Grayling

Overview

Grayling Campground offers perhaps the most secluded sites in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. It sits on the shoreline of the lake in a mixed conifer and aspen forest and affords visitors many recreational opportunities in a quiet, scenic setting. Popular activities include trout fishing and hiking.

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

All 23 campsites in this small facility are located along one loop. Some sites have a view of the lake, though none are directly on the waterfront. Flush toilets are a comfort of home, and showers can be found one mile away.

A dump station for RV campers is one mile away. A store is also nearby with gas, food, boat rentals and firewood for sale.

Natural Features

Grayling sits in the White Mountains at an elevation of 9,000 feet. 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 lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer rain storms.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.

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.

Camp site features

Across 21 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 21 sites
  • Longest RV: 45 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From 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 2 miles. Grayling is on the left.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

147 reviews
5 stars
132
4 stars
11
3 stars
3
1 stars
1
ROBERT C
Loop:Gray
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Beautiful campground that’s well taken care of.
Philip S
Loop:Gray
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
We visit Grayling twice yearly and always enjoy camping there
Rob A
Loop:Gray
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Great spot. Not many there during our stay, which was great. Clean and well maintained.
Cathleen T
Loop:Gray
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
This campground is wonderful. It’s perfect for tent camping. It’s small, private, very lush, and the hosts are incredibly helpful.
Maryann K
Loop:Gray
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
We love Grayling campground! It’s shady and quiet. The campground hosts Mel and Cindy are the best! They know their campers and are there for them to ensure a great stay. The flush toilets are a bonus!!
Vanessa M
Loop:Gray
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Site 014 is the worst in the joint. Please choose another if it is available for your dates. This one and the neighboring site (probably 015?) used to be one pull through site, but split with rocks into two half sites. This site is probably fine for a camper who just needs a place to park. It’s super close to the flushing toilets, which is nice. But we’re a big family tent camping with kids who want to explore and this site is absolutely not meant for that. We hardly set up our tent, and pop up. Know that if you come late summer it’s gonna rain regularly so be prepared to dry up your gear. This area of az feels like “Colorado lite” … a breath of fresh air if you are a desert dweller looking for some pine trees, aspens, and cooler temps. Highly recommend the campground, but please look at other sites to get the best experience!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 14, 2027 – Sep 16, 2027

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 17, 2027 – Oct 31, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

May 15, 2028 – Sep 17, 2028

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 18, 2028 – Oct 31, 2028

First come, first served

Camp Sites

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