This US Forest Service campground sits directly on Theodore Roosevelt Lake with sites accommodating RVs up to 50 feet. The $20-40 nightly fee includes access to flush toilets and potable water at restroom facilities, though individual sites lack water or electric hookups. Reservations are available through the standard federal system.
Most of the sites provide direct lake access for launching kayaks or fishing. "Right on beautiful Theodore Roosevelt Lake," notes Rebecca S., with mountain views extending in multiple directions. The boat dock offers convenient water access, while fire pits and picnic tables come standard at each site. Cell service varies by carrier, with some campers reporting decent Verizon coverage using signal boosters.
The campground operates year-round but requires preparation since services remain limited. No dump station exists on-site, and the nearest gas and food supplies require a drive. Reviews mention the access road can be rough, particularly for larger rigs. Sites 204 and 205 sit closer together than others, while most maintain reasonable spacing. The area stays relatively quiet except for occasional coyote calls at night.
For different camping experiences in the region, Schoolhouse Point Dispersed offers primitive camping less than a mile south.
Description
Overview
Schoolhouse Campground is located in close proximity to the eastern shores of Roosevelt Lake with an elevation of 2,100 feet. Roosevelt is Arizona's largest lake offering a number of great water based recreation opportunites such as fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, and lakeside hiking.
Recreation
Schoolhouse Campground offers easy access to Roosevelt Lake with a paved boat ramp. This provides excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based recreation activites. Fishing is another popular activity where anglers fish for Largemouth and Small mouth Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish. Other activities in this area include, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Facilities
This campground offers 40 campsites within Mesquite Loop, which can accomidate RVs, trailers, and multi-vehicle parking. Each individual campsite has the capacity to hold 10 individuals and 3 vehicles, while the double campsites can hold up to 20 individuals with 6 vehicles. Most sites offer pull through parking, a shade ramada, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills. This site also offers fully accessible campsites with paved parking and stand-up grills. Other amentities include a paved boat launch area for motorized and non-motorized boating, and vault toilets.__Water is not available at this recreational area.
Natural Features
The campground loop provides spacious sites perfect for RVs and trailers with mesquite trees throughout, and views of the mountains and native Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife. This is a small campground ideal for individuals or families looking for a quiet area to get away.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRoosevelt Lake - Schoolhouse Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
This site is located 11 miles south of the historic Roosevelt Dam. From Mesa: Take the State Hwy. 87/Beeline Highway north for about 60 miles to the junction with State Hwy. 88. Continue on State Hwy. 88 south for 8 miles to Forest Road (FR) 447/Schoolhouse Recreation Site. Turn left and continue for 4 miles to the site. From Globe: area: Take State Hwy. 188 north for 20 miles to its junction with Forest Road (FR) 447/Schoolhouse Recreation Site, turn right and continue for 4 miles to the site.
Address
28079 N. AZ HWY 188
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Coordinates
33.650217 N
111.01216 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/28/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/28/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 2 hrs 31 min from Tucson, AZ
- 2 hrs 34 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 45 min from Flagstaff, AZ
