Roosevelt Lake Day Use and Camping Areas
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.
At a Glance
Permit Info: | Group events like fishing tournaments require a permit. Call the local Ranger District for further information. |
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Open Season: | Year-Around |
Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: | Tonto Basin and Punkin Center |
Passes: | America the Beautiful Passes are only accepted at the Picnicking Sites. For boating, a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required. Campground fees at various sites around Roosevelt Lake might be separate from the Tonto Daily and Discovery pass. Please call Tonto Basin Ranger District for specific details or visit individual websites. |
Information Center: | Tonto Basin Ranger District (602) 225-5395 |
General Information
Directions:From Mesa: Take State Hwy. 87 (Beeline Highway) north for about 60 miles to the junction of State Hwy. Turn right and follow State Hwy. 188 for 26 miles to the lake. The entire route is paved.
From Globe area: Take State Hwy. 188 northwest 27 miles to the lake. The entire route is paved.
General Notes:
Seasonal Information
All-year (Except where posted “Closed to Entry” on the Tonto Creek arm of the lake from November 5 to February 15 for wildlife protection).
Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures - December 1 to June 30
Activities
Campground Camping
Individuals can camp on the shores of Roosevelt Lake. Some popular sites include; Grapevine, Schoolhouse, Cholla, Indian Point, Cholla Bay, Bachelor Cove
Lake and Pond Fishing
Roosevelt Lake Fish Species: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish
Fish Species | Sport fish present: Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie and carp Roosevelt Lake has few rivals in Arizona for producing trophy fish. Previous records for both Largemouth (14 lbs. 8 oz.) and Small mouth Bass (7 lbs. 4 oz.) are catches taken from this lake. Catfish weighing in excess of 60 lbs. have been caught here. Crappies weighting in excess of 1 pound are caught routinely. |
Picnicking
Individuals can picnic on the shores of Roosevelt Lake. Some popular picnicking sites include; Grapevine, Schoolhouse, Cholla, Indian Point, Cholla Bay, Bachelor Cove
Boating - Motorized
Boat Launching Sites: Indian Point Recreation Site, Roosevelt Marina, Cholla Recreation Site, Windy Hill Recreation Site, Grapevine Group Site, Schoolhouse Recreation Site.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Boat Launching Sites: Indian Point Recreation Site, Roosevelt Marina, Cholla Recreation Site, Windy Hill Recreation Site, Grapevine Group Site, Schoolhouse Recreation Site.
Waterskiing
Water-skiing season is April through October (or longer with wetsuits)
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-12-03-25-04 Salt River Hazard Closure
- Pine Canyon Restoration Project Area and Trails Temporary Closure Order
- 03-12-02-24-67 Globe Forest Road 287 Area Closure Order
- 03-12-04-24-61_East Webber Geronimo Trails_Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-03-24-47_Boulder Fishing Pier Temporary Closure
- Equestrian Users Please Be Aware
- 03-12-06-24-27 Tonto Creek Crossing Road Closures
- Federal Holiday: offices closed Monday, February 17
- 03-12-02-25-01 Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Closure
- 03-12-03-24-64 Bald Eagle Closure Box Bar Order
- 12-16-5R Roosevelt Lake Seasonal Wildlife Closure
- 03-12-00-23-36 Target Type Restrictions Order
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure