How much does camping cost at Cholla Campground?

Camping fees at Cholla Campground range from $25-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cholla Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cholla Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cholla Campground before I book?

Yes! Cholla Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cholla Campground?

Cholla Campground is open March 16 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cholla Campground?

Yes, Cholla Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cholla Campground have?

Cholla Campground has 206 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cholla Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cholla Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cholla Campground?

Cholla Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cholla Campground?

Popular activities at Cholla Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cholla Campground

4.06

294 reviews

28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,168 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

206 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Tonto Basin Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,168 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

206 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Tonto Basin Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Cholla Campground

$25.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Campsite: $50.00; Single Campsite: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(602) 225-5395

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cholla Campground

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Campground Map

28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US

Cholla Campground

28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US

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).

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.

Weather at Cholla Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cholla Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of comfortable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F), abundant desert wildflower and saguaro bloom, and excellent water recreation on Roosevelt Lake. Hiking in the Sierra Ancha, Salome Wilderness and Superstition foothills is at its most pleasant, and boating/fishing are prime before summer drawdown and heat arrive. Expect moderate to busy weekends (spring break and holiday weekends are popular), so book early for a, Peak months: April, March, May, November Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as the 'sweet spot' with mid-60s to 80s, wildflowers and full lake; but spring break crowds occur.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 16 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open 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.

About Cholla Campground

Cholla Campground sits in the Tonto National Forest foothills near Roosevelt Lake, operated by the Tonto Basin Ranger District. This very large campground offers tent and RV sites with showers, a dump station, and lake access for boating and fishing. Reviewers praise spacious sites with mountain and lake views, though generator noise and inconsistent amenity upkeep are recurring concerns.

Cholla Campground offers 206 campsites suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of comfortable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F), abundant desert wildflower and saguaro bloom, and excellent water recreation on Roosevelt Lake. Hiking in the Sierra Ancha, Salome Wilderness and Superstition foothills is at its most pleasant, and boating/fishing are prime before summer drawdown and heat arrive. Expect moderate to busy weekends (spring break and holiday weekends are popular), so book early for a, Peak months: April, March, May, November Avoid: July, August

Elevation2168 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryRoosevelt Lake fills the horizon, backed by the Sierra Ancha Mountains to the north and the Superstitions to the southwest. The Sonoran Desert surrounds the campground with saguaro forests and rocky slopes that drop to the water. Elevation sits at 2,168 feet. Wildlife sightings are common: mule deer, javelinas, bald eagles fishing the lake, golden eagles overhead. The desert-meets-water setting is striking, though summer heat waves shimmer across the exposed terrain.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or glamping options are available; accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are mentioned, but nearby attractions like the Tonto National Monument offer historical insights.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online on Recreation.gov, through their app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible boat boarding ramps and showers are noteworthy accessibility features. However, detailed information about ADA-compliant amenities is not provided.

Site SizeSites are described as "good-sized" with ample room for trailers and RVs. Tent sites are also spacious.

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 SitesBack-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 CampsitesThe Christmas Cholla loop gets recommendations for tent sites with lake views. Reviewers note that site privacy varies. Some are secluded, others cluster closer together. Sites are described as good-sized with room for trailers.

Need help booking Cholla Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake offers a wide range of amenities including shade ramadas, firepits, grills, picnic tables at each of its 206 campsites, as well as scattered playgrounds, showers, and toilet facilities. "Highly developed boat ramps with accessible boat boarding ramps are also available within the Campground." The campground is also the largest solar-powered campground in the U.S.

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Facilities include vault-style toilets, which are described as clean and odor-free by some users, while others noted issues with cleanliness.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

294 reviews

Satisfactory

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 294 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 294 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include "lack of lake access for swimming," "overgrown and unmaintained trails," "poor enforcement of quiet hours," and "cold showers."

Based on 294 reviews

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 294 reviews

Pro 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 294 reviews

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 294 reviews

Camper 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 294 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features like ramps and vault toilets receive positive mentions, but detailed ADA compliance reviews are lacking.

Based on 294 reviews

Pet-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 294 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lake recreation and maintained facilities in a large campground with mountain views during spring wildflower season.

Skip if

You need reliably enforced quiet hours or consistent amenity access without generator disturbance.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.4

(60)

Frazier Horse Campground

28079 N. AZ HWY 188, Roosevelt, Arizona, 85545, United States

Frazier Horse Campground sits in the Tonto National Forest foothills near Roosevelt Lake, operated by the Tonto Basin Ranger District. This equestrian-focused campground features secure horse corrals and serves as a staging area for riders exploring the Cottonwood Trail and Arizona Trail connections. The small site offers lake and desert views, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings for both tent and RV campers.