Roosevelt Lake Arizona Guide

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026.

Roosevelt Lake is central Arizona's largest lake and one of the state's premier destinations for fishing, boating and lakeside camping. Located northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto Basin, the reservoir is surrounded by Tonto National Forest and framed by rugged Sonoran Desert mountains, providing a scenic setting for anglers, boaters, campers, paddlers and outdoor travelers.

Created by Theodore Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River, Roosevelt Lake combines more than a century of Arizona history with modern recreation. Visitors can fish for largemouth bass and crappie, launch boats or rent one at Roosevelt Lake Marina, camp along the shoreline, explore Theodore Roosevelt Dam and travel scenic routes from Phoenix, Payson and Globe.

• Roosevelt Lake Quick Facts
• Lake & Dam History
• Things To Do
• Fishing
• Boating & Marina
• Camping
• Best Time To Visit
• Directions & Apache Trail
• Roosevelt Lake Map
• FAQ

Theodore Roosevelt Dam & Lake History

Theodore Roosevelt Lake was created by construction of Theodore Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River between 1903 and 1911. President Theodore Roosevelt formally dedicated the dam on March 18, 1911. At the time, the massive masonry structure was an engineering landmark and became a centerpiece of the Salt River Project, helping provide dependable water storage, irrigation, flood control and hydroelectric power for central Arizona.

Between 1989 and 1996, the Bureau of Reclamation completed major safety modifications that raised the dam by 77 feet to its present structural height of 357 feet. The project increased water-conservation storage capacity by approximately 20 percent, added flood-control capacity and included new spillways and other improvements.

The Roosevelt Lake Bridge was constructed during the modernization project to move highway traffic off the narrow roadway across the dam. The steel-arch bridge spans approximately 1,080 feet across the lake and opened in 1990.

Why Visit Roosevelt Lake Arizona

Roosevelt Lake offers considerably more open water and shoreline than the smaller Salt River reservoirs closer to Phoenix. That size makes it popular with anglers who want room to search for fish, boaters looking for longer cruises and campers who prefer broad lake and mountain views.

The lake is also convenient to Theodore Roosevelt Dam, Roosevelt Lake Bridge, Tonto National Monument and scenic routes through the Tonto Basin. Mild winter weather, spring wildflowers, warm-season water recreation and year-round fishing make Roosevelt a useful getaway in every season.

Roosevelt Lake Quick Facts

• Official name: Theodore Roosevelt Lake
• Location: Tonto Basin in central Arizona
• River: Salt River
• Created by: Theodore Roosevelt Dam
• Dam completed: 1911
• Dam height: 357 feet after the 1989-1996 modifications
• Lake surface area: Approximately 20,300 to 21,500 acres depending on the reference elevation and water level
• Length: Approximately 22 miles at full pool
• Shoreline: Approximately 128 miles at full pool
• Surrounding land: Tonto National Forest
• Primary recreation: Fishing, boating, camping, kayaking and wildlife viewing
• Nearby communities: Roosevelt, Tonto Basin, Globe and Payson

Things To Do At Roosevelt Lake

• Go Fishing: Target largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and other warm-water species.
• Launch A Boat: Cruise the lake, fish remote areas or enjoy wakeboarding and water skiing.
• Rent A Boat: Roosevelt Lake Marina currently offers public boat rentals for visitors without their own watercraft.
• Camp: Choose from developed campgrounds, group sites, shoreline areas and private marina RV sites.
• Kayak & Paddle: Explore coves and shoreline areas during favorable wind and weather conditions.
• Visit Theodore Roosevelt Dam: See one of the most historically important water-development projects in Arizona.
• Photograph Roosevelt Lake Bridge: The steel arch is one of the lake's most recognizable landmarks.
• Watch Wildlife: Look for birds of prey, waterfowl and Sonoran Desert wildlife around the lake.
• Explore Nearby Attractions: Visit Tonto National Monument or travel portions of the historic Apache Trail.
• Enjoy Dark Skies: The remote Tonto Basin setting provides excellent opportunities for stargazing.

Fishing At Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake is one of Arizona's best-known warm-water fishing reservoirs. Arizona Game and Fish currently describes the lake as generally offering excellent fishing for largemouth bass and crappie, while anglers also pursue smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sunfish and other species.

The lake's large size provides extensive rocky shoreline, points, coves, river-channel structure and open water. Productive locations and fish depths change with season, water temperature and reservoir level, so anglers should check current conditions before a trip.

For detailed seasonal fishing information, see the Roosevelt Lake Fishing Report.

