How much does camping cost at Schoolhouse Campground?

Camping fees at Schoolhouse Campground range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Schoolhouse 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 Schoolhouse Campground before I book?

Yes! Schoolhouse Campground has 12 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 Schoolhouse Campground?

Schoolhouse 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 Schoolhouse Campground?

Schoolhouse Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Schoolhouse Campground have?

Schoolhouse Campground has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Schoolhouse Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Schoolhouse 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 Schoolhouse Campground?

Schoolhouse Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Schoolhouse Campground?

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

Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

3.58

153 reviews

28079 N. AZ HWY 188

Top 22% in AZWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Arizona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 thro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tonto Basin Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 thro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tonto Basin Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Campsite: $40.00; Single Campsite: $20.00. 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 Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

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Campground Map

28079 N. AZ HWY 188

Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

28079 N. AZ HWY 188

Nearby places

Mesa (72 miles), Globe (24 miles), Payson (51 miles)

Driving directionsFrom 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: 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.

Weather at Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

Best Time to Camp at Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

Best season: winter. Winter (November–December at Schoolhouse) offers the most comfortable desert camping — sunny days in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights in the mid-30s to 50°F make hiking, boating, fishing, and stargazing pleasant and accessible. Water-based activities on Roosevelt Lake are at their peak because heat is gone and boat traffic is calmer except for holiday weekends. Crowd levels are generally low to moderate, so campsites feel peaceful; note the campground closes January–April and you should Peak months: November, December, October, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 22% in AZ

Reviews cite winter as the best season: sunny days, cool nights, comfortable water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 16 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 through December 31 annually, with reservations available starting November 1.

About Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

Schoolhouse Campground sits in the foothills of Tonto National Forest near Roosevelt Lake, managed by the Tonto Basin Ranger District. This mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group options with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for lake access and desert recreation — hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and wildlife viewing — with the best weather arriving in winter when daytime temperatures stay comfortable and nights turn crisp.

The campground is versatile with provisions for RVs, trailers, and tent campers. It also includes double campsites for larger groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter (November–December at Schoolhouse) offers the most comfortable desert camping — sunny days in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and crisp nights in the mid-30s to 50°F make hiking, boating, fishing, and stargazing pleasant and accessible. Water-based activities on Roosevelt Lake are at their peak because heat is gone and boat traffic is calmer except for holiday weekends. Crowd levels are generally low to moderate, so campsites feel peaceful; note the campground closes January–April and you should Peak months: November, December, October, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation2100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMesquite trees provide shade across the campground, while the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape features palo verde, ocotillo, and barrel cactus. Roosevelt Lake stretches out from the shoreline, backed by weathered mountains that define the horizon. Desert wildlife including roadrunners and javelinas move through the area. Some campers mention overgrown vegetation blocking lake views from certain sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual sites allow up to 10 individuals
double sites allow up to 20 individuals.

Groups

Double campsites can accommodate up to 20 individuals and 6 vehicles.

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 on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites with paved parking and accessible stand-up grills.

Site SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate up to 10 individuals and 3 vehicles for individual sites, and up to 20 individuals and 6 vehicles for double sites.

PrivacyThe sites are described as spacious, but some users note limited privacy due to proximity to other sites. 'Spaces are a bit too close to one another for my liking.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the lake are praised for views, while others prefer quieter interior spots for solitude.

Best CampsitesSite 203 offers lake views and sits near the boat ramp. Sites can fit up to 10 people and 3 vehicles for individual sites, or 20 people and 6 vehicles for double sites.

Need help booking Schoolhouse Campground (Az)?

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

Schoolhouse Campground offers essential amenities suitable for RVs, trailers, and tent campers. Each site includes picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and shade ramadas. 'Most sites offer pull-through parking and stand-up grills.' A paved boat ramp is available for water access. Vault toilets are provided for sanitation needs, but 'water is not available at this recreational area.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography. 'Schoolhouse Campground provides easy access to Roosevelt Lake, ideal for motorized and non-motorized boating.'

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsSeveral user reviews indicate that flush toilets are being replaced with vault toilets or portable outhouses. 'During our stay, there were no flush toilets, and portable outhouses were brought in.'

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

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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

3.6

153 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Schoolhouse Campground (Az) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Schoolhouse Campground are mixed, with positive comments about its proximity to Roosevelt Lake and negative remarks focusing on maintenance issues and noise levels.

Review Summaries

Based on 153 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the 'quiet and peaceful' setting, the campground’s cleanliness, and convenient access to outdoor activities like boating and fishing. 'Clean and level sites, easy pull in/out.'

Based on 153 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include issues with generator noise and the lack of potable water. Additionally, many reviewers found the bathrooms dirty and poorly maintained. 'Bathrooms were sketchy and gross.'

Based on 153 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 203 is noted as 'the last spot in the campground closest to the lake.' Users of site 191 commented on generator noise, while site 205 reviewers mentioned issues with mobile data connectivity.

Based on 153 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

'Bring water as none is available on site.' 'Consider visiting during the off-season for a quieter experience.'

Based on 153 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is highlighted as the best season due to fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Summer sees extreme heat and more crowded conditions.

Based on 153 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Very peaceful and quiet and nice. I recommend this late to anybody who enjoys kayaking.' 'Camp sites were fairly level and clean. Fire rings are well maintained.'

Based on 153 reviews