Arizona / Gila County / Tonto National Forest

Cholla Campground

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available November 1 through March 15 for odd-numbered sites via Recreation.gov; even-numbered sites are first-come, first-served. Check-in at 12:00 p.m., check-out at 10:00 a.m. Limited to 14 consecutive nights. Note: Bald Eagle seasonal closures in effect December 1 through June 30 for certain lake areas.

About

Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake is one of several campgrounds on the shores of the largest lake entirely within Arizona. As the largest solar-powered campground in the United States, it features 206 developed campsites spread across multiple loops, each equipped with shade ramadas, firepits, grills, and picnic tables. The campground sits at 2,168 feet elevation within a lush Sonoran Desert landscape, offering spectacular views of the Four Peaks Wilderness, Salome Canyon, and the Sierra Ancha mountain range. Roosevelt Lake was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1911 and boasts 112 miles of shoreline and 21,500 acres of surface water when full. The area around Cholla Campground is alive with abundant wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, geese, fox, javelina, and occasional bald eagles. Recreation opportunities include boating from the highly developed boat ramps with accessible boarding ramps, fishing, kayaking, hiking portions of the Arizona Trail, exploring jeep trails, and visiting nearby Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings. Two National Scenic Byways, the Apache Trail and Spines to Pines Highway, pass through the area, and the towns of Globe and Payson are within 45 minutes for additional services and attractions.

Directions

Located 5 miles north of Roosevelt Dam. From Mesa: Take State Hwy 87/Beeline Highway north for about 60 miles to its junction with State Hwy 188. Turn right and follow State Hwy 188 south for 28 miles to the site. From Globe: Take State Hwy 188 north for 30 miles, continue across the bridge for 6 miles to the site.

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