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    Roper Lake State Park

    4.1 (44 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Belle V.

    I wish they have full hook ups though, that makes life easier and convenient. The lake is small but very ideal for fishing. Lots of birds, during sunset they make loud sounds. But it die down as it gets later in the afternoon. Our site is facing the lake so it was a nice view. The shower is a few feet away from. And it's clean, well maintained. The fact that they have ramada in every site is wonderful. If you have company with tent, they have enough area for them too!

    Roper Lake
    Hillary P.

    I've really come to appreciate the Arizona state park system. This location did not disappoint as it is perfect for a rustic and quiet retreat. Smaller than some of the other state parks that I visited, it has all the amenities needed for a nice day. The campground is well maintained as are the shower facilities. There is a fully stocked lake in the park and we saw some prize Trout that had been caught by one of our campground neighbors. The lake is small and does not allowed motorized boats however, kayaks and canoes are permitted. Animals are allowed in the park as long as they are on leashes, and the park even includes a pet Park. There are a number of trails in the area that are a beginner to intermediate that will take you up to the Mesa for some very nice views. Campsites include fire rings, picnic tables, and depending on which campground you're at include small shelters for sun protection. There are a number of sites with power and water and those without. This location tends to be booked up most of the time, so plan advance with your reservations. Prices are nominal and there is a nice gift shop at the entrance that you should check out when you stop in at this location. The nearby town offers, grocery shopping, hardware, stores, and a variety of different restaurants on the salsa trail that you should check out. This is an exceptionally quiet location and perfect for the stargazer on clear night. Staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful with our questions.

    Evening campfire with Stuart Mountain Range as a backdrop
    David C.

    What a great camping find. A pristine State Park in the middle of nowhere, 6 miles from the small town of Safford, AZ. On our cross country trip, we booked this campsite for one night. If we would have known how beautiful, peaceful and quiet this place was, we would probably have booked the maximum of 10 nights. It's been so long since I've seen so many stars!! The darkness of the night was a perfect backdrop for the scintillating jewels lighting the night sky. And quiet ... omg ... I can't remember when I've been so immersed in the velvety sounds of silence. I was in a trance, a dream that I did not wish to end. The sparks from our campfire flew upwards and finished like a mini pyrotechnic display. I love this place soooooo much. I'll certainly be back. You should give it a try. The mesmerizing aura of this place will capture your soul.

    White Duck
    Susan K.

    A beautiful park for a weekend trip. A few miles of trails and the cabin rate of $60 a night includes entrance to Dankworth park. The shower water is warm. The cabins are clean but the mattress pads are old and flat. A blowup bed is suggested as our foam pads were not sufficient. I strongly recommend spending a few nights at Roper Lake State Park.

    Beautiful view of Mt Graham
    Nancy S.

    We love camping here for many reasons: -Roomy and clean camp sites -Clean bathrooms -Lovely lake for swimming and kayaking -Great hiking -Friendly rangers and nice visitor center (great t-shirts) -Nearby spas and mineral springs -Close to Safford if you need supplies -Not far from Tucson We will be returning soon!

    The beach at the lake
    Vikki Z.

    If you're looking for a nice spot to camp for the weekend, look no further. This is your spot. No tent, no RV, no problem, they have cabins also. If the water isn't your thing, bring your boots because they do have hiking trails. You can even see all the lake from the top of one hill. Lots of tables for day use visiting, a beach to just sit on and watch the water. This lake has just what you need for a healthy refresh.

    Luinelly L.

    This park is pretty nice. We've tried a few times to rent a pet friendly cabin at this park, but with little success. Pet friendly cabins are the most popular so end up being rented out first. It being Valentine's Day recently we had wanted to do something unique and special. We saw that the trails were being advertised like crazy so we decided to at least enjoy that part of it. There was a $10 fee for use of the park for the day. We ended up being slightly disappointed as there was only one simple, very simple trail with step's. It didn't give you true nature vibes or desert beauty. There was also another group hiking at the same time and we both felt rushed by each other. We also tried the dog park (there were no other dog's) and sat in front of the lake for a little bit. Over all, it was nice. I just wish there was a lot more to do and a lot more trails.

