USDA Forest Service · Arizona

Brookchar

USDA Forest Service · Arizona, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
13
Season
May 15 to October 31
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
8,996 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
BIG LAKE STORE (NFSR 8115A) · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
Lake
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Nearest town
Eagar
Address
APACHE-SITGREAVES, AZ
Phone
928-735-7313
Activities
Boating, Camping, Fishing

13 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Brookchar Campground is tucked on the banks of Big Lake in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The campground is a small, tent-only facility comprised entirely of walk-in sites. Of the lake's five campgrounds, Brookchar is nearest to the water. The stocked lake draws anglers, and boat rentals and a boat ramp make it easy for campers to enjoy the lake's blue waters.

Recreation

Big Lake is one of Arizona's top trout fishing lakes, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding and wildlife viewing.

Facilities

The facility is small, with 12 tent-only, walk-to campsites. Campfire rings and restrooms are provided. A campground host resides on-site for visitor assistance.

A dump station, store, firewood, gas, food and boat rentals are located a short, half-mile drive away, and showers are just 1 mile away.

Natural Features

The campground sits in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at an elevation of 9,100 feet. The area is scenic, forested with ponderosa pine, fir, spruce and aspen, interspersed with high elevation meadows.

Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and cool nighttime temperatures.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Several other lakes can be found in the surrounding area. Visitors can also 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.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January39°21°0°52°11 of 11
February40°20°-6°55°11 of 11
March44°25°4°70°10 of 11
April55°32°19°67°10 of 11
May63°39°27°77°3 of 11
June76°50°38°86°0 of 11
July77°54°47°84°0 of 11
August72°51°47°82°0 of 11
September68°48°40°75°0 of 11
October60°39°25°73°5 of 10
November53°31°18°64°10 of 10
December44°25°-2°57°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Arizona · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.