Rainbow Campground

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.

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.

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.

Natural feaures

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.

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.

Driving directions to Rainbow Campground

From Pinetop, Arizona, take Highway 260 east about 60 miles to Highway 261. Turn right (south) onto Highway 261 and follow for about 20 miles to Forest Road 115. Take Highway 115 for 3 miles east, turn right, and go 1 mile to the campground.

Location and contact info

Unnamed Road, AZ

For campground inquires, please call:928-537-8888

Rainbow Campground details

Checkin time: 2:00 PM
Checkout time: 1:00 PM
Max num of people: 8
Max num of vehicles: 1
Max vehicle length: 45
Pets allowed

Camping with an RV

Have you ever wanted to sleep at the foot of a mountain or wake up to the sound of the ocean’s waves gently crashing on the shore? When on a road trip, do you like to stop at every weird and wonderful roadside attraction? Do you ever just want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get out into the great outdoors? Then renting an RV is definitely for you.

Camping in an RV allows you to adventure on your terms. Whether you’re looking to bond over an open fire with family and friends or you just want to get away for a while, there’s no better way to do it than from behind the wheel of an RV.

How Outdoorsy Works

Find the perfect RV

Choose your location, dates, and send the host a request to book.

Delivery or Pickup

Arrange a pick up time with the host or have it delivered to your driveway or destination.

Let us help

Most hosts have the option to deliver and set up the RV right to your destination.

Adventure awaits!

Enjoy the freedom of the open road nd the assurance of 24/7 roadside assistance.

After your trip, return the RV to the host in the same condition you recieved it.

Amenities at Rainbow Campground

other
Shade

Activities at Rainbow Campground

Camping

Hiking

Boating

Fishing

Biking

RV Travel Tips

Whether you’re on or off the grid, you have options when it comes to powering your RV. Here are the pros and cons for each.

Content by

Find the perfect RV for Rainbow Campground

2022 Aspen Trail LE 26BH near Pinetop-Show Low, AZTravel trailerSleeps 830 ft
Show Low, AZ

5 (8)

2016 Keystone Passport Ultra-lite Grand TouringTravel trailerSleeps 627 ft
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4.9 (7)

2019 Cruise Lite Bunkhouse - Ponderosa AdventuresTravel trailerSleeps 832 ft
Lakeside, AZ

5 (7)

2019 Pacific Coachworks Powerlite Toy HaulerToy haulerSleeps 626 ft
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5 (4)

Explore with our Sunset Teardrop - New 2021 Overland Model (Pickup in PinetTravel trailerSleeps 214 ft
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5 (1)

State48 Endless Summer Bunkhouse RVClass ASeats 6, Sleeps 1031 ft
Snowflake, AZ

5 (1)

2021 Genesis Wander 29’ Toyhauler. Fully self containedToy haulerSleeps 629 ft
Snowflake, AZ

5 (1)

2002 Nomad Lite 190LT - Ponderosa AdventuresTravel trailerSleeps 319 ft
Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

Questions about RVs?

Q.
What type of RV should I choose?

Start by determining how many people are planning to travel with you. Going on a solo-journey? Choose a camper van or a teardrop trailer. Bringing the whole family along for the ride? Consider a spacious Class A or five-wheel.

You’ll also want to consider amenities. For example, if you’re planning to cook on the road, you’ll want a kitchenette. If your campground doesn’t have public restrooms, you’ll want to search RVs with bathrooms. Check out full descriptions of our models to help you decide here.

Q.
Do the RVs have bathrooms?

Yes. Class A’s, Class B’s, and Class C’s and five-Wheels typically have bathrooms. Depending on where you plan on camping, you’ll want to double-check the availability of restrooms if selecting a rig without a bathroom. Nervous about renting an RV with a bathroom? Owners can help show you how to clean the tank or will offer to do it for you for a fee.

Q.
How does check-in work?

Once an Owner approves your RV reservation, you can coordinate a time to pick up your rig or have it delivered to your doorstep or campsite. At that point, the owner will do a key exchange with you and walk you through the RV and answer any questions you might have.