    Alexandria M.

    This lake is BEAUTIFUL. Our camping site ended up being secluded from everyone else and it worked out so well. We fished early and late then kayaked around with the dogs to see the entire lake. Many people in boats fishing and kids messing around in the swimming area that is buoyed off. The first night the bugs were extreme because of the rain but we ended up keeping all flashlights off and the bugs ended up leaving us alone. I would highly recommend this lake for a nice weekend to relax or really whenever you have the time.

    Good morning
    Monica E.

    Nothing like a fine getaway. And what luck! Roper has adorable cabins. This was our first trip cabin camping. The temperatures were a bit too cold for me to pitch a tent. I am not fond of tent camping when the nighttime temperatures dip below 45 degrees. So cabin camping it was! For someone who never cabin camps, this felt so luxurious! I was in the Hummingbird cabin, and secretly wished I had booked Bass. It is a beautiful area, just feet away from the lake. It was wonderful sitting on the patio and watching the ducks come swimming by. And an absolutely GORGEOUS thing happens at dusk. Hundreds of black-colored birds come and sit in the trees and, by the dozens, swoop into the tall grass growing in the water to nest for the night. It was truly an amazing sight, just feet from where I was enjoying my dinner. It's something I look forward to experiencing again. All of the cabins are located in the Gila loop. There are just a few tent camping sites, and there is also group camping offered in Gila. There, you will find a large ramada as well. Looked like a ton of fun for a family reunion or a gathering among friends. Cottonwood seemed very, very popular with people with dogs and children. Not sure why. It does have a bit more vegetation than Gila, so that's important. Also, it is an electric hookup section, but tent campers appear to use it quite often. Also, there is a doggy run nearby! It's right across from the jacuzzi-style tub fed by hot springs. Dogs are not allowed near the water, but the park was thoughtful enough to put a post nearby, so you can tie your dog down and still watch her/him while you get your soak on. FYI: The tub gets busy fast, and it is tiny. Can comfortably sit about eight adults at a time, and it shuts down at 10 p.m. The Hacienda campsite has electric hook ups as well, and also is popular with tent campers. This seems to have the most vegetation, if you are looking for shade. It is quite popular here for people to have their dogs. Lots and lots of dogs -- and all very well mannered. The kids, though, were running around like absolute crazy! FYI: There are no showers available in the Gila Loops, but there are showers in Cottonwood and Hacienda. There is even a short and easy hiking trail here. Seriously, I was able to walk the early part of it in flip flops with no struggle. There are a flight of stairs into the side of the hill that takes you higher for some decent views of the mountain and the valley. Perfect for a sunset or morning walk. And of course there is fishing. I saw lots of people fishing here. Seems like the thing to do. Apparently you can catch bass, catfish, rainbow trout and bluegill. There is also a nice day visit area with picnic tables and grills. There are ramadas there, too. I heard about, but didn't get a chance to visit, Dankworth Pond, which is just a few miles back down the road. Apparently there is more fishing there too. Only one frustration, and perhaps this is normal, but cabin checkout is at 10 a.m. That's so freakin' early, especially when you want to sleep in and hang out before you leave. Check in is at 3, which means you have far less time than if you opted to tent camp (check in is at 2 p.m. and check out is at noon for tents).

    Elp P.

    Lovely park for fishing, birdwatching or just relaxing. Free hot tub. Just one trail (.75 mile long if that) The cabins are very good, two bedroom and some are pet friendly. One complaint. The Gila loop where the cabins are has no Camp Host. The rangers patrol the area, but from the inside of closed window trucks. As a result we spent a long weekend listening to the neighbors very loud music.. loud as: impossible to take a nap loud. From noon to 10pm. I tried calling the park but got no response. :(

    Edward D.

