Tonto Basin Ranger District
Enjoy one of the largest lakes in Arizona- Roosevelt Lake, along with Apache Lake, and other great opportunities on the Tonto Basin Ranger District!
General Information
The Tonto Basin Ranger District is located northwest of Globe and south of Payson. The district consists of approximately 530,000 acres (approximately 210,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral types of vegetation, as well as a few scattered areas of Ponderosa Pine. Roosevelt Lake (the largest lake completely within Arizona) and Apache Lake are within this district, and can experience high visitation during busy summer weekends and holidays.
Watershed is one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since that date in 1905, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed. The Tonto Basin Ranger District holds a crutial piece of this history; part of the Apache Trail which was the access route for workers building these dams, and Roosevelt and Horse Mesa Dam.
While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year. Roosevelt Lake (also known as Theodore Roosevelt Lake) and Apache Lake have many opportunities for boating, fishing, skiing, and camping.
The District is also popular for hiking in the eastern Supersition Wilderness, rock climbing and canyoneering in the Salome Wilderness, and OHV riding on El Oso Road.
Trails
For a full list of trails, please click here or for more information or contact the appropriate Ranger Station on the forest.
Contact Information:
Address: 28079 N. Az Highway 188, Roosevelt, Arizona 85545
Phone: (602) 225-5395
Fax: (928) 467-3239
Complexes
Roosevelt Lake is a beautiful body of water set in the desert. There is a migratory waterfowl (including Canada geese) and raptors (including bald eagles and osprey) that use the lake during the fall and winter. Small isolated islands and coves offer outstanding opportunities for camping and relaxing in the unique Sonoran Desert. Both Non-Motorized and Motorized boats are allowed at Roosevelt for maximum enjoyment of the water. There are also numerous campgrounds, picnic sites, boat launches, and other recreation sites to enjoy the splendid lanscape of Roosevelt Lake.
Located along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake.
Located along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake. This site provides spectacular views of the Sierra Ancha Mountains and Four Peaks Wilderness.
Located along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake. The setting is in the Upper Sonoran Desert.
Cholla Recreation Site is located on Theodore Roosevelt Lake, central Arizona’s largest lake.
The Cottonwood Cove Picnic Area is located on the scenic south shore of Roosevelt Lake.
This site is located on the Upper Salt River area and has five river access points. This site also offers dispersed camping for boaters using the access points.
This site is located on the Upper Salt River; a river access point. EADS Wash offers dispersed camping with no fees.
This site offers fishing, water reacreation and wildlife viewing. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for access to shoreline from paved parking area.
Located on central Arizona’s largest lake. Several miles hiking trails are accessible from the site.
This site is located along the shoreline of central Arizona's largest lake. The setting is in the Upper Sonoran Desert.
Grapevine is best known for its group campgrounds, but it also offers a very diverse selection of recreation opportunities.
This site is set along the Upper Salt River, which allows for great water reaction activities. Nearby are impressive views of mountains, canyons, and wildlife.
Located at the mouth of Tonto Creek and along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake.
Rafter Take-Out is a common retrieval point after floating the Salt River Canyon Wilderness.
Looking to discover the wonders of camping, hiking, boating, and more in an aquatic oasis amidst the Sonoran Desert?
Roosevelt Lake Marina is concessionaire operated. See their website for up to date information on services provided, hours, and fees, or call (602) 977-7170.
Roosevelt Lake Marina is concessionaire operated. See their website for up to date information on services provided, hours, and fees, or call (602) 977-7170.
Located on central Arizona's largest lake, great water recreation opportunities are available to the public at Schoolhouse Campground.
This picnic site is located on the scenic south shore of Roosevelt Lake, within the Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area. During the winter Canada Geese and bald eagles can b
Windy Hill Boating Site is located on a peninsula jutting into Roosevelt Lake, central Arizona’s largest lake.
Windy Hill Campground is located on central Arizona's largest lake and offers great water recreation opportunities to the public.
Apache Lake was formed in 1927 when the Horse Mesa Dam was completed. Outstanding trout and warm-water fishing. Wet winters bring a profusion of spring flowers. This lake is set among sun-painted canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops to the lake itself. Both Non-motorized and Motorized boating are allowed at Apache Lake. During the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the cool water and beautiful scenery.
Enjoy views of Apache Lake, Goat Mountain, and the Painted Cliffs of the Mazatzal Mountains. If you are lucky, you may see eagles, ospreys, and even red-tailed hawks.
Burnt Corral Campground and Day Use Area is set among the canyon walls of Apache Lake, which allows for great water recreation activities.
This site offers shoreline parking and boat access. Access is by the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road.
Three Mile Wash offers shoreline parking and boat access. Access is via the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road.
This site offers shoreline parking and boat access on Apache Lake.
Apache Lake Marina is concessionaire operated. See their website for up to date information on services provided, hours, and fees, or call 928-923-6690.
Recreation Sites
Apache Lake
Apache Lake Marina & Resort
Apache Lake Vista
Bachelor Cove Shoreline Area
Bermuda Flat Shoreline Area
Burnt Corral Campground and Day Use Area
Cholla Bay Shoreline Area
Cholla Campground
Cottonwood Cove Picnic Area
Crabtree Wash Shoreline Area