How much does camping cost at Cutthroat?

Camping fees at Cutthroat range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cutthroat first-come first-served or reservation?

Cutthroat accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cutthroat before I book?

Yes! Cutthroat has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cutthroat?

Cutthroat is open May 16 - September 18.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cutthroat?

Cutthroat does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cutthroat?

Fire policies at Cutthroat: Campfires are allowed; firewood can be purchased on-site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cutthroat have?

Cutthroat has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cutthroat?

Pets are not allowed at Cutthroat. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cutthroat?

Cutthroat offers: Potable Water, Dump Station, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cutthroat?

Popular activities at Cutthroat include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cutthroat

4.59

94 reviews

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Arizona Primitive Camping Arizona Boating Camping Arizona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open May 16 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open May 16 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America Official Website

Get Directions

Cutthroat

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent-only non-electric site fees are $20 per night during peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-735-7313camping@rrmofa.com

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 94 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

dusty

"The campground is praised for its scenic views, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. Common themes include the beauty of the lake, the peaceful setting, and the well-maintained facilities. Some negative comments focus on uneven ground, parking challenges, and lack of privacy in certain areas."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Cutthroat

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Nearby places

25 miles from Pinetop (approximately 30 minutes by car), 25 minutes from Greer.

Nearby supplies

The Marina store sells basics like propane, ice, and wood. Greer, 25 minutes away, has additional supplies.

Driving directionsFrom 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 to Cutthroat Campground.

From Pinetop via Highway 260, the campground is accessed through paved roads. The final stretch involves navigating Forest Road 8115, which is also paved and suitable for most vehicles.

Best Time to Camp at Cutthroat

Summer brings daytime highs around 60–75°F and nighttime lows in the 30s–40s. The lake is ice-free, trails are clear, and fishing peaks. July and August monsoons roll through most afternoons with thunder, rain on canvas, and the smell of wet pine. Bring gear that handles moisture. Nights stay cool enough that you'll want a warm sleeping bag even in peak season. Weekends and holidays see the most visitors, but the campground rarely feels crowded.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: cool days (60–75°F), excellent fishing and open trails; afternoon monsoons possible.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 - September 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16 - September 18 for peak season reservations. First-come, first-served season runs September 19 - October 31.

About Cutthroat

Cutthroat sits at 9,000 feet on a wooded slope above Big Lake in the White Mountains. This tent-and-primitive campground has 18 sites, costs $20 per night, and draws campers looking for trout fishing, wildlife viewing, and high-country quiet. Cell service is nonexistent. Verizon users report zero signal. Which most visitors consider a feature, not a bug.

Cutthroat Campground is tent-only, offering 18 individual sites scattered across a sloped wooded area. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet, rustic camping experience close to nature.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 60–75°F and nighttime lows in the 30s–40s. The lake is ice-free, trails are clear, and fishing peaks. July and August monsoons roll through most afternoons with thunder, rain on canvas, and the smell of wet pine. Bring gear that handles moisture. Nights stay cool enough that you'll want a warm sleeping bag even in peak season. Weekends and holidays see the most visitors, but the campground rarely feels crowded.

ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers more than just spectacular views—it's a natural air conditioner for those escaping the scorching desert below. The thin mountain air reminds visitors to pace themselves while exploring, but rewards them with crisp, pine-scented breezes and temperatures that can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the valleys. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert dwellers find their summer sanctuary.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a volcanic-origin landscape where ponderosa pine, spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen grow together in rare combination. Big Lake spreads out below the sites, its waters stocked with rainbow trout. Elk visit the shore at dawn. The forest creates dappled shade across uneven terrain, and afternoon light catches the lake's surface in a way that makes the scramble down to the waterfront worth it. Some sites perch directly above the water. Others sit back in the trees on sloped ground that challenges tent setup but pays off in privacy.

Geological RegionNestled in the majestic White Mountains of eastern Arizona, this 9,000-foot sanctuary showcases nature's architectural mastery. The ancient volcanic origins of these peaks have created a unique ecosystem where four distinct tree species—ponderosa pine, spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen—thrive together in rare harmony. This geological wonderland, carved by time and shaped by volcanic forces, offers campers a front-row seat to one of Arizona's most diverse and stunning mountain environments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 11:00 am.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites scatter across upper and lower roads on wooded slopes. Spacing varies. Some campers report good distance between neighbors. Others complain about sites sitting too close, with one review noting you can hear snoring from the next tent over. Ground is uneven in places, and dusty conditions are common. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard. The slope means some sites require creative tent placement.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during the first-come, first-served season from September 19 to October 31. Must book in person.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before arrival for a refund minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees. Late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in) will incur a $10 late fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee.

AccessibilityThe steep slope of the campground and the need to carry gear uphill may pose challenges for less-mobile visitors. One reviewer stated, 'The only downside we had to carry all of our gear uphill. We are seniors, it was hard for us.

Site SizeSome sites are described as spacious, with enough room for large tents or setups. However, other reviews note smaller sites with uneven ground, such as, 'The sites closest to the lake have parking on the main road. Very large sites.

PrivacySites are spaced a good distance apart to ensure privacy, though some campers have complained about sites being too close together in certain areas: 'Small sites sitting right on top of each other. If you like hearing your neighbors snoring and have NO privacy, then this is your place!

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose waterfront sites for scenic views. Set up camp during daylight due to layout challenges.

Need help booking Cutthroat?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Cutthroat Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing in Big Lake, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. The scenic beauty of the area, with its forested surroundings and cool summer weather, enhances the outdoor experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequently visit the area. Thin oxygen levels may challenge visitors with limited lung capacity. Sloped terrain can make campsite setup difficult.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed; firewood can be purchased on-site.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Pinetop, 25 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though specifics regarding location and schedules are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, which is ideal for trout fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Camp HostHosts are known to be helpful and friendly; available for coordination of extra vehicle parking.

Weather at Cutthroat

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

94 reviews

Top-Rated

Cutthroat is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its scenic views, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. Common themes include the beauty of the lake, the peaceful setting, and the well-maintained facilities. Some negative comments focus on uneven ground, parking challenges, and lack of privacy in certain areas.

Review Summaries

Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Friendly and helpful camp hosts; clean and well-maintained facilities; proximity to Big Lake; great fishing opportunities; peaceful and quiet ambiance; excellent hiking and wildlife viewing.

Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Steep slopes and uneven ground; some campsites are small and closely packed; parking not directly at campsites; lack of cell phone reception; strict enforcement of rules by rangers.

Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring rain gear during the summer monsoon season; prepare for cool nighttime temperatures; carry cash for firewood purchases; plan for hikes in advance due to lack of cell signal; consider the...

Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time to visit, with cool temperatures and abundant outdoor activities. However, monsoon rains and hailstorms are common during this period. Winter activities are not...

Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very clean and well kept. Lots of wildlife, great view of the lake and very spacious campsites.' - Jessica Thomas 2. 'Be prepared that breathing is not easy when physically exerting one's self,...

Based on 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site 3: 'Was really nice and so very close to the water.' - Patrick Williams 2. Site 9: 'The site for our tent was not level and it was very very dusty.' - Ken B 3. Site 10: 'The campsite was...

Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

The steep terrain and uphill walks to certain campsites make this campground less accessible for seniors or individuals with mobility challenges. One reviewer noted, 'We are seniors, it was hard for...

Based on 94 reviews