Map showing campground location near Roosevelt, Arizona

Camper submitted image from Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Cattle wandering through camp at dawn and cowboys on horseback conducting roundups are as much a part of this experience as the lake views. Dispersed sites along Forest Road 83, off Highway 188 on the southern shore of Lake Roosevelt, sit within open range working land in Tonto National Forest, where free-range livestock share the desert with Saguaro, jumping cholla, rattlesnakes, and scorpions. Campers should stay alert on the ground.

Forest Road 83 is a packed gravel and dirt road that most vehicles handle without difficulty, though conditions can vary. Sites near the road's entrance tend to be large and level, well-suited to RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. As Ariel & John W. note, "sites get smaller but more private" further up the road, giving tent campers and those with smaller rigs more seclusion. Some existing fire rings mark established spots, and downed wood is generally available for gathering. A dumpster sits at the head of FS83, but otherwise campers pack out their own trash. Cell service is minimal, with T-Mobile users reporting only occasional bars.

The lake is visible from many sites, with the Superstition Mountains rising in the opposite direction. Coyotes, birds, and other wildlife are active, particularly at night. Globe is the nearest large town, roughly 40 minutes away, making this a good fit for self-sufficient campers comfortable with limited services and an active desert environment. Those wanting a developed alternative nearby can consider Grapevine Group Campground a short distance to the east.

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Map & DirectionsTonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt is located in Arizona near Roosevelt

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

33.63574221 N
111.0778334 W

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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.

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General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 50 min from Phoenix, AZ
2 hrs 22 min from Tucson, AZ
2 hrs 24 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
2 hrs 34 min from Flagstaff, AZ

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Tonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt

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5 Stars

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5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Campers frequently mentioned large, level dispersed sites with spectacular lake views accessible via easy dirt roads. Many appreciated the secluded, peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife encounters including cattle and desert animals.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Allison D.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 7, 2026

Beautifull Desert Camping

Found this spot while spending a week at Cholla Campground. At first thought it was closed as the first cluster of campsites were being worked on and had earth moving equipment parked there. Kept driving and the road curved on back towards the mountains. Only found three sites that my 30' TT would fit in. The first two were very rough at the entrance as the road had been recently graded. The last was a pull through. The first entrance had quite a bit of dirt piled up. The second one was level and I was able to back into the site.

The front of my camper faced the mountains and I had a view of Roosevelt Lake out the back. There are free range cattle here but they didn't bother me. Absolutely perfect spot. Someone put quite a bit of work into the fire ring.

Sitepick

Month of VisitMarch

(5) View All

Duane B.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 3, 2026

Best free camping

Beautiful view,gravel road but packed hard,sites very private 👍

Month of VisitFebruary

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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Map & DirectionsTonto National Forest Dispersed Camping at Lake Roosevelt is located in Arizona near Roosevelt

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

DISPERSED CAMPING

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

Contact

Drive Time

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

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What amenities are available at Cholla Campground on Roosevelt Lake?