Public Campground
12.4 Mile Camp
Page, Arizona
Campground in Arizona.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Cholla Bay Dispersed
Campground in Arizona.
Cholla Bay Dispersed offers a authentic desert camping experience in one of Arizona's most captivating coastal regions. Located along the stunning Sea of Cortez shoreline, this public campground provides RV travelers with direct access to some of the most pristine and undeveloped beach areas in the Southwest. The dispersed nature of the camping here means you'll enjoy a more rugged, independent experience compared to traditional RV parks, with the freedom to choose your own spot among the desert landscape while remaining close to the water's edge.
The area surrounding Cholla Bay is characterized by dramatic desert geography, with access to beautiful marine vistas and excellent opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife observation, and photography. The calm, shallow waters of the bay make it an appealing destination for those interested in exploring tide pools, collecting shells, or simply enjoying peaceful moments watching the water. The region's unique ecosystem supports diverse bird species and marine life, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
What makes this destination particularly special is the combination of solitude and natural beauty. Unlike crowded developed campgrounds, the dispersed setup at Cholla Bay allows you to experience the raw desert and coastal landscape with minimal development or crowds. The sunsets here are particularly memorable, with the sun dipping behind the mountains across the water creating spectacular color displays that change nightly.
This location appeals to independent RV travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, boondockers comfortable with minimal amenities, and those looking to escape the typical campground atmosphere. The proximity to Puerto Peñasco and other small coastal communities provides options for provisioning and dining when you want a break from camp cooking. The desert climate means mild winters, making this an excellent destination for snowbirds seeking warmth without the extreme summer heat of inland Arizona. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a base for exploring tide pools and beaches, or simply a quiet place to park and watch the stars, Cholla Bay Dispersed offers an authentic Arizona desert and sea experience.
The area surrounding Cholla Bay is characterized by dramatic desert geography, with access to beautiful marine vistas and excellent opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife observation, and photography. The calm, shallow waters of the bay make it an appealing destination for those interested in exploring tide pools, collecting shells, or simply enjoying peaceful moments watching the water. The region's unique ecosystem supports diverse bird species and marine life, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
What makes this destination particularly special is the combination of solitude and natural beauty. Unlike crowded developed campgrounds, the dispersed setup at Cholla Bay allows you to experience the raw desert and coastal landscape with minimal development or crowds. The sunsets here are particularly memorable, with the sun dipping behind the mountains across the water creating spectacular color displays that change nightly.
This location appeals to independent RV travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, boondockers comfortable with minimal amenities, and those looking to escape the typical campground atmosphere. The proximity to Puerto Peñasco and other small coastal communities provides options for provisioning and dining when you want a break from camp cooking. The desert climate means mild winters, making this an excellent destination for snowbirds seeking warmth without the extreme summer heat of inland Arizona. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a base for exploring tide pools and beaches, or simply a quiet place to park and watch the stars, Cholla Bay Dispersed offers an authentic Arizona desert and sea experience.
4.4
Rating
183
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Apache Junction is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Arizona weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Apache Junction.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Apache Junction. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Cholla Bay Dispersed Reviews
Sign in to Review
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Leonard Scott
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Leonard Scott
Very well maintained Campground with very nice flushing toilet bathrooms and heated water showers. The spot we picked has a great view of Roosevelt Lake. Good trails with a more rugged ones that lead down to the lake. There is a boat ramp and large parking lot in this campground as well. There is a RV dump station too.
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Leonard Scott
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Leonard Scott
Very well maintained Campground with very nice flushing toilet bathrooms and heated water showers. The spot we picked has a great view of Roosevelt Lake. Good trails with a more rugged ones that lead down to the lake. There is a boat ramp and large parking lot in this campground as well. There is a RV dump station too.
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Ken Schroth
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Ken Schroth
This is a beautiful campground in the low desert. Incredibles scenery all around with the Matazals right there and the lake just beyond the campground. The only issue we had this past week is that the camp hosts were pretty lazy on cleaning the bathrooms. I'm sure that will change when the Camp Host changes. They do have flush toilets and showers... But the camp host needs a little motivation.
