480-548-8921 
Roosevelt Lake
Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Roosevelt Lake, Arizona
Created by Theodore Roosevelt Dam, which was completed in 1911, Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake located entirely within Arizona. The lake stretches approximately 22.4 miles, covers 21,493 acres and has 128 miles of shoreline surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, mountain views and Tonto National Forest. Its size and numerous coves make Roosevelt Lake a popular destination for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayak fishing, boating and camping.
Paddlers can explore quiet coves, small islands and long stretches of desert shoreline. Roosevelt Lake is also home to migratory waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons and other Arizona wildlife. Many recreation sites and protected coves are designated as no-wake areas, creating calmer places to explore by kayak or paddleboard.
Places to Kayak and Paddleboard at Roosevelt Lake
Bermuda Flat Shoreline Area
Bermuda Flat is one of the easiest places to launch a kayak or paddleboard at Roosevelt Lake. Its gently sloping shoreline provides convenient water access, with grassy areas, mesquite trees and views of the Sierra Ancha Mountains and Four Peaks Wilderness. Paddlers can follow the shoreline, explore nearby coves or stay close to the launch for a shorter Roosevelt Lake paddle. Primitive shoreline camping is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis, although there are no designated campsites or drinking water. A day-use fee or Tonto Pass is required.
Windy Hill Campground
Windy Hill Campground provides developed camping close to the water and is a convenient starting point for kayaking, paddleboarding and kayak fishing. From Windy Hill, paddlers can explore the surrounding shoreline and nearby protected coves while enjoying views across the southern portion of Roosevelt Lake. The campground is open year-round and currently costs $25 per night for a single campsite or $50 for a double campsite.
Cholla Campground
Cholla Campground offers tent and RV campsites, potable water, showers, restrooms and a paved boat launch with a courtesy dock. When the campground is open, paddlers can launch from the northern side of Roosevelt Lake and explore the shoreline beneath views of Four Peaks, Salome Canyon and the Sierra Ancha Mountains. Campsites currently cost $25 per night for a single site or $50 for a double site. Cholla has a seasonal closure from June 1 through October 1, so visitors should confirm its status before traveling.
Roosevelt Lake Marina
Roosevelt Lake Marina is a full-service marina with an RV park, ship’s store, restaurant, fuel, boat slips and boat rentals. It is a useful place to stop for food, supplies and marina services during a longer Roosevelt Lake camping or paddling trip. The marina does not currently advertise hotel rooms, so visitors looking to stay overnight can choose an RV site, a Forest Service campground or primitive shoreline camping.
Rent a Roosevelt Lake Kayak or Paddleboard from Redline
Pick up your Roosevelt Lake kayak or paddleboard rental from Redline Rentals & Sales in Mesa before heading toward the lake. Redline offers single kayaks, tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for day trips, fishing adventures and overnight camping trips.
Redline provides paddles, life jackets and the transportation equipment needed to secure your rental to your vehicle. The team will help you load everything before you leave, making it easy to transport your kayak or paddleboard from Mesa to Roosevelt Lake.
Planning a longer camping and paddling adventure? Rent for two days and get the third day free, giving you more time to explore Bermuda Flat, Windy Hill, Cholla Campground and Roosevelt Lake’s miles of coves and desert shoreline.
Roosevelt Lake Map
