| Facilities: Big Lake Recreation Area offers a grocery store that offers bait, tackle, boat rental and some supplies is available at Big Lake. There are plenty of campsites in Brookchar, Cutthroat, Grayling, or Rainbow Campgrounds. In addition, the lake offers boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, restrooms, and picnic facilities. Potable water, showers, trash, and an RV dump are available at the campgrounds. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to use Big Lake. Some campground accept reservations. Best Time To Visit: Big Lake Recreation Area is open May to November, with snowmobile access in the winter. Fees: No fees are charged to use the lake. Fees are charged for camping. Accessibility: Big Lake Recreation Area offers good accessibility with reserved parking spots and accessible fishing docks. However, the floating boat docks are only usable during times of high water levels. Restrooms at the lake are accessible inside, however the doors are a bit narrow. Rainbow campground offers accessible restrooms, showers, and campsites.Rules: Boats must be a single 8 horsepower motor or less. All anglers 14-years and older must have a valid Arizona fishing license with a trout stamp. Pets must be on-leash and cleaned up after. Directions: To reach Big Lake from Springerville, go to the Big Lake Recreation Area, located about 25 miles south of Springerville on State Road 273. | |
