Grayling
4.7384 reviewsAPACHE-SITGREAVES
Grayling
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
The standard fee is $26 per night for nonelectric sites. First-come, first-served availability applies during certain seasons. Reservation fees apply ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person).
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Big Lake Recreation Area, Grayling Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country wilderness. Twenty-three thoughtfully spaced campsites wind along a single loop road, each one a private sanctuary where towering conifers frame glimpses of sparkling lake waters. Here, the morning mist rises through ancient aspens while the scent of pine fills the crisp mountain air, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking solitude far from the crowds.
Grayling Campground provides standard non-electric campsites in a single loop configuration. It offers tent camping, RV spots, and limited group camping options.
Historical SignificanceGrayling Campground rests within the vast Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, a sprawling wilderness that stretches across 2 million acres of eastern Arizona and into New Mexico. These ancient lands hold deep cultural significance, having been home to Native American tribes for centuries before becoming a protected forest. Today, this living landscape continues to nurture an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, maintaining the delicate balance between preservation and recreation that makes this region so special.
Weather and SeasonsAt this elevation, summer brings nature's perfect balance—warm days that invite exploration followed by refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire stories. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, painting dramatic skies and leaving behind that distinctive petrichor scent of rain on pine needles. As September arrives, the nights turn crisp and starlit, with temperatures that call for cozy sleeping bags and hot morning coffee by the fire. This natural air conditioning provides a welcome escape when the desert valleys below shimmer with heat.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet above sea level, Grayling Campground sits in Arizona's cool mountain sanctuary. This impressive elevation transforms the landscape into an alpine oasis where summer temperatures rarely climb above the comfortable 70s, offering a natural refuge from the scorching desert heat that dominates much of the state below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe White Mountains paint a masterpiece around every campsite, where majestic ponderosa pines stretch skyward alongside Douglas firs, their branches creating a natural cathedral ceiling. Spruce trees add their distinctive silhouettes to the forest tapestry, while stands of quaking aspen shimmer and dance in the mountain breeze. This rich ecosystem attracts an abundance of wildlife—don't be surprised to spot graceful deer browsing at dawn or catch a glimpse of a majestic moose moving silently through the trees. The interplay of light and shadow through this diverse canopy creates an ever-changing landscape that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Geological RegionRising from the dramatic landscapes of eastern Arizona, Grayling Campground claims its place in the legendary White Mountains at 9,000 feet elevation. This remarkable geological region showcases nature's diversity through its mixed conifer and aspen forests, where ponderosa pines stand sentinel alongside Douglas firs, while delicate spruce and shimmering aspen groves complete the montane mosaic. The result is a high-altitude ecosystem that feels worlds away from the desert landscapes Arizona is famous for, offering visitors a chance to experience the state's surprising alpine character.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no comprehensive information available on specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites vary in size and can accommodate tents, medium-sized RVs, or pickup campers. Larger RVs may face challenges in leveling.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a sense of seclusion with shaded, forested sites, though some users noted that campsites are 'closer than I would like' or 'a little close to each other.'
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 14 is close to the bathroom and camp host but is small and adjacent to site 15. Site 18 may be difficult due to rocks. Larger trailers can fit in site 17 but leveling might be challenging.
Best CampsitesUser reviews recommended sites such as 20, 21, and 15 for space and proximity to the lake, but emphasized checking site layouts beforehand due to uneven terrain.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM (local time).
Check-out
12:00 PM (local time).
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One camping unit per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutAll 23 sites are arranged along one loop, offering varying levels of privacy and accessibility.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16, 2025 - September 18, 2025 (reservable). First-come, first-served season runs from September 19, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via the app, or through their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during non-reservable periods. These must be booked in person at the campground.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (starting from midnight one calendar day before scheduled check-in) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes incur a $10 change fee if new dates differ entirely from original reservation.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Grayling Campground provides ample recreational opportunities, including trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Educational programs are offered at the visitor center.
Hiking
The area offers hiking trails, though some reviewers noted they are a bit distant from the campground. The nearby Thompson Trail is recommended for its beauty.Fishing
Big Lake, adjacent to the campground, is known as one of Arizona's top fishing spots, particularly for trout species such as rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and Apache trout.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity in the Big Lake Recreation Area, with various trails accessible.Boating
Boating is supported at Big Lake, which features a marina and boat rentals.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer, moose, antelope, eagles, and bluebirds are frequently observed in the area, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are available at the recreation area's visitor center, covering various topics of interest.Winter Activities
No information is provided about winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are implicitly supported due to boat rentals available at the nearby marina.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted unless under fire restrictions, which must be checked before arrival. Firewood is available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the campground, requiring campers to follow food storage rules strictly. Ground bees are also reported, and uneven terrain can present challenges.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be accessed in Springerville, AZ, approximately 25 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 18 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are conveniently located within the campground.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the 450-acre Big Lake, which is renowned for trout fishing and boating opportunities. The marina and store are within walking distance.
Common complaintsSome reviews noted crowded campsites and occasional noise disturbances from generators or barking dogs.
HostCamp hosts Mel and Cindy are highly praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and proactive management. "The bathrooms are the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground," one reviewer noted.
Campground Map
APACHE-SITGREAVES
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. Grayling is on the left.
The campground is accessible via Highway 260 and Highway 273, followed by a short stretch on Forest Road 8115. Roads to the campground are largely paved, though the final approach may include unpaved roads. Opening and closing dates depend on weather conditions.Nearby places
Springerville, AZ (approx. 25 miles, 45-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
A store within 1 mile of the campground offers gas, food, boat rentals, and firewood.
Camper Reviews
4.7
84 reviews
Grayling is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, exceptional camp hosts, and peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors express satisfaction with the facilities and wildlife sightings. Some concerns include proximity of campsites and occasional disruptive behavior by other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 84 reviews
What Campers Love
Most users praise the campground for its cleanliness, helpful and friendly camp hosts, and proximity to Big Lake. The well-maintained flush toilets and serene wildlife encounters are frequently...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Concerns include campsites being too close together, disruptive campers with barking dogs or generators, and site-specific issues such as uneven terrain or trip hazards.
Based on 84 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend booking in advance due to the campground's popularity. They advise bringing warm clothing for cold nights and checking fire restrictions. For a better experience, some suggest...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, offering cool temperatures and abundant recreational activities. Visitors recommend layers for cold nights and preparing for occasional rainstorms.
Based on 84 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The bathrooms are the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground.' 2. 'The camp hosts, Mel and Cindy, made us feel like family!' 3. 'Grayling is tucked away from other campgrounds, offering fresh...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 14 is noted for being small and close to adjacent sites. Site 17 is mentioned as having a trip hazard (a stump) and accommodating large RVs. Site 21 is frequently praised for its spaciousness.
Based on 84 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews directly address accessibility features.
Based on 84 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One negative review mentions disruptive barking dogs as an issue, but no additional details about pet-friendly policies are provided.
Based on 84 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025