Schoolhouse Campground
Closed — Currently closed due to low lake levels. The boat launch is also closed. The nearest alternative boat launch is at Windy Hill.
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 devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Lower Salt River Area Temporary Emergency Equestrian Closure for Public Health & Safety
Click to view closure order for details.
Granite Reef Developed Recreation Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
See order for details.
TERMINATION ORDER: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
There are no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest as of Sept. 5, 2025, 8 a.m.
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.
About
Schoolhouse Campground is located on the eastern shores of Roosevelt Lake in the Tonto National Forest, providing easy access to Arizona's largest lake at an elevation of 2,100 feet. The campground offers 40 spacious sites within the Mesquite Loop, designed to accommodate RVs, trailers, and multi-vehicle camping. Most sites feature pull-through parking, shade ramadas, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills, making it ideal for families and individuals seeking a quiet desert getaway. The campground provides direct access to Roosevelt Lake through a paved boat launch ramp, enabling excellent opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Fishing is a popular activity, with anglers pursuing largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Shoreline hiking trails offer additional recreation, along with wildlife viewing and photography opportunities throughout the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape. Nearby attractions include the historic Roosevelt Dam, Tonto National Monument, the Arizona Trail, two National Scenic Byways (Apache Trail and Spines to Pines Highway), and the towns of Payson and Globe. The Tonto Basin Environmental Center provides insight into the area's rich history. Sites are available through both reservation and first-come, first-served systems.
Directions
Located 11 miles south of Roosevelt Dam. From Mesa: Take State Highway 87/Beeline Highway north for 60 miles to the junction with State Highway 88. Continue south on State Highway 88 for 8 miles to Forest Road 447/Schoolhouse Recreation Site. Turn left and continue 4 miles to the site. From Globe: Take State Highway 188 north for 20 miles to its junction with Forest Road 447, turn right and continue 4 miles to the site.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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