Roosevelt Lake Arizona Guide

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 5, 2026

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

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

• Lake & Dam History
• Roosevelt Lake Quick Facts
• Things To Do
• Fishing
• Fish Species
• Boating
• Roosevelt Lake 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 numerous 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.

Primary Fish Species In Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake is best known for largemouth bass and crappie, while anglers also pursue smallmouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish, yellow bass and other warm-water species.

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

Boating At Roosevelt Lake

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

Roosevelt Lake Marina is the principal full-service marina on Theodore Roosevelt Lake and provides convenient access for boating, fishing and overnight lake trips. Marina services can include boat rentals, wet and dry storage, fuel, a ship's store, dining, RV camping and other visitor amenities.

Services, rental availability and operating hours can change seasonally, so visitors planning to rent a boat or use marina facilities should confirm current information directly with the marina before traveling.

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

Is Spring A Good Time To Visit Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. Spring is one of the best seasons for fishing, camping, boating and exploring the Tonto Basin. Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable, and desert wildflowers can add color to the surrounding landscape.

What Is Roosevelt Lake Like In Summer?

Summer is popular for boating, swimming and water sports, but daytime temperatures can become extremely hot. Visitors should carry plenty of drinking water, use sun protection and plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.

Is Fall A Good Time To Visit Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. Cooling temperatures and productive fishing make fall an excellent season for camping, boating and other lake recreation, particularly as the intense summer heat begins to subside.

Can You Visit Roosevelt Lake In Winter?

Yes. Mild daytime temperatures make winter attractive for fishing, camping, hiking and sightseeing, although nighttime temperatures can become cold and visitors should prepare for changing desert weather.

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 but challenging route between the Apache Junction area and Roosevelt Lake. The Fish Creek section has reopened, but portions of the Apache Trail remain unpaved, steep, narrow and winding, and vehicle restrictions can change with road conditions. Before attempting this route, check current Arizona Department of Transportation advisories for vehicle requirements, closures and weather-related restrictions.

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, sunfish and other warm-water species.

Can You Rent A Boat At Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. Roosevelt Lake Marina offers boat rentals along with slips, fuel and other marina services. Rental availability and operating schedules can vary, so confirm current information with the marina before visiting.

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?

The Fish Creek section of State Route 88 has reopened, but portions of the Apache Trail remain unpaved, steep, narrow and winding, and vehicle restrictions or temporary closures can occur. Check current Arizona Department of Transportation conditions before attempting the route.

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 provides boat rentals, wet and dry storage, fuel, a ship's store, dining, RV camping and other visitor and boating services. Hours and individual services can change seasonally, so check directly with the marina before visiting.

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Arizona Lakes