Roosevelt Lake Day Use and Camping Areas

Area Status: Open

Roosevelt Lake

 

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.
Open Season: Year-Around
Restrictions:
  • 14-day stay limit.
  • Please use trash receptacles when available.
  • PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.
  • CAUTION: Lake-levels fluctuate constantly.
    • Rocks and other obstacles may be near the water surface.
    • Waters near developed sites and many coves are “No wake” areas.
    • The channel to Salome Cove has a mid-channel lateral buoy-marking system in effect.
    • Observe the one-way traffic lanes.
    • Be aware that motor boating involves a degree of risk, and persons engaging in this activity assume the associated risks.
    • Gila County Sheriff’s office, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and USDA Forest Service personnel enforce Lake regulations.
  • Group events (including fishing tournaments) may require a permit.
    • Contact the ranger station for information.
  • Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (running generators are not permitted during quiet hours).
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


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

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)

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
LAKE SIZE (FULL) Roosevelt Lake is Arizona’s largest internal lake. Atits conservation pool, it cove

  Latitude : 
33.670844

  Longitude : 
-111.132246

  Elevation : 
2,151 feet