Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

Star3.62
153 reviews
28079 N. AZ HWY 188
Summer Destination

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

Opens Tonto Basin Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Schoolhouse Campground (Az)
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 to $40 depending on the season and site type. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(602) 225-5395
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What Campers Say

3.62

Mixed Reviews

Based on 153 reviews

73 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleansites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

28079 N. AZ HWY 188

Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

28079 N. AZ HWY 188

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.
Roads are accessible year-round, with paved access routes leading to the campground. Seasonal conditions may affect travel due to high temperatures or maintenance activities.
Nearby places
Mesa (72 miles), Globe (24 miles), Payson (51 miles)
Nearby supplies
Spring Creek Store near the campground offers camping supplies, groceries, and other essentials. Additional supplies available in Globe, AZ.

Best Time to Camp at Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

While summer brings the intense heat of the Sonoran Desert, with mercury soaring past 100°F, winter transforms this campground into a sun-kissed paradise. From November through March, mild days and cool nights create perfect conditions for hiking, stargazing, and gathering around the campfire without breaking a sweat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Sonoran Desert summer temps >100°F and increased crowds make summer less pleasant.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder weather and shoulder season appeal; peak season begins in November per notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Generally pleasant spring weather, though some reviews note peak crowds during spring shoulder periods.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 4% in AZ

Winter called the best season: mild days, sun-kissed and fewer crowds noted by reviewers.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: November 1 through March 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 through December 31 annually, with reservations available starting November 1.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts at this time, but users mention bathroom maintenance and occasional construction.

About Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

Tucked away from the crowds, Schoolhouse Campground offers an intimate escape where the shimmering waters of Roosevelt Lake serve as your backyard. This peaceful retreat invites you to trade city noise for desert silence, with easy access to swimming, boating, and fishing adventures just moments from your tent.
The campground is versatile with provisions for RVs, trailers, and tent campers. It also includes double campsites for larger groups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.'
HikingHiking opportunities are available around Roosevelt Lake and nearby areas. However, one review mentions, 'I wish they had some hiking trails.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity with species such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Channel, and Flathead Catfish available. Some reviews note limited bank fishing options due to brush.
BikingBiking is listed as an available activity, but there are no detailed descriptions of specific trails.
BoatingThe campground offers a paved boat ramp and dock for motorized and non-motorized boating. 'Excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted as an attraction, with sightings of native Sonoran Desert species and birds. 'Marvelous birds, especially in winter.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife, including predators, is present. Extreme summer heat and generator noise are notable concerns.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts at this time, but users mention bathroom maintenance and occasional construction.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Schoolhouse Campground (Az)

Reviews

3.6
153 reviews
Mixed 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

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

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

Accessibility Features

Users note accessible features such as paved parking and grills but criticize the lack of potable water and the condition of restrooms.
Based on 153 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific pet-related reviews or features are detailed.
Based on 153 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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