Roosevelt Lake offers free primitive camping along the southern shore with multiple options for tent and RV campers. The Tonto National Forest surrounds the lake at 2,100 feet elevation, where desert temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night. Camping areas vary from developed sites with amenities to remote shoreline locations with no facilities.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing on the lake: Roosevelt Lake provides access for water activities directly from shoreline campsites. "We went kayaking and just relaxed on the shore of the lake. No showers and no cell service!" notes a visitor at Burnt Corral Campground. The lake's shape creates protected coves for paddling.
Visit ancient cliff dwellings: The Tonto National Monument showcases remarkable Puebloan cliff dwellings just minutes from camping areas. "Tonto National Monument is 5 miles up the road and really cool to see!" reports a camper at Roosevelt Lake - Schoolhouse Campground.
Stargazing without light pollution: The dark skies above Roosevelt Lake offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Great place to see the stars!!! Spent 3 nights with my 2 dogs and it was great!" shares a visitor to Roosevelt Lake - Cholla Campground. Another camper noted "we can see every star in the night sky" while staying at Schoolhouse Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront access for boat launching: Many sites allow camping with direct water access. "Each campsite has a picnic table with a shaded awning and a fire pit, but you have to bring in your own wood or gather it from the surrounding forest," notes a visitor to Roosevelt Lake - Cholla Campground.
Clean facilities at developed sites: Designated campgrounds maintain their facilities despite high usage. "The bathrooms are clean but had no sinks," reports a camper at Burnt Corral. Another visitor to Cholla mentioned "The shower areas are cleaned daily and decent."
Privacy between sites at some campgrounds: Though site spacing varies widely, some areas offer more seclusion. "The campsites are large and have beautiful natural vegetation between them. We were pretty secluded at our spot until the weekend," explains a Cholla Campground visitor.
What you should know
Weather considerations are significant: Strong winds can create challenges for tent campers, particularly at certain campgrounds. "It's named windy hill for a reason. Stake everything by 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," warns a visitor to Windy Hill Campground.
Noise levels vary widely: Generator use can impact the wilderness experience at some locations. "This place takes the prize for the most generator impacted site that we've ever stayed in our lifetimes," reports one Windy Hill camper, while dispersed areas often remain quieter.
Road access challenges: Some camping areas require high-clearance vehicles or careful driving. "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," notes a Burnt Corral visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available at select campgrounds: Some developed sites include play areas for children. "There is multiple playgrounds for kids. Running water in the bathroom. Water Spigots throughout each loop to fill drinking water," shares a visitor to Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt.
Beach areas for swimming: Several campgrounds provide beach access for water play. "There was a beach area on the grounds which was nice to play around and float about," notes a Burnt Corral visitor regarding the family-friendly water access.
Secure food storage essential: Wildlife and birds can be problematic if food is left unattended. "The birds are very friendly, you can't leave food out," warns a Canyon Lake Marina camper, highlighting the need for proper food storage.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds offer minimal or no hookups despite allowing RVs. "There are no hookups here, but there are bathrooms with flush toilets, and there are faucets with potable water," explains a visitor to Cholla Campground.
Solar power recommended: The abundant sunshine makes solar panels practical for extended stays. "No electric sites, but we had all the 110 power we needed from our solar panels/inverter system," shares a Roosevelt Lake - Schoolhouse camper.
Dump station locations and hours: RV services have specific availability. "Cholla RV dump station, located across from Christmas Loop, is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm," notes a visitor, providing critical information for planning longer stays.
