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Cholla Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — ROOSEVELT · Arizona · Tonto National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Tonto National Forest |
| Location | ROOSEVELT · Arizona · Tonto National Forest · 33.73151, -111.20380 · Map |
| Sites | 133 public sites counted from the federal listing — 133 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 133 sites Water hookups at 0 of 133 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 133 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 133 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 55 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 149 sites · 30 ft: 149 sites · 35 ft: 16 sites · 40 ft: 11 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 12:00 PM · Out 10:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 167 sites, as reported |
| Amenities, as reported | Boat rampCampground hostDrinking waterDump stationLake accessPlayground |
| Phone | TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICT (602) 225-5395 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-05-22.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
6 mi straight-line · Roosevelt ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceFrazier Group Campground
6 mi straight-line · Roosevelt ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBurnt Corral Campground
7 mi straight-line · ROOSEVELT ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceWindy Hill Campground
8 mi straight-line · ROOSEVELT ArizonaFSU.S. Forest ServiceGrapevine Group Campground
11 mi straight-line · Roosevelt Arizona
Trip Card — Cholla Campground
ROOSEVELT · Arizona · Tonto National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | ROOSEVELT · Arizona · Tonto National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 55 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 133 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249312 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.