School House Recreation Site

For Arizonans looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the state’s breathtaking natural beauty, a visit to School House Recreation Site offers an ideal escape. Nestled within the Tonto National Forest, this campground provides a scenic, serene, and well-equipped base for exploring the vast and inviting landscapes of central Arizona. Located on the shores of the expansive Roosevelt Lake, School House is a favorite for locals and visitors alike who seek adventure on the water or simply a quiet retreat under the wide-open Arizona sky. This overview will provide you with all the essential details to plan your next trip, from what to expect to the activities you can enjoy.

Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake located entirely within Arizona, making it a prime destination for a variety of water-based recreational activities. School House Recreation Site takes full advantage of this, offering a gateway to fishing, boating, and simply relaxing by the water. The campground is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,100 feet, which provides a welcome respite from the intense desert heat during the late fall, winter, and spring months, though it is open year-round for those who don’t mind the warmth. The landscape here is a classic example of the Sonoran Desert, with mesquite trees providing welcome shade and views of the surrounding mountains that are a true feast for the eyes. It’s a quiet and peaceful campground, making it perfect for individuals, couples, or families who want a tranquil and authentic outdoor experience.

The site is well-maintained by the Tonto National Forest and offers a variety of amenities designed to make your stay comfortable, even in a rustic environment. While it does not offer water or electric hookups, the facilities provided are clean and functional. The overall layout of the campground is spacious, with sites spread out to give campers a sense of privacy. For many, this is the very essence of camping—getting back to nature without the distractions of modern life.

School House Recreation Site is conveniently located in Gila County, Arizona, making it a manageable drive from many of the state’s major metropolitan areas. Its physical address is Point, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA. It is situated approximately 11 miles south of the historic Roosevelt Dam and is easily accessible from two major highways.

For those traveling from the Mesa/Phoenix area, you'll take State Highway 87 (the Beeline Highway) north for about 60 miles to its junction with State Highway 188. From there, you'll continue on State Highway 188 for about 33 miles until you reach the turnoff for Forest Road 447, which leads to the site. The campground is also easily accessible from the Globe area by taking State Highway 188 north for about 20 miles to the same Forest Road 447 turnoff.

The road into the recreation site is paved, which makes it accessible for a wide range of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. The proximity to State Highway 188, which is also a National Scenic Byway, makes the journey to the campground a scenic experience in itself, with stunning views of the desert and surrounding mountains. This easy accessibility is a significant draw for campers of all experience levels.

The campground provides a range of services and facilities to ensure a pleasant stay for its visitors, keeping the focus on a traditional camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground offers 40 campsites within its Mesquite Loop. Sites are designed to accommodate a variety of setups, including RVs, trailers, and tents. Each individual site has a capacity for up to 10 people and 3 vehicles, while double sites can hold up to 20 people and 6 vehicles, making it suitable for larger groups or families.

• Site Amenities: Most sites are equipped with a pull-through parking area, a shade ramada to provide relief from the sun, a picnic table for outdoor dining, and a campfire ring with a grill for cooking. Accessible sites are also available with paved parking and stand-up grills.

• Restrooms: The campground provides vault toilets for public use. It's important to note that while some sources have mentioned flush toilets and showers, public data from the Tonto National Forest and Recreation.gov indicates the primary facilities are vault toilets. It is always best to check the latest conditions before you go.

• Boating Access: One of the biggest draws of School House is its paved boat launch area, which provides direct and easy access to Roosevelt Lake for both motorized and non-motorized boats.

School House Recreation Site offers a number of features that make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Arizona.

• Direct Lake Access: With its own paved boat ramp, the campground is a premier spot for boaters, kayakers, and those who enjoy water sports. This is a significant advantage as it eliminates the need to drive to a separate launch area.

• Fishing Opportunities: Roosevelt Lake is a well-known fishing spot, and from School House, anglers have excellent opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, and various types of Catfish. The convenience of a lakeside campground makes early morning and late evening fishing trips incredibly easy.

• Scenic Beauty: The campground is a testament to the stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The sites are surrounded by native plants and wildlife, with panoramic views of the mountains and the vast expanse of Roosevelt Lake. It’s a photographer’s dream and a perfect place for wildlife viewing and stargazing. The night skies here are particularly spectacular, away from the light pollution of the city.

• Hiking and Biking: The area around Roosevelt Lake and within the Tonto National Forest is crisscrossed with trails. Campers at School House can easily access a variety of hiking and biking trails that range from shoreline walks to more challenging treks into the nearby hills. Nearby attractions such as the Arizona Trail also offer a more extensive network of trails for serious hikers.

For more detailed information, including current conditions and any possible alerts, it is recommended to contact the Tonto National Forest Ranger District.

• Address: Point, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA

• Phone: Tonto Basin Ranger District, (602) 225-5395

There are many reasons why School House Recreation Site is a top choice for a campground getaway in Arizona. It stands out not only for its scenic location but also for its practicality and the quality of the experience it provides. The campground is a perfect blend of accessibility and remoteness, offering a true "get away from it all" feel without requiring you to venture too far off the beaten path.

For those with boats, the on-site paved boat launch is an unparalleled convenience that saves time and effort, allowing for more time on the water. For anglers, the proximity to a well-stocked lake is a major plus. Families will appreciate the spacious sites and the opportunity for kids to explore a natural environment, while those seeking a peaceful retreat will find the quiet atmosphere and beautiful views to be exactly what they need.

The fact that it is part of the Tonto National Forest means you are camping in a protected and managed area, which generally translates to a cleaner and safer experience than dispersed camping. While it may not have the luxury of full hookups, the provided amenities like picnic tables, shade ramadas, and fire rings are all you need for a comfortable and authentic camping trip. The sense of community among fellow campers, combined with the stunning natural backdrop, makes School House Recreation Site a truly worthwhile destination. It is a place where you can create lasting memories, whether you are enjoying a campfire under a sky full of stars, fishing at dawn, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of the Arizona desert.

School House Recreation Site

Point, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA