Cholla Campground
4.1698 reviews28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US
Cholla Campground
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$50.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates vary by season and type: $25–$50 for standard nonelectric sites. No discounts or hookups are stated.
About this campground
Welcome to Cholla Campground, where innovation meets wilderness as America's largest solar-powered camping destination. Stretching along the sapphire waters of Roosevelt Lake in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, this remarkable outdoor haven offers 206 thoughtfully designed campsites, each sheltered by traditional ramadas and equipped with grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. Here, modern sustainability harmonizes with timeless desert adventures—cast your line into the lake's abundant waters, explore rugged hiking trails that wind through ancient saguaro forests, or launch your boat into Arizona's largest lake while golden eagles soar overhead and javelinas rustle through the desert brush at dusk.
Cholla Campground offers 206 campsites suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where presidential history and ancient cultures converge. In 1911, President Theodore Roosevelt himself stood on these shores to dedicate the engineering marvel that would become Roosevelt Lake, forever linking this wilderness to America's conservation legacy. But human stories here stretch back millennia—just a short drive away, the remarkable cliff dwellings of Tonto National Monument whisper tales of the Salado people who thrived in these canyons 700 years ago. Historic highways carved through surrounding mountains tell their own stories of frontier determination, inviting modern explorers to trace the paths of prospectors, ranchers, and visionaries who shaped the American Southwest.
Weather and SeasonsThe Sonoran Desert's dramatic seasonal personality shapes every visit to Cholla Campground. Summer arrives with fierce intensity, sending temperatures soaring past 100°F and transforming the landscape into a shimmering canvas of heat mirages and sun-baked earth. Yet as autumn approaches, the desert exhales, welcoming visitors with perfectly temperate days and refreshingly cool evenings ideal for stargazing. Spring emerges as nature's grand performance—particularly in April when carpets of golden poppies, purple lupines, and scarlet chuparosa blooms transform the harsh desert into a painter's palette of impossible colors, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched at 2,168 feet above sea level, Cholla Campground occupies a sweet spot in Arizona's varied topography. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where spring and fall deliver those coveted 'goldilocks' conditions—warm sunny days perfect for water activities paired with crisp evenings that demand a crackling campfire. While summer's heat can be formidable at this elevation, the proximity to Roosevelt Lake offers instant relief, and the desert's famous temperature swings mean even the hottest days surrender to surprisingly comfortable nights under star-studded skies.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert, where towering saguaro cacti stand sentinel over a landscape that shifts from rugged desert slopes to the glittering expanse of Roosevelt Lake. From your campsite, watch the sun paint the surrounding wilderness areas in shades of copper and gold—the Sierra Ancha Mountains rising to the north, the mysterious Salome Wilderness beckoning to the west, and the legendary Superstition Mountains commanding the southwestern horizon. This is a living desert where encounters with wildlife become treasured memories: majestic mule deer picking their way along the shoreline at dawn, curious javelinas investigating evening campfires, and if you're fortunate, the breathtaking sight of a bald eagle plucking fish from the lake's surface.
Geological RegionCholla Campground rests within one of North America's most distinctive landscapes—the Sonoran Desert, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a masterpiece of contradictions. Here, the desert meets water in dramatic fashion as Roosevelt Lake fills a basin carved by the Salt River over millions of years. The campground serves as your gateway to explore three distinct wilderness areas, each telling its own geological story: the pine-dotted peaks of the Sierra Ancha, the remote and rugged Salome Wilderness with its hidden springs and steep canyons, and the mythical Superstition Mountains, where volcanic origins have created a labyrinth of spires, mesas, and legends that have captivated adventurers for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible boat boarding ramps and showers are noteworthy accessibility features. However, detailed information about ADA-compliant amenities is not provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as "good-sized" with ample room for trailers and RVs. Tent sites are also spacious.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary but are generally good. Some sites are more secluded, while others are closer together. "Sites feel pretty private," according to one user.
Total Campsites206 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBack-in sites are preferred for privacy. Sites near water provide scenic views but access may be steep. Odd-numbered sites are recommended for lake views.
Best CampsitesLoops such as 'Christmas Cholla' are highly recommended for tent sites overlooking the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 1 PM on arrival day.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 11 AM on departure day.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Reviews suggest varying vehicle and guest limits, with double sites accommodating trailers and vehicles, but no official guest-per-site data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSix loops accommodate 206 sites, well-spaced with ramadas, fire pits, grills, and picnic tables. Some sites are back-in while others are parallel.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 1st annually, transitioning to first-come, first-served availability June 21st through October 31st. Reservations are only available from November through December.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online on Recreation.gov, through their app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityApproximately six campground loops are open for first-come, first-served sites during the non-reservable seasons, from June through October.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations (less than a day before check-in) forfeit the first night's fee. See rules for exceptions and refunds.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A wide array of recreational activities is available, including boating, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground's proximity to Roosevelt Lake makes it ideal for water-based activities. It is also close to scenic byways and historical sites such as the Tonto National Monument.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include access to the Arizona Trail, as well as other local trails. Trail quality varies, with some users mentioning overgrown paths.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, though shore-based fishing can be challenging due to rugged terrain. One user said, "There were a few places to fish from shore but very steep and rugged terrain."Swimming
Swimming is available, although access to the lake is limited in some areas. "Unfortunately there's limited to NO access to the lake for swimming," one user noted.Biking
Biking is available, with the area described as excellent for electric bikes. Proximity to the Arizona Trail offers additional opportunities.Boating
Boating is well-supported with developed boat ramps and accessible boarding ramps. Watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are commonly used.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife includes mule deer, coyotes, geese, foxes, and occasionally bald eagles. "The area around Cholla Campground is often alive with abundant wildlife."Winter Activities
No specific winter recreational activities are described, but the campground remains open during cooler months.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed except during fire bans. Use of propane campfires is suggested during high-risk periods.
- Quiet hours are officially enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPack rats, wildlife, and extreme summer heat are mentioned in reviews. Swimming access near campsites is limited. Generators may affect tranquility.
Weather forecast
101
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are in Tonto Basin, about 17 miles away, which includes grocery stores and potentially medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesNovember 1st to December 31st annually; January 1st to March 31st also listed as peak pricing periods.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection bins and dumpsters are located throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Roosevelt Lake's shoreline, but swimming access is limited near campsites.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include loud generators and neighbors, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, inconsistent access to amenities like showers and potable water, and overgrown vegetation.
HostHosts are generally praised for being friendly and helpful, but some reviews report lack of oversight and missing hosts.
Campground Map
28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US
Driving directionsCholla Campground is 5 miles north of Roosevelt Dam. From Mesa: Take State Hwy. 87/Beeline Highway north for about 60 miles to its junction with State Hwy. 188. Turn right and follow State Hwy. 188 south for 28 miles to the site. From the Globe area: Take State Hwy. 188 north for 30 miles to its junction with State Hwy. 188. Continue on State Hwy. 188 across the bridge for 6 miles to the site.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, although some user reviews mention crumbly and rough conditions, particularly near site loops.Nearby places
Mesa (approximately 88 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes by car), Globe (approximately 30 miles, 45 minutes by car), Payson (approximately 45 miles, 60 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery store and supplies are located 17 miles away in Tonto Basin. The campground also has potable water spigots available approximately every four campsites and dumpster facilities for trash disposal.
Camper Reviews
4.2
98 reviews
Cholla Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cholla Campground is praised for its natural beauty, spacious sites, and range of recreational activities. However, some users note maintenance issues, generator noise, and enforcement of rules as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 98 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include "clean and well-maintained facilities," "beautiful views of Roosevelt Lake and surrounding mountains," and "spacious campsites with privacy." The natural environment and wildlife...
Based on 98 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include "lack of lake access for swimming," "overgrown and unmaintained trails," "poor enforcement of quiet hours," and "cold showers."
Based on 98 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include using showers in the afternoon for warmer water, bringing a generator for power needs, and reserving spots in advance during peak seasons. Several reviewers also recommend exploring...
Based on 98 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to moderate temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer brings extreme heat, and winter offers cool, quieter camping experiences.
Based on 98 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The views of the mountains and Roosevelt Lake are spectacular." "Showers were clean and in working order." "The sites are separated by beautiful vegetation." "Generators started up to two hours...
Based on 98 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites like 93 and 19 are praised for their spaciousness and lake views. Sites on the Teddy Bear Loop are highlighted for their privacy and scenic beauty.
Based on 98 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features like ramps and vault toilets receive positive mentions, but detailed ADA compliance reviews are lacking.
Based on 98 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some users mention enjoying walking trails with their dogs. However, barking dogs are cited as a disturbance in some reviews.
Based on 98 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025