Apache Trout Campground

Star4.53
488 reviews
Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville, AZ 85938, USA
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

$30 - $375/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

123 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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
Apache Trout Campground
$30.00 - $375.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $30 to $375 depending on the type of site and season (standard sites, group sites, electric hookups). Extra fees apply for advanced...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$46.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$50.00
Group Site Fee$375.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-537-8888trisha@rrmofa.com
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 488 reviews

127 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsfriendly

"User sentiments about Apache Trout Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with highlights including clean facilities, spacious sites, and helpful hosts. Negative feedback includes issues with potholes, closed showers, and occasional overcrowding."

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Campground Map

Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville, AZ 85938, USA

Apache Trout Campground

Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville, AZ 85938, USA

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 3 miles.
The access roads are paved up to the campground, but within the campground, roads are wide dirt/gravel. Some user reviews mention potholes that could affect driving. Accessibility depends on snow conditions during winter closures.
Nearby places
Springerville, AZ (27 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Alpine, AZ (33 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Eagar, AZ (28 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found at a store near Big Lake Recreation Area. Additional options are available in Springerville, AZ, approximately 27 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Apache Trout Campground

Escape the scorching desert heat and discover nature's air conditioning at Apache Trout, where summer days bring refreshingly cool temperatures that feel like a gentle embrace after the intensity of Arizona's lower elevations. July and August transform the landscape with dramatic monsoon performances – nature's own light show where afternoon clouds build into towering thunderheads, releasing cleansing rains that occasionally pepper the forest floor with hail, adding an element of wild excitement to your mountain retreat.

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

Peak season praised for cool temperatures and scenic beauty; summer is the site's highlight.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen color and cooler temps are attractive, though campground closes mid-September limiting late fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring access after mid-May; shoulder-season availability but limited compared to summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal campground closed mid-September to mid-May; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening mid-May and closing mid-September. First-come, first-served sites are available during shoulder seasons (September to October).
  • Current Alerts: Showers and some facilities may be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Fire bans are common during dry seasons.

About Apache Trout Campground

Nestled within the breathtaking Big Lake Recreation Area, Apache Trout Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern comforts and wilderness adventure. Here, you'll discover full hookup sites alongside pristine shower facilities and convenient flush toilets, making it an ideal basecamp for families and groups seeking both comfort and connection with nature. The campground has earned its reputation as a premier destination for anglers drawn to the legendary trout fishing at nearby Big Lake, where morning mists dance across the water and the promise of the day's catch keeps spirits high.
Apache Trout Campground offers diverse camping options, including full hookups for RVs, group campsites, tent camping, and dry camping areas.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 7:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 7:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Apache Trout Campground provides a wealth of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to the 450-acre Big Lake makes it a prime location for outdoor recreation.
HikingHiking is a popular activity at Apache Trout Campground, with numerous trails nearby. 'Close to lots of great hiking trails,' one review noted. Another suggested, 'Would be nice to have hiking trails designated and marked from the campground.'
FishingBig Lake is known for trout fishing, offering species like rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout. 'Fishing was outstanding,' according to one review, while another noted the lake's algae issues during certain seasons.
BikingMountain biking is available in the campground's vicinity. Specific trails are not detailed in the sources.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at Big Lake. Visitors can rent boats at the general store or bring their own.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of elk, deer, and other forest animals. 'We enjoyed all the wildlife that came through our camp,' stated one review.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area, and food storage guidelines must be followed. Seasonal potholes and gravel roads may make driving challenging.
Active AlertsShowers and some facilities may be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Fire bans are common during dry seasons.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are available at all sites to securely store food and prevent wildlife encounters.

Weather at Apache Trout Campground

Reviews

4.5
488 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Apache Trout Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiments about Apache Trout Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with highlights including clean facilities, spacious sites, and helpful hosts. Negative feedback includes issues with potholes, closed showers, and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 488 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, the friendly and helpful camp hosts, and the scenic beauty of the campground. 'Great campground with plenty of space between...
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Based on 488 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include potholes in the roads, closed showers, and proximity of some sites to loop roads. 'The potholes desperately need attention,' one user remarked. Another stated, 'The shower...
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Based on 488 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Reserve sites early due to high demand during peak seasons. - Bring cash for purchases at the general store to avoid card transaction fees. - Carry additional leveling blocks for uneven sites. - Be...
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Based on 488 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highly praised for cooler temperatures and scenic beauty. Monsoon season brings daily rain showers, which users generally appreciate but note can lead to potholes and muddy sites....
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Based on 488 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Hosts were very friendly and accommodating. Restrooms were clean and modern.' - User review. 2. 'The spots are spread out so you're not on top of your neighbor.' - User review. 3. 'Showers were...
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Based on 488 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes both praises and complaints. For instance, site #37 in Aspen Loop was noted for its proximity to wildlife but criticized for potholes. Sites #57 & #58 were described...
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Based on 488 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are praised, especially the helpfulness of camp hosts in assisting guests. Specific details about wheelchair-accessible sites or facilities are not mentioned.
Based on 488 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many reviews highlight how pet-friendly the campground is. 'Great for fur babies,' one user stated. However, some complaints arose about off-leash dogs and non-compliance with...
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Based on 488 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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