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Ken Schroth
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Ken Schroth
This is a beautiful campground in the low desert. Incredibles scenery all around with the Matazals right there and the lake just beyond the campground. The only issue we had this past week is that the camp hosts were pretty lazy on cleaning the bathrooms. I'm sure that will change when the Camp Host changes. They do have flush toilets and showers... But the camp host needs a little motivation.
G
Adam Overland
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Adam Overland
Excellent campground with hundreds of sites. February and March it’s cooler and quieter. Nearby there is free camping on forest land, but the campground has shelters and easy access to the water. Pro tip: site 165 is the best in the house. Within just a few miles you’ll find the Roosevelt bridge and Tonto National Monument—both worth a visit. And if you have a day and four-wheel-drive, drive the s... Excellent campground with hundreds of sites. February and March it’s cooler and quieter. Nearby there is free camping on forest land, but the campground has shelters and easy access to the water. Pro tip: site 165 is the best in the house. Within just a few miles you’ll find the Roosevelt bridge and Tonto National Monument—both worth a visit. And if you have a day and four-wheel-drive, drive the scenic Apache trail scenic byway. Cholla Campground is billed as one of the largest solar-powered campgrounds in the United States. Since they don’t have electricity at the campsites, I’m not exactly sure what that means. All the bathroom lights are solar powered, I guess, and they have hot showers. There is, however, a campground host (a retired machinist) who drives around an old riding lawn mower (blade removed) he converted to run on solar power. He is, as you might expect, totally badass. This area is classic semi-arid desert southwest, with mesquite trees, shrubs whose names are unknown to me no matter how many times I look them up, the iconic saguaro (I learned last year that it is pronounced suh·waa·row) cacti and, of course, cholla cacti. The campground is right on the edge of the largest lake in Arizona, Roosevelt Lake. the sunsets here are beautiful, the soft light drizzling down each evening to blanket the rust covered Sierra Ancha Mountains that border the lake.
G
Adam Overland
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Adam Overland
Excellent campground with hundreds of sites. February and March it’s cooler and quieter. Nearby there is free camping on forest land, but the campground has shelters and easy access to the water. Pro tip: site 165 is the best in the house. Within just a few miles you’ll find the Roosevelt bridge and Tonto National Monument—both worth a visit. And if you have a day and four-wheel-drive, drive the s... Excellent campground with hundreds of sites. February and March it’s cooler and quieter. Nearby there is free camping on forest land, but the campground has shelters and easy access to the water. Pro tip: site 165 is the best in the house. Within just a few miles you’ll find the Roosevelt bridge and Tonto National Monument—both worth a visit. And if you have a day and four-wheel-drive, drive the scenic Apache trail scenic byway. Cholla Campground is billed as one of the largest solar-powered campgrounds in the United States. Since they don’t have electricity at the campsites, I’m not exactly sure what that means. All the bathroom lights are solar powered, I guess, and they have hot showers. There is, however, a campground host (a retired machinist) who drives around an old riding lawn mower (blade removed) he converted to run on solar power. He is, as you might expect, totally badass. This area is classic semi-arid desert southwest, with mesquite trees, shrubs whose names are unknown to me no matter how many times I look them up, the iconic saguaro (I learned last year that it is pronounced suh·waa·row) cacti and, of course, cholla cacti. The campground is right on the edge of the largest lake in Arizona, Roosevelt Lake. the sunsets here are beautiful, the soft light drizzling down each evening to blanket the rust covered Sierra Ancha Mountains that border the lake.
G
Do you St. Tropez
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Do you St. Tropez
Wonderful campsite! Went during gov shutdown by radical rep, but they managed to keep facilities extremely clean! We’re lucky to get spot with a view!
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Do you St. Tropez
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Do you St. Tropez
Wonderful campsite! Went during gov shutdown by radical rep, but they managed to keep facilities extremely clean! We’re lucky to get spot with a view!
G
Jerry Quarles
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Jerry Quarles
Nice campground. Fire pit, picnic table and shade canopy. Lots of soace between campsites.
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Jerry Quarles
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Jerry Quarles
Nice campground. Fire pit, picnic table and shade canopy. Lots of soace between campsites.
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