McDowell Mountains Travel Guide: Off-Roading and Beyond

Roosevelt Lake is Arizona's largest lake located entirely within the state, and it sits in a gorgeous desert canyon setting within the Tonto National Forest. For guests staying at vacation rentals in Gilbert, Queen Creek, or Payson, Roosevelt Lake offers a full day of water-based adventure surrounded by rugged mountain scenery that defines central Arizona.

Activities at Roosevelt Lake

The lake spans over twenty thousand acres when full, providing ample space for boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. Bass fishing is particularly outstanding, with largemouth and smallmouth bass drawing tournament anglers from across the Southwest. Two marinas offer boat rentals, supplies, and launching facilities. The historic Roosevelt Dam, a National Historic Landmark, is worth a stop for its engineering grandeur and scenic overlook.

Making Roosevelt Lake a Day Trip

From Gilbert or Queen Creek, the drive to Roosevelt Lake takes approximately ninety minutes along the scenic Apache Trail or the faster Highway 87 through Payson. Pack a picnic from your vacation rental kitchen and plan to spend the full day enjoying the water. Return to your luxury property on LoveYourVacationRental.com for a relaxing evening by the pool, comparing sunburns and fish stories from the day.