Roosevelt Lake Arizona Map & Driving Directions

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 12, 2026.

Roosevelt Lake is located in Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix between the Tonto Basin and Globe areas. Most visitors reach the lake on paved highways using State Route 188, with access from Phoenix and Payson via State Route 87 or from the East Valley and Globe via U.S. Highway 60. Historic State Route 88, the Apache Trail, also reaches the Roosevelt Dam area but includes a steep, narrow and unpaved section near Fish Creek, so travelers should check current road conditions before choosing that route.

• Roosevelt Lake Map
• Directions From Phoenix
• Directions From Globe & East Valley
• Directions From Payson
• Apache Trail Route
• Lake Access & Recreation Areas
• Driving Tips
• FAQ

Roosevelt Lake Arizona Map

Directions From Phoenix To Roosevelt Lake

For most travelers from Phoenix, Scottsdale and the central Valley, the easiest all-paved route is to take State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, northeast toward Payson. At the junction with State Route 188, turn southeast toward Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake.

This route avoids the narrow unpaved portion of the Apache Trail and is generally the better choice for passenger vehicles, RVs and vehicles towing boats or trailers. Continue on State Route 188 to the lake access area that best matches your destination.

Apache Trail To Roosevelt Lake

Historic State Route 88, better known as the Apache Trail, connects the Apache Junction area with Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, Apache Lake and the Roosevelt Dam area. It is one of central Arizona's most dramatic scenic drives, but it should not be treated as the normal route to Roosevelt Lake.

The Fish Creek section of SR 88 remains unpaved and includes steep grades, narrow roadway and sharp curves. Although ADOT currently lists the route as open, weather, flooding and rockfall can quickly affect travel conditions. Drivers should check current SR 88 and AZ 511 conditions before leaving.

Travelers towing boats or trailers, driving RVs, or uncomfortable with steep and narrow mountain roads should use State Route 87 and State Route 188 or U.S. Highway 60 and State Route 188 instead.

Read More About Apache Trail.

Directions From Globe & The East Valley

From Apache Junction, Queen Creek and other parts of the East Valley, follow U.S. Highway 60 east through Superior and Miami toward Globe. Near Globe, connect with State Route 188 and follow it northwest toward Roosevelt Lake and Tonto Basin.

This route is paved and is a practical choice for boats, RVs and trailers. From the Globe area, Roosevelt Lake recreation sites along State Route 188 are generally reached by continuing northwest toward the lake.

Directions From Payson To Roosevelt Lake

From Payson, travel south on State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, to the junction with State Route 188. Turn southeast on State Route 188 and continue through the Tonto Basin area toward Roosevelt Lake.

The route is paved and provides convenient access to campgrounds, shoreline recreation areas and Roosevelt Dam without using the rougher section of the Apache Trail.

Check Road Conditions Before Driving

Road conditions around Roosevelt Lake can change because of monsoon storms, rockfall, flooding, construction and wildfire impacts. This is particularly important on State Route 88 west of Roosevelt Dam.

Before traveling the Apache Trail, check the current Arizona Department of Transportation road status and weather forecast. For State Route 87, State Route 188 and other Arizona highways, use current highway-condition information before longer trips or when severe weather is possible.

Roosevelt Lake Access & Recreation Areas

Roosevelt Lake has multiple recreation areas along State Route 188 and nearby Forest Service roads. Facilities vary by location and may include campgrounds, shoreline access, picnic areas, boat-launch facilities and fishing access.

• Cholla Campground: Large Roosevelt Lake campground with RV and tent sites.
• Grapevine: Group camping, shoreline recreation, fishing, picnicking and boating access.
• Bermuda Flat: Shoreline recreation area with broad lake and mountain views.
• Cottonwood Cove: Picnic and shoreline recreation area on the south side of Roosevelt Lake.
• Roosevelt Dam Area: Access to the dam, overlooks and connections between State Routes 188 and 88.

Camping At Roosevelt Lake

Tonto National Forest offers developed and dispersed camping opportunities around Roosevelt Lake. Campground seasons, fees, reservations and site availability vary, so check the individual Forest Service recreation site before traveling.

Some developed group sites require advance reservations, while other recreation areas may operate on a first-come basis. Fire restrictions and temporary closures can also affect camping plans.

Roosevelt Dam & State Route 188

Theodore Roosevelt Dam is located at the northeastern end of Roosevelt Lake where State Route 188 meets State Route 88. The dam area is an important landmark for travelers navigating between Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, Globe and the Apache Trail.

If your destination is a campground or boat ramp, identify the specific recreation site before driving because Roosevelt Lake extends for many miles and the correct access road may be well before or beyond Roosevelt Dam.

Where To Stay Near Roosevelt Lake

Travelers who want more lodging, restaurants and services can consider Payson to the north or Globe to the southeast. Smaller communities in the Tonto Basin area may also provide limited lodging, food and fuel.

Driving distance varies substantially depending on which side of Roosevelt Lake you are visiting, so choose lodging based on the campground, marina, boat ramp or recreation area you plan to use.

Roosevelt Lake Driving Tips

• Use State Route 87 and State Route 188 for the most straightforward route from central Phoenix.
• Use U.S. Highway 60 and State Route 188 when approaching from Globe or much of the East Valley.
• Do not assume the Apache Trail is suitable for every vehicle simply because SR 88 is open.
• Check AZ 511 conditions before driving State Route 88.
• Avoid towing boats or large trailers over difficult unpaved mountain sections.
• Identify your specific boat ramp, campground or recreation site before starting the trip.
• Carry drinking water and basic emergency supplies during hot weather.
• Check current Tonto National Forest closures, fire restrictions and recreation-site status.

Interactive Roosevelt Lake Map

Roosevelt Lake Information

Tonto Basin Ranger Station
28079 N. AZ Highway 188
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
(602) 225-5395

Tonto National Forest

Roosevelt Lake Map & Directions FAQ

Where is Roosevelt Lake in Arizona?

Roosevelt Lake is located in Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix between the Tonto Basin and Globe areas along State Route 188.

What is the easiest route from Phoenix to Roosevelt Lake?

For most Phoenix-area travelers, the easiest paved route is State Route 87, also known as the Beeline Highway, to State Route 188 and then southeast toward Roosevelt Lake.

How do I get to Roosevelt Lake from Globe?

From Globe, follow State Route 188 northwest toward Roosevelt Lake and Tonto Basin.

How do I get to Roosevelt Lake from Payson?

From Payson, travel south on State Route 87 to State Route 188, then follow State Route 188 southeast toward Roosevelt Lake.

Can you drive the Apache Trail to Roosevelt Lake?

State Route 88 is currently open, but part of the Apache Trail near Fish Creek remains unpaved, steep, narrow and weather-sensitive. Check current ADOT conditions before using this route.

Is the Apache Trail a good route for towing a boat?

The paved State Route 87 and State Route 188 or U.S. Highway 60 and State Route 188 routes are generally better choices for boats, trailers and RVs than the narrow unpaved Fish Creek portion of the Apache Trail.

Are there campgrounds at Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. Tonto National Forest provides multiple developed and dispersed camping opportunities around Roosevelt Lake. Conditions, reservations and fees vary by recreation site.

Do I need a pass at Roosevelt Lake?

Some Tonto National Forest recreation sites require a recreation pass, and motorized watercraft may require a watercraft sticker. Check the requirements for the specific site you plan to visit.

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