How much does camping cost at Grayling?

Camping fees at Grayling are $33.97 - $34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Grayling first-come first-served or reservation?

Grayling 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 Grayling before I book?

Yes! Grayling 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 Grayling?

Grayling is open May 01 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 Grayling?

Grayling does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Grayling have?

Grayling has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Grayling?

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

What amenities are available at Grayling?

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

What activities can I do at Grayling?

Popular activities at Grayling include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Grayling

Q: Can I have a campfire at Grayling?

Fire policies at Grayling: 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.

4.76

227 reviews

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Top 2% in AZSummer

A-Report Card

Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Arizona#2 Mountain Camping Arizona#3 Tent Camping Arizona +7 more

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$33.97 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$33.97 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Grayling

$33.97 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $34.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Grayling

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Nearby places

Springerville, AZ (approx. 25 miles, 45-minute drive)

Weather at Grayling

Current alerts(8)

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 Grayling

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of reliable access, warm daytime temps (typically 60–75°F) and cool nights (30–45°F) at 9,000 ft, making hiking, fishing and boating on Big Lake most pleasant. Most services and the campground are fully open (reservations accepted May 16–Sept 18) and wildflower and wildlife activity are at their peak. Expect afternoon thunderstorms some days—plan morning hikes and reserve sites in advance to avoid weekend crowds. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in AZ

Summers at 9,000 ft are ideal (60–75°F days, cool nights); summer is listed as best season and peak time.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 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 Grayling

Grayling sits at 9,000 feet in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville, Arizona, with direct access to Big Lake for boating and fishing. Recreation Resource Management of America operates this small alpine campground with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Summer brings wildflowers, wildlife viewing, and afternoon thunderstorms alongside warm days and cool nights ideal for hiking and biking mountain trails.

Grayling Campground provides standard non-electric campsites in a single loop configuration. It offers tent camping, RV spots, and limited group camping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of reliable access, warm daytime temps (typically 60–75°F) and cool nights (30–45°F) at 9,000 ft, making hiking, fishing and boating on Big Lake most pleasant. Most services and the campground are fully open (reservations accepted May 16–Sept 18) and wildflower and wildlife activity are at their peak. Expect afternoon thunderstorms some days—plan morning hikes and reserve sites in advance to avoid weekend crowds. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe White Mountains ecosystem here mixes ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce, and aspen groves. It's genuine alpine terrain, nothing like the Arizona desert most visitors expect. Wildlife sightings are common. Reviewers mention deer at dawn and occasional moose moving through the trees. The forest canopy provides consistent shade across most sites, and Big Lake sits close enough that some spots offer water views through the conifers.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available on-site, but the campground offers 23 standard campsites in a secluded loop.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are available at the recreation area's visitor center, covering various topics of interest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One camping unit per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via the app, or through their contact center.

AccessibilityThere is no comprehensive information available on specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSites vary in size and can accommodate tents, medium-sized RVs, or pickup campers. Larger RVs may face challenges in leveling.

PrivacyThe campground offers a sense of seclusion with shaded, forested sites, though some users noted that campsites are 'closer than I would like' or 'a little close to each other.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 14 is close to the bathroom and camp host but is small and adjacent to site 15. Site 18 may be difficult due to rocks. Larger trailers can fit in site 17 but leveling might be challenging.

Best CampsitesSites 20, 21, and 15 get mentioned in reviews for space and lake proximity. Terrain varies enough that scouting beforehand helps. Some sites require effort to level medium-sized RVs. Larger rigs may struggle.

Need help booking Grayling?

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

Grayling Campground offers a variety of essential amenities that cater to both comfort and convenience. The campground features flush toilets, potable water sources, and fire rings at each campsite. A dump station and showers are available one mile away, along with a nearby store offering firewood, food, gas, and boat rentals. Trash and recycling facilities are also present.

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Grayling

Grayling Campground provides ample recreational opportunities, including trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Educational programs are offered at the visitor center.

Fishing5.0/5Top 4% in Arizona

Biking4.0/5Top 9% in Arizona

Mountain biking is popular in the Big Lake Recreation Area with various trails accessible.

Boating4.0/5

Big Lake has a marina and boat rentals; boating is supported and commonly used.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Hiking available (Thompson Trail recommended) but trails are said to be a bit distant from campground.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/59,000 ft alpine, remote forest setting implies dark skies and good stargazing potential.

Photography4.5/5Abundant wildlife, wildflowers, aspen groves and lakeside vistas make for strong photo ops (reviewed).

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are conveniently located within the campground.

Cell CoverageSeveral user reviews mention no or very limited cell phone service within the campground, with only specific areas providing reception. One reviewer stated, 'You'll get 2 bars at the marina/boat store.'

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

Rate Grayling

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From Booking Sources

4.8

227 reviews

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 227 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 227 reviews.

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

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...

Based on 227 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 227 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...

Based on 227 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 227 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...

Based on 227 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews directly address accessibility features.

Based on 227 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 227 reviews

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Grayling

$33.97 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $34.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-537-8888camping@rrmofa.com

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

Grayling

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Grayling

Campground Map

Weather at Grayling

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Grayling

Planning Tips

About Grayling

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Grayling?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Grayling

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Grayling

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Grayling

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Grayling?

Amenities available

Things to do at Grayling

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns