Experience the Wonder of Tonto Basin

TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICT - CAMPING

The Tonto Basin Ranger District is located northwest of Globe and south of Payson. The district consists of approximately 530,000 acres (approximately 210,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral types of vegetation, as well as a few scattered areas of Ponderosa Pine. Roosevelt Lake (the largest lake totally within Arizona) and Apache Lake are within this district.

Watershed is one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since then, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed. While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year.

Water recreation ranges from the simple to the sophisticated. Some activities require highly mechanized equipment, while other popular activities only require a swimming suit. Whatever your preferences, the Tonto National Forest has plenty to offer when it comes to water recreation.

Contact Information:

Address: 28079 N. Az Highway 188, Roosevelt, Arizona 85545
Phone: (602) 225-5395
Fax: (928) 467-3239

CAMPGROUND CAMPING

Bachelor Cove Shoreline Area

Located along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake. This camping area showcases the Sonoran Desert.

Bermuda Flat Shoreline Area

This site provides spectacular views of the Sierra Ancha Mountains and Four Peaks Wilderness and Roosevelt Lake.

Burnt Corral Campground

This site is set among the canyon walls of Apache Lake, which allows for great water recreation activities.

Cholla Bay Day Shoreline Area

Located on the banks of Roosevelt Lake, this cove provides breathtaking views and easy access to the water.

Cholla Campground

Offers an extensive selection of both RV and tent-only sites.  Potable water & toilet buildings makes it very popular.

Crabtree Wash Shoreline Area

This site offers shoreline parking and boat access. Access is by the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway.

Davis Wash Shoreline Area

This shoreline offers an abundance of opportunities for families looking for a fun get away any time of the year!

Frazier Horse Camp

Several miles of hiking and horse riding trails are accessible from the site. Close proximity to the Arizona Trail.

Lower Burnt Corral Shoreline

This site offers shoreline parking and boat access. Access via the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway.

Roosevelt Lake Camping Areas

Roosevelt Lake is a beautiful body of water set in the desert.  Access to world class bass fishing is a major draw.

Schoolhouse Campground

School house allows fishing, non-motorized and motorized boating, along with shoreline hiking trails.

Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area

Three Mile Wash offers shoreline parking and boat access.  Because it is close to the water it is great for families.

DISPERSED CAMPING

Diversion Dam

This site is located on the Upper Salt River area and has five river access points throughout.

EADS Wash Campground

This site is located on the Upper Salt River; with river access, accessible toilet building and trash receptacles.

Eucalyptus Campground

This site offers fishing, water recreation and wildlife viewing. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for access.

HZ Wash Campground

HZ Wash is not a developed site, but does allow for easy access to fun recreation.

Rafter Take-Out Campground

Located at the Upper Salt River. It is the River Access Point for a great weekend by the water.

RV CAMPING

Burnt Corral Campground

This site is set among the canyon walls of Apache Lake, which allows for great water recreation activities.

Cholla Campground

Offers an extensive selection of both RV and tent-only sites.  Potable water & toilet buildings makes it very popular.

Frazier Horse Campground

Several miles of hiking and horse riding trails are accessible from the site. Close proximity to the Arizona Trail.

Grapevine Group Area

Best known for its group campgrounds. However, Grapevine also offers a very diverse selection of recreation opportunities.

Schoolhouse Campground

School house allows fishing, non-motorized and motorized boating, along with shoreline hiking trails.

Windy Hill Campground

There are plenty of developed campsites available at Windy Hill, which allows for an easy, quick escape.

GROUP CAMPSITES

Frazier Horse Camp

Several miles of hiking and horse riding trails are accessible from the site. Close proximity to the Arizona Trail.

Grapevine Group Area

Grapevine is best known for its group campgrounds. However, Grapevine also offers a very diverse selection of recreation opportunities.