Roosevelt Lake and the surrounding Tonto National Forest sit at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 2,900 feet, creating a transition zone between desert and mountain ecosystems. Summer temperatures frequently reach 95-105°F during the day while dropping to 70-80°F at night. During winter months, daytime temperatures average 65-75°F with nighttime lows occasionally dipping below freezing, making fall through spring the most popular camping seasons near Roosevelt, Arizona.
What to Do
Explore ancient cliff dwellings: The Tonto National Monument showcases well-preserved Salado culture cliff dwellings dating back 700 years, located just minutes from Roosevelt Lake - Schoolhouse Campground. "There is a nice dock on the lake. Tonto National Monument is 5 miles up the road and really cool to see!" notes one visitor.
Paddle secluded canyons: Canyon Lake offers protected waterways perfect for kayak exploration beyond the main boating areas. "There is an amazing little canyon to explore. The only downside was the birds are very friendly, you can't leave food out," shares a camper at Canyon Lake Marina & Campground.
Stargaze without light pollution: The relative isolation of Roosevelt Lake creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. A camper at Roosevelt Lake - Cholla Campground confirms: "Great place to see the stars!!! Spent 3 nights with my two dogs and it was great!"
What Campers Like
Shoreline camping access: Several sites allow camping directly on the water's edge. At Bermuda Flat Recreation Site, one visitor notes: "Great place to have a small or large group of people. Camping right on the shore."
Desert wildlife encounters: The desert environment supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor to Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt shares: "I heard coyotes in the middle of the night that woke me up, and was glad for a rooftop tent."
Year-round accessibility: The mild winter climate makes the area suitable for camping even during cooler months. "We stayed March 28-April 1st. Beautiful time of year to visit! The camp sites are large and have beautiful natural vegetation between them," reports a camper at Cholla Campground.
What You Should Know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to some of the best places to camp near Roosevelt, Arizona requires careful planning. "The only road open is from Roosevelt side over the dam wall... I would have been nervous taking an SUV down that road!! We tried calling to ask about conditions and no one advised of road issues," warns a visitor to Burnt Corral Campground.
Reservation systems differ: Some campgrounds require advanced planning while others operate first-come, first-served. "The even camp sites are first come first serve, call beforehand to check how full it is," advises a Burnt Corral visitor.
Limited supplies and services: Pack accordingly as services are minimal. "Gas and food is not close, so bring what you need," notes a camper at Schoolhouse Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Cholla Campground reports: "We came here multiple times now and have loved it each time. There is multiple playgrounds for kids. Running water in the bathroom."
Consider tent site locations carefully: Some tent-only areas offer better family experiences than others. A camper at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground shares: "Gorgeous sunset, amazing view of moon rising over mountains. Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape."
Monitor noise levels: Weekend crowds can impact family camping experiences. "Camped here with my family. The scenery was beautiful, but didn't love the fact that people were blaring their music here until 2AM in the morning," notes a Lost Dutchman visitor.
Tips from RVers
Assess site suitability before arrival: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs despite being classified as RV-friendly. "Highly recommend this park with spacious sites and great views of the Superstition Mountains and night lights of Phoenix. Carefully review the site you select to be sure it will accommodate your rig. Roads are narrow and there are unforgiving drop offs on the sides," advises a camper at Lost Dutchman State Park.
Generator etiquette varies by location: Different campgrounds have varying policies on generator use. A visitor to Windy Hill Campground observes: "Despite the area's abundance of sunshine, making it perfect to run your camping rig on solar, this place takes the prize for the most generator impacted site."
Solar power can be sufficient: The abundant sunshine makes solar setups viable for many campers. "No electric hookups, but we had all the 110 power we needed from our solar panels/inverter system," reports a Schoolhouse Campground visitor.
