Rainbow

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, AZ · ≈112.7 mi to Payson
Sites
121
Max rig
65+ ft
Pull-through
Yes
Hookups
None
ADA
To town
112.7 mi
Signal

✓ Best for

  • Big rigs and large RVs
  • Pull-through site seekers
  • Boating and fishing enthusiasts
  • Hikers and bikers
  • Pet-friendly camping

✕ Not ideal for

  • RVers needing water or sewer hookups
  • Those seeking cell service
  • Campers wanting nearby town amenities

Connectivity

Plan to be offlineNo modeled cell coverage from any carrier. If you need connectivity here, a satellite communicator or hotspot device is worth considering.

What's here

116 Standards (no Hookups)
5 Group Standards (no Hookups)5 separate group reservations · largest capacity: 16 people
Rig compatibility

Will your rig fit?

Checked against every site's real dimensions.
Your RV length
35ft
35 ft
Your fit summary
See availability →

Amenities & features

Amenities
Pets allowedShade
Activities
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHiking
CampIntel Score

How we score

We score what we can verify.
Fits most rigs comfortablyRig fit
Easy to reachAccess
Minimal servicesConvenience
Verdicts come from our Rig fit, Access & Convenience sub-scores — each built only from verifiable Recreation.gov data.

Where it is

Nearest town: Payson, ~112.7 miGet directions ↗

Nearby campgrounds

Closest options, ranked by score.

Photos

Photos: Conservation Legacy

Overview

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.

Managed by USDA Forest Service · Developed campground