiasts discover a living gallery of wildlife. This hidden gem provides the perfect escape for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty far from the crowds.
Cutthroat Campground is tent-only, offering 18 individual sites scattered across a sloped wooded area. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet, rustic camping experience close to nature.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 am.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Cutthroat Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing in Big Lake, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. The scenic beauty of the area, with its forested surroundings and cool summer weather, enhances the outdoor experience.
HikingHiking is a popular activity, with trails in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offering diverse experiences. One review recommended planning ahead, as 'we didn't have a phone signal with Verizon, just plan ahead for hiking trails.'
FishingBig Lake is known for its trout fishing, with species such as rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout being the most sought-after. A user review noted, 'Caught many rainbow trout from the bank using nightcrawlers, only two using power bait.'
BikingMountain biking is a noted activity though no detailed descriptions of trails or difficulty levels are provided.
BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp on-site and options to rent kayaks at the nearby marina. One reviewer shared, 'We rented a tandem kayak at the lake for the day and saw some wildlife.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with visitors spotting diverse flora and fauna, including skunks. One reviewer mentioned, 'It was skunks. 3 of them. They were cute I could see them smelling the air.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequently visit the area. Thin oxygen levels may challenge visitors with limited lung capacity. Sloped terrain can make campsite setup difficult.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cutthroat

Reviews

4.6
94 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cutthroat is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its scenic views, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. Common themes include the beauty of the lake, the peaceful setting, and the well-maintained facilities. Some negative comments focus on uneven ground, parking challenges, and lack of privacy in certain areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Friendly and helpful camp hosts; clean and well-maintained facilities; proximity to Big Lake; great fishing opportunities; peaceful and quiet ambiance; excellent hiking and wildlife viewing.
Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Steep slopes and uneven ground; some campsites are small and closely packed; parking not directly at campsites; lack of cell phone reception; strict enforcement of rules by rangers.
Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring rain gear during the summer monsoon season; prepare for cool nighttime temperatures; carry cash for firewood purchases; plan for hikes in advance due to lack of cell signal; consider the...
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Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time to visit, with cool temperatures and abundant outdoor activities. However, monsoon rains and hailstorms are common during this period. Winter activities are not...
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Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very clean and well kept. Lots of wildlife, great view of the lake and very spacious campsites.' - Jessica Thomas 2. 'Be prepared that breathing is not easy when physically exerting one's self,...
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Based on 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site 3: 'Was really nice and so very close to the water.' - Patrick Williams 2. Site 9: 'The site for our tent was not level and it was very very dusty.' - Ken B 3. Site 10: 'The campsite was...
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Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

The steep terrain and uphill walks to certain campsites make this campground less accessible for seniors or individuals with mobility challenges. One reviewer noted, 'We are seniors, it was hard for...
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Based on 94 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information on pet policies or experiences is provided.
Based on 94 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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