    Just spent three days in a rented cabin here. We had a good time, but there were some issues. 1) There is a 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM quite time, A few campers decided they didn't care and had there stereo loud until midnight! Don't understand when they are near their stereo why it must be played loud enough so the whole campsite could hear? Maybe they have a hard time of hearing? I did complain the next day, asked if anyone enforces the quite time rule. They said a park ranger runs through until midnight? But did not talked to them, they talked to my neighbors who I thought was fine?? go figure! 2) We did find a scorpion in our cabin, wasn't to worried. I killed it for the wife and checked the rest of the cabin. Told the rangers they might want to spray the cabin for future tenants. 3) Restrooms and showers. the restrooms directly in the cabin areas are only shined up portal potties! They dressed it up a bit, but still a portal potty. There are permanent restrooms and showers in the RV camp site just down the trail. Plans are they will be building showers and restroom in the cabin area. 4) We stayed at the coyote cabin, which it faces the lake. I was great, but they need to cut down a few of the grass area in the lake. Hard to fish, but I was just trying to be lazy and fish off of our front porch! Now with that said, there are three cabins facing the lake! Great view, a lot of nature surroundings. Cabins had four beds, 1-bunk bed, 1-twin, and 1-full. Patio had a swinging chair, BBQ, Sink, fire pit, and a picnic table. Great place to bring your kids. Plenty of hiking trails nearby, a natural hot spring tub. No motor boats allowed on the lake. We had a great time, just a few things need to get better. But that will not stop us from coming back.

    Casey Z.

    I have never heard of roper lake before, but during this social distancing time I had to get out of Phoenix and be in the nature. I researched this place for hours to make sure I would be happy here since I wanted to be gone for about a week. This place has succeeded my expectations. I was very impressed. We stayed at hummingbird cabin and the location of it was perfect, right on the water! Also when we got here we wiped everything down just to make sure it was clean and there was absolutely no dirt or anything that came off so that shows me they are cleaning these cabins often. We saw a cleaning crew after each person checked out of the cabin. There was no bugs in the cabin, smelt great. AC worked amazing. Nice and cool. The bathrooms were a short walk and ALSO very, very clean. During this time of COVID-19 you cannot swim, go in the hot tub or be in shared picnic table areas. (You have your own table at your cabin, so it's not a problem.) we found out when we got there that you can actually float on the water so that was a plus you just can't swim. (We went back into town, which is only 10 mins away to Walmart and picked up a paddle boat!) overall amazing time! Here are some pictures. I struggled before I came to find some good ones so here you go, hope it helps! DEFINITELY COME HERE!

    View of roper lake and the island that splits the middle if the lake.
    Adam P.

    This is a very nice and clean state park. We have camped at many here in arizona and this is certainly on par with the others. There is a natural stone tub which is fed by natural hot spring mineral water. There is also a nice lake and numerous camping sites with electric and water hookups. This is the first time we have ever come down here but I was pleasantly surprised with the tranquility of the location. The lake on one side and the mountain on the other gives you two good reasons to get out of bed. I spent about 30 minutes in the hot tub yesterday and I felt great after I was done. Smelled of sulfur but I didn't care I'm from the country. Great hiking trails and hidden walkways throughout the state park. It is a far drive for us to come this way since we can get to dead horse ranch state park in a fraction of the time for the same temps. This is a cool place and is certainly worth the stop. Good work state of arizona on caring for our parks. Grea

    Lake view from our cabin's deck

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    4 years ago

    I like it. No fish but dankworth is nearby and that can have fish. Overall nice. Amen

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    I went to Roper once when I had first moved to Safford a few years back it was nice, clean and relatively quiet.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Roper Lake State Park

    Review Highlights - Roper Lake State Park

    I loved it so much my family and I are going back for two days and this time we are renting a cabin!

