Cholla Campground

$25.00/night

Show on mapTONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICT (602) 225-5395
28079 N. AZ HWY 188
ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545

Overview

Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake, is one of several campgrounds on the shores of the largest lake/reservoir located entirely in the State of Arizona. It is situated within a lush sonoran desert landscape at an elevation of 2168'. Each of its 206 campsites have shade ramadas, firepits, grills, and picnic tables. Playgrounds, showers and toilet facilites are scattered throughout the campground. The area around Cholla Campground is often alive with abundant wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, geese, fox, javalina, and the occasional bald eagle.

Recreation

Recreation opportunities abound at Cholla Campground. Launch your bass boat, ski boat, or pontoon boat from the developed boat ramps within the recreation site and play on the water all day long. If motorsports aren't your thing, there's an abundance of places to explore from your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. While you're visiting, you can also hike a portion of the Arizona Trail, visit the Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings, explore endless miles of jeep trails or drive a portion of the Apache Trail or Spines to Pines Highway. If if you're looking for a day in town, consider the easy 45 minute drive Globe or Payson where you can shop for antiques, buy ice cream and learn about Arizona's rich mining and timber history. Roosevelt Lake is a landscape photograhers dream so don't forget your camera (and sunscreen).

Facilities

 Cholla Campground has 206 campsites. Each site has shade ramadas, firepits, grills, and picnic tables. Scattered throughout the campground are playgrounds, showers and toilet facilites. Highly developed boat ramps with accessible boat boarding ramps are also available within the Campground.  

Natural Features

Roosevelt Lake was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1911 and boasts 112 miles of shoreline and peaceful coves. When full, the lake provides 21,500 acres of surface water for your recreating pleasure. Cholla Campground is situated within a Sonoran Desert Landscape along the lakes shorelines. Views of the blue water and sunsets against the Sierra Ancha, Salome, and Superstition Wilderness' are a sight that keep many visitors coming back year after year.  

Nearby Attractions

Two National Scenic Byways (AZ Hwy 88 Apache Trail and AZ Hwy 288 Spines to Pines Highway). Roosevelt Dam, Tonto National Monument, the Arizona Trail, endless miles of jeep trails, Towns of Payson and Globe, Superstition, Sierra Ancha, and Four Peaks Wilderness'. Don't forget to stop by the Tonto Basin Environmental Center learn about the history of the area. 

Camp site features

Across 133 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 133 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 133 sites
  • Longest RV: 55 ft
  • Largest party: 20 people
  • Equipment: Boat, CAR, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Directions

Cholla Campground is 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 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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 10 AM.

Reviews

255 reviews
5 stars
135
4 stars
55
3 stars
38
2 stars
19
1 stars
8
Greg D
Loop:Teddybear
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
nice campground host
Jim S
Loop:Teddybear
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
Really enjoyed our time here. We will be back.
JAMES S
Loop:Cane
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
Getting away for Spring Break, Kids, Grandkids, and sister all joined us for a 4 days camping. Great time. Bathrooms were Clean, Showers were warm and welcome. Grandkids loved the play ground area, and the walking trails between camp loops. Thanks go out to our hosts, Dave and Claudia, who do a great job answering questions and keeping the facilities nice and clean. We also visited the Cliff Dwellings, south of the campground, even the little ones could make the walk up to the dwellings.
james m
Loop:Buckhorn
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
We come prepared for the heat with 2 portable evap coolers (one for the RV and one for the Clam) and 8 solar panels, which I set up on thr ground, so it was great. Barbecues, camp fires, long walks and we each caught large bass from the shore for first time. (We typically catch catfish). Verizon cell service worked great.
Becca L
Loop:Teddybear
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
The volunteer host (I believe his name was Jerry) was very nice and informed us of the campground amenities as well as things to look out for, like pack rats that might eat your engine. The site itself was fairly small and the placement of the fire pit made it difficult to figure out where to put the tent. The views were amazing and we had full cell service.
Randy B
Loop:Cane
Site:
Reviewed 8 months ago
Very clean park, and host was very friendly.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Nov 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Mar 15, 2027

Reservable online

Walk In season

Mar 16, 2027 – Oct 31, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

Nov 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Mar 15, 2028

Reservable online

Walk In season

Mar 16, 2028 – Oct 31, 2028

First come, first served

Peak season

Nov 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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