Theodore Roosevelt Lake

Photos

Overview

Theodore Roosevelt Lake, usually just called Roosevelt Lake, is the largest lake entirely within Arizona, about 80 miles northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto Basin. Roosevelt Dam formed it on the Salt River and was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt himself in 1911. It's the oldest and largest reservoir of the Salt River Project, holding about 1.65 million acre-feet at its conservation limit. The lake extends roughly 10 miles up the Salt and 8 miles up Tonto Creek, with the Sierra Ancha, Mazatzal and Superstition mountains all around. Tonto National Forest manages its recreation sites.

Fishing

Roosevelt Lake's game fish include crappie, carp, sunfish, flathead and channel catfish, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Bass length rules here have changed over time, so check the current AZGFD booklet before keeping any fish.

Species

Game fish listed for the lake: crappie, carp, sunfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass (Wikipedia).

Regulations

Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations apply: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/ (2025–2026 booklet, amended Jan. 2026). Statewide limits plus any special regulations for this water are listed there; confirm before you fish.

Licensing

A valid Arizona fishing or combination license is required for anglers 10 and older on public waters (AZGFD). Buy one online or from license dealers.

Access

Tonto National Forest runs the boat ramps and campgrounds along State Route 188. The forest's Tonto Basin recreation map lists Windy Hill Campground & Boat Ramp, Grapevine Boat Ramp, Schoolhouse Boat Ramp, and Cholla Campground (which has a paved launch and courtesy dock). It also lists several seasonal shoreline camping areas. According to Recreation.gov, the Cholla ramps are usable only when the lake is above 2,110 feet, so check the level before you go.

Boat ramps & launches

Cholla, Windy Hill, Grapevine and Schoolhouse (Tonto National Forest).

Marinas & rentals

Roosevelt Lake Marina, at 28085 AZ-188 in Roosevelt, is run by a Forest Service concessionaire and open year-round. The marina lists 258 slips, public boat rentals (tritoons and deck boats), a service center, a ship's store, a restaurant, and a 50-site RV park. Call (602) 977-7170.

Amenities

Cholla Campground has 206 sites with shade ramadas, fire pits, grills and tables, plus potable water, showers, restrooms, playgrounds, and accessible boat boarding ramps. It's one of the largest solar-powered campgrounds in the U.S. Other Forest Service campgrounds on the lake include Windy Hill, Schoolhouse, Burnt Corral and Indian Point. The Tonto Basin Ranger Station is on AZ-188.

Activities

Boating and paddling, camping, hiking a section of the Arizona Trail (it crosses the Salt River on the SR 188 bridge near the dam), visiting Tonto National Monument, and taking in the Roosevelt Dam and Inspiration Point overlooks.

Water facts

Conservation capacity 1,653,043 acre-feet (up to 2.91 million acre-feet in flood-control mode). Formed by Theodore Roosevelt Dam (1911) on the Salt River. Approximate mapped area 36.7 km² at the time of mapping (it varies with level). Shoreline about 96 km (USGS NHD). Mostly in Gila County, with a small part in Maricopa.

Nearby services

Roosevelt Lake Marina has a store and restaurant. Recreation.gov suggests Globe or Payson, about 45 minutes away, for town services.

Safety & advisories

Lake levels fluctuate, which affects which ramps you can use. Bring sun protection and water. Bald eagles are sometimes seen, so give wildlife space.

Nearby waters

• Tonto Creek · 2.8 km (AZ)
• Saguaro Lake · 39.5 km (AZ)

More in Gila

• Tonto Creek (AZ)
• Christopher Creek (AZ)
• East Verde River (AZ)
• Haigler Creek (AZ)
• Black River (AZ)