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Essence of Tranquility - Bathrooms

    Essence of Tranquility

    4.3(50 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    I think it's important for me to make a longer post about this, even considering 5/5 stars. To be…read morehonest, this is a very wonderful place! We've been here almost every years since finding it. The service is great, attentive and helpful and available. We enjoy the people working, it's been the same every time. And! Here's more. This is a long standing, not 5 star hotel but a little town 'back country' style spa. Each room is very unique with several options available- campsites, car camping, singular shed / storage container rooms, mini cabins, yurt like structure and others. Every single one is themed something different. The one we stay in this time was sunset beach themed with tropical sunset colors, bamboo on the ceiling, palm tree decor, water like vibes. Both the rooms we've stayed in have a small fridge, microwave, TV- dvd/vcr, lights, bed w/ sheet, trash, paper towel, tables, mirrors, WiFi, hooks and lock n key. The rooms are well kept however, just to be honest and note that it's not particularly bothered us, there are spiders all around and other bugs at time. There are common areas for use that include the following: Kitchen- utensils, dishes, cookware, small electronics, stove top (gas), some seasonings, coffee set up, sink and soap, washing items, cutting board, fridge/freezer, water, microwave, etc. *please note that this is a 'what's left' or 'what's been gotten' space meaning while there's almost always something for anything, at times there aren't. Ex: last time there was no coffee bean grinder and this time there was. We still typically bring our own things but somethings can stay. Depends on your preference I would say. Kitchen is kept clean mostly by guest so can vary. Head sup that the sink water on hot gets very hot! Make sure you clean up after yourself, gentle with the plumbing. Lounge Room- it has tables, chairs and a living room like space with a TV that has VCR and DVD options. Two walls in the space are riddled with dvds and vhs videos. It's such a wonderful thing about this space honestly. The lounge space is not for sleeping in or staying in, heads up. You'll see the signs. Outside areas- there are several outside lounge areas for use of whomever is staying. One right outside of the kitchen door, one in the center of the round about driveway, one in between the areas, and one in pool amongst the pool- clothing required in that one and in all common areas. NOTE: if you have allergies to cats, this place has free roaming cats on property that walk around d and go inside the common lounge/kitchen spaces (not the spa) Individual spaces vary from pull-up car and car, camping, camping outside, mini sheds and cabins, and larger spaces as well. Each room is equipped with a bed, light, refrigerator that's small, trash, shelving, hooks for hanging, locked door, TV with VHS and DVD player, water, broom, mini heater, and small air conditioner. There is a theme to each room and as a gentle reminder, although the rooms are well kept, you can still find things like cobwebs and spiders. If the place is busy, it can be a little bit difficult to find parking that's suitable, but there still is plenty on the inside and on the outside as well. When it comes to those hot springs, there are five private rooms. Two of them have larger tubs that are grapefruit groups, and the other three are much smaller for one to four people Atmos. There is a common pool that can be used by anyone that is seated on the outside and not private, no unit is allowed in this. All of the private spas have doors that close and lock, and they can be rented out during certain times of the day by people who request this. Please note that using the hot tubs if you are staying overnight between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM is difficult as those are usually saved for reservations. As our house recommended, and as we did, this is a great time to go for a walk or enjoy some dinner. As in any space, be respectful of your fellow hot spring goers with noise, smells and uses of area. No smoking anywhere or alcohol allowed. Not far from Mount Graham with tons of stunning exploring views and trails and more. Nearest town is just around the corner , 5-10 min drive with small town foods Love this place! Hope you enjoy if you go

    Recently went back for a little getaway with friends. I love this quaint and rustic place over all…read more It's run by a really sweet lady , it's always clean and a good time. My favorite thing is that you can stay overnight in these little cabins for pretty cheap and have access to the hot springs all night long! I've learned booking by email is easiest although you can call. There's massage available to book onsite too but it fills up fast! There are group and solo tubs available as well as one totally outdoor tub . Tent camping is also an option but no RV's or hookups . The overnight area is complete with bathrooms (real ones ) and a kitchen/ common room space for lounging/ cooking /chilling . Each cabin has a tv so make sure to grab a VHS for watching. Plenty of parking and just over all great vibes! Absolutely worth the trip for the healing waters!

