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Dispersed Camping

Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

6 Reviews

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without the frills of a traditional campground. This area allows for a true back-to-basics experience, where you can set up camp among stunning desert landscapes and enjoy the freedom of dispersed camping.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and the starry nights that make this place special. Many have enjoyed the easy access to various pull-through spots along the dirt roads, with some sites featuring rock fire rings for cozy evenings. One camper shared, “The sunrise and sunset here were spectacular,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Wildlife is abundant, with sightings of cattle and various desert critters adding to the charm of your stay. Reviewers have noted the presence of Saguaro and jumping Cholla cacti, so keep your eyes peeled and tread carefully. While there are no amenities like water or toilets, the area does have a dumpster at the head of the road, and the nearest towns are a short drive away for any supplies you might need.

If you’re up for adventure, this location offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the rugged terrain. Whether you’re camping in a tent or a vehicle, Tonto National Forest provides a peaceful retreat where you can truly connect with nature.

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Location

Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt is located in Arizona

Coordinates

33.63574221 N
111.0778334 W

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Connectivity

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Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

EADS Wash

15 min away

Crabtree Wash

1 hr 25 min away

Drive Time

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1 hr 50 min from Phoenix
2 hrs 24 min from Prescott Valley
2 hrs 27 min from Tucson
2 hrs 34 min from Flagstaff

Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Cas M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2024

Coyotes!

Beautiful desert camping, lots of birds and wildlife. I heard coyotes in the middle of the night that woke me up, and was glad for a rooftop tent.

Month of VisitAugust

Tanner P.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 27, 2022

Great spot

We stayed one night with our dog here a few weeks ago and it was really nice. Spent some time walking around checking out all the different cacti. Would certainly use this spot again. We have t-mobile service and although we had a few bars occasionally, the service was very minimal.

Sitepast the cattle grate

Month of VisitMarch

(4) View All

Monte W.

Legend

Reviewed Feb. 21, 2022

Awesome dispersed area

I stayed here on February 19th and 20th of 2022. The weather was great! High of 78 and mid 40’s at night. I pulled off of the main road 188 onto 83 which is a dirt road. The road was easy to navigate. There were about 6 sites that had rock fire rings. I stayed right before the first cattle guard. I did see some cows while I was here but they didn’t seem to care about me being there. There was plenty of downed wood to collect for a fire. Awesome views and great stars at night. I would definitely come back here again. Full dispersed experience.

Month of VisitFebruary

(9) View All

Melissa S.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 15, 2021

Desert camping

There is many different pull through spots off this road. Pack it in and pack it out. Many different wildlife animals out. Great views.

Finn L.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 18, 2020

One of our best sites yet.

camping in a 2 man tent, traveling in a raised 2WD. We took the dirt road to the end looking for a nice secluded spot, we passed a handful of sites for both rvs and tent. We found a small site in a dried out run off area past the second cattle guard.

We ventured down as far as we could go and carried our tent the remaining 20 or so meters.

Lots of dried wood around for kindling, enough stones to make a fire ring.

The sunrise and sunset here were spectacular, the lake provides an awesome blue.

Ariel & John W.

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 12, 2020

Great boondocking on Roosevelt Lake

One of our all-time favorite boondocking spots. There are many forests roads off 188 on the southern shore of Lake Roosevelt where dispersed camping is allowed. Some have spectacular views of the lake but are high up and difficult to get to. We found the most easily accesible dispersed camping off Forest Rd 83 between the national monument and little town of Roosevelt. There are large level sites here right off the forest road. As you go further up the forest road, sites get smaller but more private.

This is all working open range with lots of stock. We woke up many mornings to cattle rooting through our stuff and one morning to a real roundup with cowboys on horses. Amazing. There are lots if Saguaro and jumping Cholla cactus around as well as rattlers and scorpions so be alert.

We stayed nearly three weeks here and will go back. Lots to do around and across the lake.

No amenities but there is a dumpster at the head of FS83. Otherwise nearest towns are Punkin Center to the west and Roosevelt to the east, Globe being the nearest large town about 40 min away.

Note there is also dispersed camping off 88 along the Salt River, also worth taking s look. No cell service along 88, no amenities and roads get much more steep and difficult.

(9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for camping at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area?

Reservations are not required for dispersed camping at Roosevelt Lake in Tonto National Forest. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly along Forest Road 83 and other dirt roads off Highway 188. While developed campgrounds in the area may have reservation systems, the dispersed camping areas operate without formal booking. Simply find an available spot with an existing fire ring, set up camp, and follow all pack-in, pack-out principles. Weekends and holidays may see higher occupancy, so arriving early is recommended during peak periods.

What is the best campground map for Roosevelt Lake camping?

For Roosevelt Lake camping, the most reliable maps are available from the Tonto National Forest visitor centers or through the USFS website. The Forest Service maps clearly mark designated dispersed camping areas, forest roads, and boundaries around the lake. GPS coordinates for specific sites are helpful for navigation, especially when exploring Forest Road 83 and other dirt roads along the southern shore. Remember to download maps before arrival as cell service can be limited in many areas around the lake.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Roosevelt Lake in Arizona?

Excellent dispersed camping can be found along numerous forest roads off Highway 188 on the southern shore of Roosevelt Lake. Forest Road 83 is particularly popular, offering multiple pull-through spots with established rock fire rings before and after the first cattle guard. Some sites provide spectacular lake views, though these may be higher up and more challenging to access. The dirt roads are generally navigable with 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. There are both RV-suitable and tent-only sites available. Remember this is true boondocking - pack out all trash and prepare for no facilities or hookups.

What amenities are available at Cholla Campground on Roosevelt Lake?

Cholla Campground offers more developed facilities compared to dispersed camping options at Roosevelt Lake. The campground provides established campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and designated parking areas. Vault toilets are available, but potable water access is limited. Cholla Campground is suitable for both tent camping and RVs, with some sites offering lake views. Unlike the dispersed areas, Cholla typically charges a nightly fee. For current amenity details and seasonal availability, check with Tonto National Forest before your trip.

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Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

Location

Coordinates

Connectivity

Detours Nearby

Drive Time

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

DISPERSED CAMPING

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

Contact

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Reviews

5.0

Coyotes!

Great spot

Awesome dispersed area

Desert camping

One of our best sites yet.

Great boondocking on Roosevelt Lake

Do I need reservations for camping at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area?

What is the best campground map for Roosevelt Lake camping?

Where can I find dispersed camping near Roosevelt Lake in Arizona?

What amenities are available at Cholla Campground on Roosevelt Lake?