Rainbow (Az) sits among the stunning landscapes of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona . With 165 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Jun when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Feb, Mar, Apr
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Rainbow (Az) located in Arizona, offering 165 camping sites.
Rainbow (Az)
A Rural campground in Arizona
Overview
Rainbow Campground Sits at an Elevation of 9,000 Feet in the White Mountains. the Campground Is Adjacent to 450-Acre Big Lake, One of Arizona’S Top Fishing Lakes.
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. Rainbow Campground Sits at an Elevation of 9,000 Feet in the White Mountains.the Recreation Area Is Also Popular for Hiking, Mountain Biking, Birding and Wildlife Viewing. It Is a Very Scenic Area, Forested with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Spruce and Aspen Trees, Which Provide Ample Shade. 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. the Lake Is Known for Its Trout Fishing, with Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brook and Apache Being the Most Sought-After Species. Curious Campers Can Attend Educational Programs at the Recreation Area’S Visitor Center. 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.
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. Springerville, Arizona Is the Closest Town to the Campground.Managed by: Usda Forest Service
Site Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 165
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: No
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: Rainbow Campground
City: , Arizona
Coordinates: 33.8763889, -109.4038889
Area Type: Rural
Phone:
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Fishing|hiking|biking|lake|rv|visitor-center
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: No
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $25-35
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 14 stations
Nearest Market: Phoenix/TUCSON
Notes: Signals FROM Phoenix/TUCSON MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 28 stations (10 AM, 18 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, Spanish, NEWS/TALK
Local News: KTAR 620 Am
Market: Phoenix/TUCSON
Notes: 10 AM, 18 FM Stations from Phoenix/Tucson
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ CHARLIE CLARKS C.C. CHARGING 1
Distance: 35.1 miles away
Address: 1665 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
Network: chargepoint-network
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232200
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website:
- Parent Park: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/apache-sitgreaves-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: apache-sitgreaves-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: apache-sitgreaves-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 31.0
- States Covered: Arizona
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 122
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 122, 122.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: arizona
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: apache-sitgreaves-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in Arizona | Browse our Arizona camping guide
Other Campgrounds in This Park
Explore more camping options in the same park system: