Boating On Roosevelt Lake In Arizona

Free Public Boating & Water Sport Activities

Roosevelt Lake is a prominent reservoir located in central Arizona, near the Tonto National Forest. With its sprawling waters and picturesque desert surroundings, it is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a variety of activities.

Boating is one of the main draws of Roosevelt Lake, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The lake offers ample space for boating, and its calm waters are perfect for cruising, water skiing, and tubing. Whether you own a boat or not, there are options for everyone. Several marinas around the lake offer boat rentals, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a day on the water without having to bring their own watercraft.

Near Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, visitors can explore the charm of several cities in the region. Globe, situated about 30 miles southeast of the lake, offers a glimpse into the area's mining heritage and boasts historic buildings and cultural sites. The city of Payson, approximately 40 miles northwest of Roosevelt Lake, is renowned for its scenic beauty, surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. Here, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, making it a nature lover's paradise. Apache Lake is a short drive from the Roosevelt Lake Dam.

As for attractions near Roosevelt Lake, the Tonto National Monument, located about one mile south of the lake, stands as a testament to the ancient Native American dwellers of the area. With well-preserved cliff dwellings, it offers a captivating journey into the past. Nature enthusiasts will also find delight in exploring the surrounding Tonto National Forest, where opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the great outdoors abound.

The lake is a playground for water sports enthusiasts, providing plenty of opportunities for jet skiing, wakeboarding, and other thrilling activities. The warm Arizona weather during the spring, summer, and early fall makes it an ideal time for enjoying various water sports.

Roosevelt Lake boasts multiple boat launch ramps scattered along the southern shores off Highway 188, ensuring easy access for boaters to put their boats in the water.

Camping is a popular activity for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Roosevelt Lake and the surrounding Tonto National Forest. Several campgrounds are available, providing a range of amenities from basic facilities to more developed sites with hookups.

Fishing is another major attraction at Roosevelt Lake, drawing anglers with its abundant fish population. The lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and more. The lake's diverse fishery offers opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers to have a successful fishing trip.

The best time to visit Roosevelt Lake for boating, water sports, and fishing is during the warmer months, from spring to early fall, when the weather is most favorable and the water temperatures are inviting for swimming and other activities.

Roosevelt Lake offers an inviting haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a wide range of activities in the heart of Arizona. Boating, water sports, fishing, camping, and enjoying the stunning desert scenery are just some of the many experiences waiting to be savored at this beautiful reservoir. Whether you're an angler looking for a trophy catch, a family seeking a fun day on the water, or a camper eager to sleep under the stars, Roosevelt Lake provides an exceptional recreational destination for all to enjoy.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Explore the boating and fishing opportunities at Roosevelt Lake, a 22,000 surface-acre lake when full, and 23 miles long. Located in Central Arizona at the convergence of the Salt River and Tonto Creek, it is the head lake in a chain of 4 lakes. These lakes provide water to the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is accessed via State Highway 188 northeast from Globe and Miami AZ. Numerous campgrounds with boat launch facilities are located along the southwestern shore of the lake. Windy Hill, Schoolhouse Point, Grapevine, Cholla, Porter Springs and Horse Pasture are the primary areas with facilities. Roosevelt Lake has been known as a bass factory. An excellent population of largemouth bass has filled many a stringer for decades.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Cholla Campground - 928 467-3200

Spring Creek Inn & RV Resort - 928 467-2888

Roosevelt Lakeview RV Park - 928 961-6822

Roosevelt Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Roosevelt Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, bluegill and yellow bass.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie Bluegill Yellow Bass