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Camping · Arizona

Cholla Campground

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Hours
Check in time is 2:00pm and check out time is 11:00am. Quiet Hours are 10:00pm through 6:00am
Reservations
recreation.gov
Phone
TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICT (602) 225-5395
Nearest dump station
Woods Canyon Dump Station · 43.4 mi
Coordinates
33.7315, -111.2038
Last verified
September 19, 2026
33.7315° N · 111.2038° W
Last verifiedSeptember 19, 2026

About this place

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.

From the USFS.Official page

Is Cholla Campground free?

No. Cholla Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.

How do I get to Cholla Campground?

This site 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.

What are the rules at Cholla Campground?

Stay limit 14 days, trailers under 32'. Rules and regulations are posted on bulletin board. Please read and observe. Please use trash receptacles, or pack it in pack it out.

Nearby

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
Cholla Campground, Camping in Arizona - TerrainKit