Grayling

Star4.76
210 reviews
APACHE-SITGREAVES
Fishing

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

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
Grayling
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The standard fee is $26 per night for nonelectric sites. First-come, first-served availability applies during certain seasons. Reservation fees apply...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

4.76

Top-Rated

Based on 210 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakefriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

noisecrowded

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, exceptional camp hosts, and peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors express satisfaction with the facilities and wildlife sightings. Some concerns include proximity of campsites and occasional disruptive behavior by other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Grayling

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. Grayling is on the left.
The campground is accessible via Highway 260 and Highway 273, followed by a short stretch on Forest Road 8115. Roads to the campground are largely paved, though the final approach may include unpaved roads. Opening and closing dates depend on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Springerville, AZ (approx. 25 miles, 45-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
A store within 1 mile of the campground offers gas, food, boat rentals, and firewood.

Best Time to Camp at Grayling

At this elevation, summer brings nature's perfect balance—warm days that invite exploration followed by refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire stories. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, painting dramatic skies and leaving behind that distinctive petrichor scent of rain on pine needles. As September arrives, the nights turn crisp and starlit, with temperatures that call for cozy sleeping bags and hot morning coffee by the fire. This natural air conditioning provides a welcome escape when the desert valleys below shimmer with heat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 10% in AZ

Peak season: cool days, crisp nights, abundant activities; highly recommended by visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Aspen color and cooler weather in Sept–Oct make fall especially scenic and enjoyable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring can be variable but offers cooler weather and fewer crowds early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed for winter months; winter camping not offered here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 18 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16, 2025 - September 18, 2025 (reservable). First-come, first-served season runs from September 19, 2025 - October 31, 2025.

About Grayling

Tucked away in the heart of the Big Lake Recreation Area, Grayling Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country wilderness. Twenty-three thoughtfully spaced campsites wind along a single loop road, each one a private sanctuary where towering conifers frame glimpses of sparkling lake waters. Here, the morning mist rises through ancient aspens while the scent of pine fills the crisp mountain air, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking solitude far from the crowds.
Grayling Campground provides standard non-electric campsites in a single loop configuration. It offers tent camping, RV spots, and limited group camping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM (local time).
Check-out
12:00 PM (local time).
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Grayling Campground provides ample recreational opportunities, including trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Educational programs are offered at the visitor center.
HikingThe area offers hiking trails, though some reviewers noted they are a bit distant from the campground. The nearby Thompson Trail is recommended for its beauty.
FishingBig Lake, adjacent to the campground, is known as one of Arizona's top fishing spots, particularly for trout species such as rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity in the Big Lake Recreation Area, with various trails accessible.
BoatingBoating is supported at Big Lake, which features a marina and boat rentals.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, moose, antelope, eagles, and bluebirds are frequently observed in the area, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are available at the recreation area's visitor center, covering various topics of interest.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the campground, requiring campers to follow food storage rules strictly. Ground bees are also reported, and uneven terrain can present challenges.

Weather at Grayling

Reviews

4.8
210 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Grayling is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, exceptional camp hosts, and peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors express satisfaction with the facilities and wildlife sightings. Some concerns include proximity of campsites and occasional disruptive behavior by other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 210 reviews

What Campers Love

Most users praise the campground for its cleanliness, helpful and friendly camp hosts, and proximity to Big Lake. The well-maintained flush toilets and serene wildlife encounters are frequently...
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Based on 210 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include campsites being too close together, disruptive campers with barking dogs or generators, and site-specific issues such as uneven terrain or trip hazards.
Based on 210 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking in advance due to the campground's popularity. They advise bringing warm clothing for cold nights and checking fire restrictions. For a better experience, some suggest...
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Based on 210 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, offering cool temperatures and abundant recreational activities. Visitors recommend layers for cold nights and preparing for occasional rainstorms.
Based on 210 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms are the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground.' 2. 'The camp hosts, Mel and Cindy, made us feel like family!' 3. 'Grayling is tucked away from other campgrounds, offering fresh...
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Based on 210 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14 is noted for being small and close to adjacent sites. Site 17 is mentioned as having a trip hazard (a stump) and accommodating large RVs. Site 21 is frequently praised for its spaciousness.
Based on 210 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews directly address accessibility features.
Based on 210 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One negative review mentions disruptive barking dogs as an issue, but no additional details about pet-friendly policies are provided.
Based on 210 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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