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Moderate to BookNational Forest

Rainbow (Az) Campground

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona

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As of October 2026, Rainbow (Az) Campground is a campground in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Arizona with 87 campsites. Rainbow (Az) Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Rainbow (Az) Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Rainbow (Az) Campground is located at 33.8764° N, 109.4039° W.

people allowed on 83 of 87 sites: 8
people allowed on each of the 4 largest sites: 16

Rainbow (Az) Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Rainbow (Az) Campground

381719293132373946495864788790247801456791011121516182021222324252627283033343536384041424344454850515253545556575960616263656869707172737475767779818283848586888991

Standard 83
Group 4
Accessible 1

What an RV fits

30–34 ft4 sites
35–39 ft6 sites
40–44 ft14 sites
45–49 ft18 sites
50–54 ft20 sites
55–59 ft1 site
60–64 ft4 sites
65–69 ft2 sites
70–74 ft2 sites
75–79 ft1 site
85–89 ft2 sites
95–99 ft8 sites
125–129 ft1 site
130–134 ft1 site
135–139 ft1 site
155–159 ft1 site
180–184 ft1 site

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, wildlife, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Rainbow (Az) Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Access
003	PTHR	Standard	8	99 ft	-
008	PTHR	Standard	8	66 ft	-
017	PTHR	Standard	8	99 ft	-
019	PTHR	Standard	8	99 ft	-
029	PTHR	Standard	8	99 ft	-
031	PTHR	Standard	8	60 ft	-
032	PTHR	Standard	8	66 ft	-
037	PTHR	Standard	8	30 ft	-
039	PTHR	Standard	8	85 ft	-
046	PTHR	Standard	8	87 ft	-
049	PTHR	Standard	8	125 ft	-
058	PTHR	Standard	8	99 ft	-
064	PTHR	Standard	8	99 ft	-
078	PTHR	Group	16	136 ft	-
087	PTHR	Standard	8	155 ft	-
090	PTHR	Standard	8	99 ft	-
002	QUAD	Group	16	130 ft	-
047	QUAD	Group	16	180 ft	-
080	QUAD	Group	16	99 ft	-
001	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
004	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
005	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
006	RAIN	Standard	8	30 ft	-
007	RAIN	Standard	8	30 ft	-
009	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
010	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
011	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
012	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
015	RAIN	Standard	8	51 ft	-
016	RAIN	Standard	8	51 ft	-
018	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
020	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
021	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
022	RAIN	Standard	8	35 ft	-
023	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
024	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
025	RAIN	Standard	8	30 ft	-
026	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
027	RAIN	Standard	8	57 ft	-
028	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
030	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
033	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
034	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
035	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Access
036	RAIN	Standard	8	51 ft	-
038	RAIN	Standard	8	35 ft	-
040	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
041	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
042	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
043	RAIN	Standard	8	35 ft	-
044	RAIN	Standard	8	48 ft	-
045	RAIN	Standard	8	60 ft	-
048	RAIN	Standard	8	35 ft	-
050	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
051	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
052	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	Accessible
053	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
054	RAIN	Standard	8	35 ft	-
055	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
056	RAIN	Standard	8	40 ft	-
057	RAIN	Standard	8	54 ft	-
059	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
060	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
061	RAIN	Standard	8	48 ft	-
062	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
063	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
065	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
068	RAIN	Standard	8	35 ft	-
069	RAIN	Standard	8	75 ft	-
070	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
071	RAIN	Standard	8	54 ft	-
072	RAIN	Standard	8	54 ft	-
073	RAIN	Standard	8	54 ft	-
074	RAIN	Standard	8	60 ft	-
075	RAIN	Standard	8	54 ft	-
076	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
077	RAIN	Standard	8	54 ft	-
079	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
081	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
082	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
083	RAIN	Standard	8	60 ft	-
084	RAIN	Standard	8	70 ft	-
085	RAIN	Standard	8	70 ft	-
086	RAIN	Standard	8	50 ft	-
088	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
089	RAIN	Standard	8	45 ft	-
091	RAIN	Standard	8	54 ft	-

About Rainbow (Az) Campground

Overview

Rainbow is the largest campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. Because of its proximity to the lake, size and the many amenities it offers, Rainbow is a favorite for families. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding and fishing.

Recreation

The campground is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species.

The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. Curious campers can attend educational programs at the recreation area's visitor center.

Facilities

The facility boasts 165 campsites organized into six loops. Four double sites are available for up to 16 people each, which is convenient for larger families, and two single unit accessible sites are also available.

A small store nearby sells gas, food, boat rentals and firewood. A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.

Natural Features

Rainbow Campground sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the White Mountains. It is a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen trees, which provide ample shade.

Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of the lower desert. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer thunderstorms.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. Springerville, Arizona is the closest town to the campground.

Rules and notices at Rainbow (Az) Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Rainbow (Az) Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Standard Single Family sites: Recreation Use Fee allows ONE camping unit ONLY . Double & Group sites: Refer to Specific Site # for capacity limits.

Extra Vehicles: Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.

Late Arrivals: campers are not considered a "no-show" until 24 hours after arrival date check in time. Our policy is that your site will not be released before that.

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.

No hookups available

Accessible Restroom #4 (near sites 48-67) is closed for the 2026 season.

Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

Bears frequent the area; please obey all food storage rules and regulations. Check with your host for details.

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.

Click here for more information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

This is a high elevation facility, use caution when traveling from lower elevations.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Rainbow (Az) Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Rainbow (Az) Campground?

Rainbow (Az) Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 87 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Rainbow (Az) Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Rainbow (Az) Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Rainbow (Az) Campground have?

Rainbow (Az) Campground has 87 campsites.