Boating & Roosevelt Lake Marina

Roosevelt Lake's size makes it well suited to cruising, fishing boats, pontoons, water skiing, wakeboarding and other motorized recreation. Wind can increase quickly across the lake's broad open water, so boaters should check the forecast and carry required safety equipment.

Roosevelt Lake Marina is the lake's principal full-service marina. Current services include wet slips, dry storage, fuel, a ship's store, boat rentals, RV camping, restaurant service and other boating amenities.

Camping At Roosevelt Lake

Tonto National Forest provides a variety of camping opportunities around Roosevelt Lake, ranging from developed campgrounds to shoreline and group camping areas. Cholla Campground is one of the major developed sites and accommodates both RV and tent campers, while Bermuda Flat provides more open shoreline-oriented recreation.

Other Roosevelt-area options include group camping and equestrian facilities, while Roosevelt Lake Marina operates a private RV campground with electric and full-hookup sites. Campground availability, fees, fire restrictions and shoreline access can change, so check current Forest Service information before arriving.

Best Time To Visit Roosevelt Lake

• Spring: One of the best seasons for fishing, camping, wildflowers, boating and comfortable daytime temperatures.
• Summer: Popular for boating, swimming and water sports, but extreme heat makes hydration and sun protection essential.
• Fall: Cooling temperatures and productive fishing make fall an excellent time for camping and lake recreation.
• Winter: Mild daytime weather attracts anglers, campers and visitors seeking a warmer outdoor getaway, although nights can become cold.

Getting To Roosevelt Lake Arizona

Roosevelt Lake can be reached by several scenic routes from central Arizona. State Route 188 provides the principal paved access through the Tonto Basin and connects the lake with both Globe and State Route 87.

From Phoenix, Mesa & Scottsdale: Travel northeast on State Route 87 toward Payson, then turn onto State Route 188 and continue south through the Tonto Basin toward Roosevelt Lake.

From Globe: Take State Route 188 northwest from Globe toward Roosevelt Lake and Theodore Roosevelt Dam.

Via The Apache Trail: State Route 88 provides a scenic route between the Apache Junction area and Roosevelt Lake. The previously closed Fish Creek section has reopened, but portions remain unpaved, steep, narrow and winding. Drivers should check weather, road conditions and current ADOT advisories before choosing this route.

Roosevelt Lake Visitor Information

• Tonto National Forest — Current recreation conditions, camping, fire restrictions and forest information.
• Arizona Department of Transportation — Current Apache Trail / SR 88 access information.
• Roosevelt Lake Marina — Boat rentals, slips, fuel, marina services, dining and RV sites.
• Roosevelt Lake Fishing Report — Seasonal fishing information by species.
• Roosevelt Lake Directions & Map — Arizona Leisure map and travel information.

Roosevelt Lake Arizona Map

Frequently Asked Questions About Roosevelt Lake Arizona

Where Is Roosevelt Lake Arizona?

Roosevelt Lake is located in the Tonto Basin of central Arizona within Tonto National Forest, northeast of the Phoenix metropolitan area and northwest of Globe.

How Big Is Roosevelt Lake?

Roosevelt Lake covers roughly 20,300 to 21,500 surface acres depending on reservoir level and the reference used. At full pool it extends approximately 22 miles and has about 128 miles of shoreline.

What Is Roosevelt Lake Known For?

Roosevelt Lake is known for largemouth bass and crappie fishing, boating, lakeside camping, Roosevelt Lake Marina, Theodore Roosevelt Dam and broad Sonoran Desert scenery.

What Fish Are In Roosevelt Lake?

Popular sport fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish and sunfish.

Can You Rent A Boat At Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. Roosevelt Lake Marina currently rents several types of motorized boats to the public and also provides slips, fuel and other marina services.

Can You Camp At Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. Tonto National Forest offers developed campgrounds, group sites and shoreline camping opportunities around Roosevelt Lake, and Roosevelt Lake Marina also operates RV camping sites.

Is The Apache Trail Open To Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. The previously closed Fish Creek section of State Route 88 has reopened. Portions remain unpaved, steep, narrow and winding, and temporary closures can occur after storms or rockfall, so check current ADOT conditions before traveling.

How Tall Is Theodore Roosevelt Dam?

Theodore Roosevelt Dam has a structural height of 357 feet. Major modifications completed in 1996 raised the original dam by 77 feet.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Roosevelt Lake?

Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable combination of weather, fishing and camping. Summer is popular for water recreation but can be extremely hot, while winter offers mild daytime conditions.

Is Roosevelt Lake Marina Open?

Roosevelt Lake Marina currently provides boat rentals, wet and dry storage, fuel, a ship's store, restaurant service, RV camping and other visitor and boating services.

Arizona Lakes