Tonto Basin camping spots sit at the intersection of Sonoran Desert lowlands and the central Arizona highlands, creating a transition zone with elevations ranging from approximately 2,200 to 2,400 feet. The area receives about 15 inches of annual rainfall, primarily during winter months and summer monsoon season. Water levels at Roosevelt Lake fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline camping conditions and boat ramp accessibility.
What to do
Stargazing after dark: Roosevelt Lake - Cholla Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Great place to see the stars!!! Spent 3 nights with my 2 dogs and it was great!" notes camper James B. The campground's open layout provides unobstructed views of constellations.
Visit cliff dwellings: Drive 10 minutes from Windy Hill Campground to explore Tonto National Monument's ancient Salado culture ruins. "Across the road, lies the Tonto National Monument which shows off some terrific examples of early Puebloan cliff dwellings," reports one visitor. The Lower Cliff Dwelling can be accessed via a 1-mile round-trip hike.
Kayak peaceful mornings: Launch from shoreline access points before motorboat traffic increases. "We enjoyed a splendid paddle out on the water near sundown, after many power boats were already back up on their trailers," shares a Windy Hill camper. Early mornings typically offer the calmest water conditions for paddling.
What campers like
Private, shaded sites: Lost Dutchman State Park Campground provides natural separation between camping areas. "Sites were nice and private with trees and bushes between," explains a visitor. Many sites include ramadas for additional shade, which is crucial during hot months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife watching at several locations. "Saw lots of birds here - cactus wren, quail, finches, warblers, and road runners," reports Tara S. from Cholla Campground. Coyotes are commonly heard at night throughout the basin area.
Hot showers year-round: Several campgrounds maintain clean shower facilities even during winter months. A Windy Hill visitor notes, "The showers were large and clean but had no temperature control. I was bracing myself for a freezing cold lake shower, but was taken by surprise with an endless supply of hot water."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Don't count on reliable connectivity throughout the area. "Service is spotty in Loop Cane," notes a Cholla visitor. At Burnt Corral Campground, one camper explains, "No showers and no cell service!" Many dispersed sites have zero connectivity.
Generator noise: Engine noise can impact camping experience, particularly at popular lakeside locations. "For every good thing there was a bad... I expected lots of generators and the sound that it makes," reports one Windy Hill visitor. Another mentions "people are running generators often" as their main concern.
Road conditions vary widely: Access to some sites requires high clearance vehicles. "The drive down to the campground from the main road is 6 miles but takes about 15 minutes due to the steep winding gravel road," warns a Burnt Corral visitor. Another adds, "We had a 40 ft Cruise America RV. I would have been nervous taking an SUV down that road!!"
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Bermuda Flat Recreation Site offers shoreline camping near developed recreation facilities. At Cholla, a camper shares, "There are multiple playgrounds for kids. Running water in the bathroom. Water Spigots throughout each loop to fill drinking water."
Swimming access varies: Not all lakeside campgrounds offer good swimming spots. "The one thing that would have tipped this site to a solid 10/10 rating would have been the ability to swim. It was obvious most folks were there to fish but we weren't," mentions a visitor to Cholla Campground.
Secure loose items: Wind conditions can change rapidly, especially at exposed lakeside sites. "Stake everything down well and don't leave shade pop up tents up while you're out, they might be gone to the wind when you get back," advises a Windy Hill camper who experienced firsthand challenges with sudden weather.
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: Plan ahead for waste disposal, as facilities have limited hours. At Cholla Campground, "RV dump station, located across from Christmas Loop, is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm," according to a visitor. Outside these hours, options are limited.
Site selection for size: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Tortilla Campground, "The smallish spaced campsites are perfect for getting together with friends, yet large enough to accommodate big RVs." However, other areas like Sycamore Creek warn, "I would hesitate bringing an RV past the first few sites, but could be attempted."
Water/sewer without electric: Tortilla Campground offers an unusual hookup configuration. "Each space has water and sewer, but no electrical...so bring those solar panels and leave the generators at home," explains a camper. This setup works well for solar-equipped RVs but requires planning for power needs.
