Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Why Rent On Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Towering cacti meet deep blue water at Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona’s largest lake entirely within the state. Formed by the Roosevelt Dam—the oldest major reclamation project in the West—this reservoir sprawls across nearly 21,500 acres. Located within the Tonto National Forest, it’s a paradise for anglers, boaters, and campers. The lake is renowned for trophy bass fishing, including smallmouth and largemouth varieties, as well as crappie and catfish. The Roosevelt Lake Marina provides supplies, slips, and rental boats, while nearby Windy Hill Campground offers dozens of lakeside spots for RVs and tents. Hiking trails like Pine Trailhead and historic stops at the Tonto National Monument—home to ancient Salado cliff dwellings—add cultural depth to the outdoor adventure. With striking mountain backdrops and endless coves to explore, Roosevelt Lake offers the grandeur of a national park with the access of a weekend getaway.
- Surface area (mi)
- 54.37
- Max depth (ft)
- 347.77
- Elevation (ft)
- 2096.46
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 127.38
Popular activities
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
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Marinas on Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Theodore Roosevelt Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, swimming is not allowed around the marina or on the lake’s shores. However, you can swim briefly if you rent a boat and use it in designated areas with a flag.
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Theodore Roosevelt Lake is a popular destination because it is the largest lake entirely within Arizona, offering various recreational activities. It provides opportunities for bass fishing, boating, waterskiing, and other water sports along its 660 miles of shoreline. The lake is also surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, adding to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
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The daily bag limits for different fish species in Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, are as follows: Trout – 4 any combination, Bass (including largemouth and smallmouth) – 6 any combination, Striped Bass – 10, Walleye – 6, Catfish – 10 any combination, and Crappie – 15 per day as per recent regulation changes. These limits apply unless specific special regulations are in place for the lake.
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The beach area across the road from the Theodore Roosevelt Lake Marina is best for families. It has a beautiful view of the mountains and a nice sandy area to sit. There is also a swimming area, making it a favorable spot for family activities.
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The towns near Theodore Roosevelt Lake are Payson and Globe. These towns are the closest to the lake, which is located in the Tonto National Forest. The lake is also about 80 miles northeast of Phoenix.
