Rainbow (Az)

Star4.72
402 reviews
APACHE-SITGREAVES
Family FriendlyStargazingFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$26 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

165 campsites

Season

Rainbow Campground i...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

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
Rainbow (Az)
$26.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites range from $26-$28 per night during the peak season. Group sites cost $90 per night.
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$90.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 402 reviews

85 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"Rainbow Campground is widely regarded as a scenic, well-maintained campground with friendly hosts and abundant outdoor activities. The consistently high ratings emphasize cleanliness, spacious sites, and the variety of recreational opportunities. Commonly cited drawbacks include generator noise, limited cell service, and occasional skunk issues."

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Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Rainbow (Az)

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 1 mile to the campground.
The campground is accessed via paved roads. However, reviews note that roads within the campground have severe ruts and frost heaving, making navigation rough for vehicles and walking challenging.
Nearby places
Springerville (approx. 25 miles, 30-minute drive), Alpine (approx. 17 miles, variable travel time), Eagar (approx. 20 miles, variable travel time)
Nearby supplies
Nearby Big Lake Store is located down the road from the campground. It sells gas, food, boat rentals, firewood, ice, and basic camping supplies. Additional supplies can be found in Springerville or Eagar, both approximately 25 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Rainbow (Az)

Experience nature's perfect air conditioning at Rainbow Campground, where summer days hover in an ideal 65-80°F range while nights dip into the crisp 30s—perfect for campfire stories and cozy sleeping bags. The afternoon skies often put on dramatic displays during monsoon season, as thunderclouds roll across the peaks bringing refreshing rain showers that enhance the forest's earthy aromatics and leave the air impossibly fresh.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in AZ

Open May 16–Sept 18; summer temps 65–80°F, peak season with many activities and positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Aspens offer fall color, but campground closes Sept 18 so autumn window is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; cooler temps and early-season conditions provide decent spring experiences but limited window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed May 16–Sept 18; winter use not part of operation.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Rainbow Campground is open from May 16 to September 18 each year. Reservations are available starting June 22.

About Rainbow (Az)

Discover the crown jewel of Big Lake Recreation Area at Rainbow Campground, where 165 thoughtfully arranged campsites across six distinct loops create a vibrant outdoor community beneath towering pines. This well-appointed basecamp combines the comforts of modern amenities—including flush toilets, convenient water spigots, and a nearby camp store—with the wild beauty of Arizona's high country. Friendly camp hosts stand ready to help you make the most of your mountain escape, ensuring every detail of your stay is as pristine as the surrounding wilderness.
Rainbow Campground provides diverse camping options suitable for various visitor needs. The campground features standard nonelectric sites, double group sites accommodating up to 16 people, and accessible single-unit sites. While primarily geared towards tent and RV camping, it does not offer cabins or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Rainbow Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Proximity to the 450-acre Big Lake allows for excellent fishing, boating, and other water-based adventures. Visitors can also explore nearby hiking trails, enjoy wildlife viewing, or participate in cultural programs at the visitor center. The campground's scenic location at 9,000 feet elevation provides a cool, pleasant climate, ideal for activities.
HikingSeveral hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including the Mount Baldy and Indian Springs trails. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views, with one user recommending the hike from the upper portion of the campground to the Big Lake lookout for its impressive vistas. "Great hikes in the area" is a common sentiment among reviewers.
FishingBig Lake is renowned for its trout fishing, with species such as rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout available. Many reviewers highlighted fishing as a top attraction, though some noted variability in catch success. "Great trout fishing and wonderful hiking trails," remarked one camper.
BikingThe campground’s paved roads and surrounding trails offer excellent opportunities for biking. "Nice roads to bike on," commented a user, emphasizing the suitability for family-friendly rides.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at Big Lake, with boat rentals available at the nearby marina. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing from boats are commonly mentioned by campers.
Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife, including deer, elk, squirrels, and skunks, is commonly observed in the area. Reviewers frequently mentioned sightings, with one camper noting the "souls of elk and deer" around the campground.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are available at the visitor center, offering insights into the natural and cultural history of the area. Specific topics or schedules were not detailed.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include bears, skunks, deer, and squirrels. Visitors should be prepared for bear activity and follow all food storage rules.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Rainbow (Az)

Reviews

4.7
402 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Rainbow (Az) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Rainbow Campground is widely regarded as a scenic, well-maintained campground with friendly hosts and abundant outdoor activities. The consistently high ratings emphasize cleanliness, spacious sites, and the variety of recreational opportunities. Commonly cited drawbacks include generator noise, limited cell service, and occasional skunk issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 402 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and the helpfulness of the hosts. "The sites are always clean," and the camp hosts receive high accolades for their assistance....
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Based on 402 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the high cost of showers, generator noise, skunk activity, and limited cell service. Issues with road conditions and campsite accessibility for larger RVs are also noted.
Based on 402 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of blankets for cool nights, preparing for limited connectivity, and using repellents to mitigate skunk encounters. Several reviewers suggest booking group sites...
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Based on 402 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with cool daytime temperatures making it ideal for outdoor activities. Rain and thunderstorms are common, particularly during monsoon season, so visitors should...
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Based on 402 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The flushing bathrooms [are] ALWAYS clean." "There is absolutely no internet here, which isn’t really a bad thing!" "We love Rainbow Campground and have been camping there for years." "The weather...
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Based on 402 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites such as 68 and 109 are recommended for smaller trailers, while site 90 is criticized for being uneven. Group sites are appreciated for their capacity but face tent-limit concerns.
Based on 402 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes accessible sites and paved roads, making it partially suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Based on 402 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at Rainbow Campground, and many visitors bring their dogs. Pets must be on a leash at all times, and the area offers good walking paths for pet owners.
Based on 402 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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