Cholla Campground
Open year-round. Even-numbered sites are first-come-first-served. Odd-numbered sites accept reservations via Recreation.gov from November 1 through March 15. Dump station operates Saturday and Sunday only, 10am to 2pm. Bald eagle seasonal closures affect some shoreline areas December 1 through June 30. Fire danger is currently very high but no fire restrictions are in effect.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
About
Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake is a premier camping destination in the Tonto National Forest, situated at 2,168 feet elevation within a classic Sonoran Desert landscape. The campground offers 206 sites spread across multiple loops including Teddybear, Christmas, Buckhorn, and Cane. Each site features a shade ramada, firepit, grill, and picnic table. The facility is notable for being one of the largest solar-powered campgrounds in the United States. Recreation opportunities center around Roosevelt Lake, which boasts 112 miles of shoreline and up to 21,500 acres of surface water when full. Developed boat ramps with accessible boarding docks allow launching of bass boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The area is rich with wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, javelina, geese, and occasional bald eagles. Nearby attractions include the Arizona Trail, Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings, and the Apache Trail and Spines to Pines Highway scenic byways. The campground operates year-round with both reservable (odd-numbered) and first-come-first-served (even-numbered) sites. Reservations are available November 1 through March 15. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, and RV air conditioners may struggle June through August. A 14-day stay limit applies within 30 consecutive days on the Tonto National Forest.
Directions
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 the Globe area: Take State Hwy. 188 north for 30 miles to its junction with State Hwy. 188. Continue on State Hwy. 188 across the bridge for 6 miles to the site. The campground is 5 miles north of Roosevelt Dam.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 32ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (602) 225-5395 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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