Big Lake Recreation Area / Greater Greer

• What: Big Lake Recreation Area
• Distance From Greer: 21 miles
• Travel Time: 40 minutes
• Vehicle Required: Any
• Difficulty: Easy
• Kids: Yes
• Dogs: Yes (leash)

Big Lake Recreation Area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is one of Arizona’s premier high-elevation outdoor destinations, sitting at 9,000 feet just south of Greer. The 575-acre lake is renowned for trout fishing — rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and the rare native Apache trout all call it home. A marina rents sit-on-top kayaks and small boats, and a general store sells tackle, food and firewood.

Nine campgrounds serve every style of camper, from tent sites to RV hookups. Showers are even available! Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing round out the experience, all set against a backdrop of ponderosa pine, aspen, and sweeping mountain meadows.