    Photos
    Essence of Tranquility - Sunset

    Sunset

    Essence of Tranquility - Outdoor patio of kitchen area

    Outdoor patio of kitchen area

    Essence of Tranquility - Tranquil sitting area- not a pool

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    Tranquil sitting area- not a pool

    USFS Shannon Campground - The views are amazing

    USFS Shannon Campground

    5.0(1 review)
    11.3 mi

    USFS Shannon Campground is a great place to unwind and beat the heat…read more Shannon Campground is small (about 15 campsites) and tucked away along the upper reaches of Marijilda Creek on Mount Graham, a pleasant little brook with wild rhubarb growing on its banks winds through a setting of really tall trees and green grass. Campsites are shaded under mature Engelmann spruce and Douglas-fir. I went up when the temperature in Tucson was + 100 at 9,000 feet the temp remained a steady 65. Shannon is the last campground off the paved road. Recommended RV legth is no larger than 22 ft. Mine is 24 ft. and I made it just fine. Arcadia campground is at around 4,000 ft. and about 20 deg. Warmer. Several campsites are above Shannon, but the road is not paved. You can drive all the way up to Riggs Lake at the top and do some fishing. Native species of trout live in the lake. There are also many hiking trails of varying difficulty. I hiked the Heliograph Trail 328A to the lookout tower, 4 miles round trip. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=25552&actid=50 Notes: There's no running water at this site. Bear proof containers are at sites for food storage. I highly recommend this area and wish you a good time.

    Photos
    USFS Shannon Campground - Some wild turkeys came to pay me a visit

    Some wild turkeys came to pay me a visit

    USFS Shannon Campground - I got in easily with my 24' RV. Don't panic if you need to turn around. There's a wide spot in the road coming in and a loop in the back.

    I got in easily with my 24' RV. Don't panic if you need to turn around. There's a wide spot in the road coming in and a loop in the back.

    USFS Shannon Campground - Heliograph Trail 328A , a little rough but easy going. Wild raspberries in many areas.

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    Heliograph Trail 328A , a little rough but easy going. Wild raspberries in many areas.

    Apache Trout Campground - Site 85 full hookups and Starlink works! First trip in a 2024 RPod 190c

    Apache Trout Campground

    4.0(3 reviews)
    78.5 mi

    Site 85 it has 30 and 50 amp. It has full hookups electrical, water, and sewage dump! I am in a…read morenational park campground. Maybe I am overly excited. But it's been a great times! Highly recommend.

    Apache Trout Campground is a rustic campground that has full services available. It is one of 5…read morecampgrounds in this area. They have single, double and group sites. They have good sized clean restrooms throughout with flush toilets and showers offer. The campground is in nature. There was reported a bear that was coming through the campground. I didn't get to see it because it was totally dark out but we heard rustling it the forest that surrounded our trailer. The campground sits at an elevation of 9,100 ft. in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. It is a very scenic area, surrounded with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and quaking aspen. We stayed for 4 days and really enjoyed staying here. It is close (they say walking distance but it's a short drive for me) to Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. Big Lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook and, even, the critically endangered Apache trout. The recreation area also has great places for hiking, mountain biking, ATV trails, bird watching and wildlife viewing. Amenities include: Dump Station Flush Toilets Showers Water Hookups Picnic Table Grills/Fire Ring Accessibility Accessible Occupant Message Sewer Hookup Full Hookup Electricity Hookup Water Hookup The best thing this campground offers is dark skies and quiet. The trees were hypnotizing. The campground is amazingly clean. I always pick up trash at any area I visit and this is the one place I had to work to find one inch pieces of trash. I highly recommend Apache Trout Campground. It is tough to find days together to reserve because sites get filled fast. Even if you can visit or stay in another campground nearby. It is worth enjoying nature in its best.

    Photos
    Apache Trout Campground - Isn't he the cutest?

    Isn't he the cutest?

    Apache Trout Campground - Dog friendly 6 foot leash required

    Dog friendly 6 foot leash required

    Apache Trout Campground - Naughty Starky table surfing.  Having a great time.

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    Naughty Starky table surfing. Having a great time.

    Roper Lake State Park - rvparks - Updated May 2026

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