Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Roosevelt, AZ
A 1911 masonry dam, later encased in concrete, holding back Roosevelt Lake at the end of the Apache Trail. A viewpoint and a long steel arch bridge sit beside it on AZ-188.
Theodore Roosevelt Dam in Gila County and Maricopa County, Arizona, impounds Theodore Roosevelt Lake at the end of the Apache Trail route. Construction began in 1903, and former president Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the dam on 18 March 1911. The original rubble-masonry wall was then the largest masonry dam in the world.
Between 1989 and 1996 it was encased in concrete and raised by 77 feet to 357 feet (about 109 m). The Theodore Roosevelt Lake Bridge carries the realigned Highway 188 across the lake above the dam. According to Fodor's, the lake is a popular destination for boaters, anglers and water-skiers all year round.
The Apache Trail (AZ 88) was built to haul materials for the dam; sources give the construction period as 1903 to 1905 (Wikipedia) or 1906 (Fodor's). It is narrow and winding and, according to Wikipedia, not recommended for large RVs. A landslide in 2019 closed a section until September 2024. In July 2026 monsoon damage briefly closed the stretch between Roosevelt Dam and Fish Creek Hill; it has reopened, with work continuing (as of October 2026). Check the road condition beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Roosevelt, AZ
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 33.6717, -111.1611
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February and October. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Burnt Corral CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Theodore Roosevelt DamTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Windy Hill CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Theodore Roosevelt DamTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Cholla CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Theodore Roosevelt Dam · 206 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Schoolhouse CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Theodore Roosevelt DamTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Spring Creek Inn & RV ResortMotorhome stopover10 mi from Theodore Roosevelt DamMotorhomes
- Tortilla Recreation SiteCampsite17 mi from Theodore Roosevelt Dam · 77 pitchesCaravans
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Theodore Roosevelt Dam?
Theodore Roosevelt Dam is in Roosevelt, AZ, at GPS 33.6717, -111.1611. It is about 9 mi from Apache Lake.
Can you camp near Theodore Roosevelt Dam?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Three Mile Wash Dispersed, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 32 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Theodore Roosevelt Dam?
Theodore Roosevelt Dam is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail and Tonto Basin and Dust, lakes and saguaros: by camper along the Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains to Roosevelt Lake.
What is there to see near Theodore Roosevelt Dam?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tonto National Monument (3 mi), Canyon Lake (18 mi), Lost Dutchman State Park (23 mi) and Boyce Thompson Arboretum (27 mi).
When is the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt Dam?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)