Roper Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Roper Lake State Park is a high-desert location that features an abundance of lake and natural activities. It's located about 124 miles from Tucson, and it sits close to the border with New Mexico. Inside the park, you'll find a 32-acre lake that was once a private recreation area, and there's also a 15-acre surface lake called Dankworth Pond, which is situated 3 miles away from the main park area. The nearest towns are Safford, Thatcher and Solomon. The weather at Roper Lake is pleasant much of the year with summer temperatures climbing to nearly 100 degrees, but in the colder months, temperatures can drop below freezing. July, August, September and October are the months with the highest precipitation (1-2 inches for each of these months).
Spring 54-100 F
Summer 71-100 F
Fall 42-85 F
Winter 42-75 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Roper Lake State Park
If you like the idea of showing up to Roper Lake in an RV but don't have one of your own, then check out RVshare, the nation's leading RV rental site. Aside from Roper Lake State Park, you've also got the option of RV camping in a variety of nearby campgrounds and RV parks.
Safford RV Resort
Safford RV Resort is conveniently located just outside of Safford and only 11 minutes from Roper Lake State Park. It's a full-service RV park with lots of amenities. It's also close to lots of attractions.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, volleyball, cable, community kitchen, rec room
Sunrise Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Sunrise Village Mobile Home & RV Park caters to both long- and short-term visitors. It's located in Safford about 15 minutes from Roper Lake State Park.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Pool, hot tub, two rec buildings
Arcadia Campground
Arcadia Campground is located in the Coronado National Forest about 14 miles from Roper Lake State Park. There are 19 campsites that are shaded by large ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks and Arizona walnut trees, and the camping fees are $20 per vehicle.
• Water hookup: No (potable water available)
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Picnic tables, vault toilets
What to Do at
Roper Lake State Park
There are several activities in which you can participate at Roper Lake State Park. If you like water sports and are a fan of wildlife, then you'll thoroughly enjoy your stay at the park.
Inside Roper Lake State Park
• Wildlife galore: Bird-watching often provides spectators a glimpse of red-winged blackbirds, yellow-headed blackbirds, cardinals, mallard ducks, egrets and many more types of birds. Those who want to see other types of animals may catch glimpses of bobcats, rabbits, raccoons and coyotes.
• Hiking: Roper Lake State Park features 5 miles of trails, including the Mariah Mesa Trail and the Fenceline Trail. The level of difficulty for all of the trails is easy.
• Boating: There's a small boat ramp at Roper Lake, which works best for small motorized vessels and those without motors. Many visitors enjoy fishing in Roper Lake from their boats.
• Swimming: The swimming beach allows visitors to swim and/or hang out in the sand.
• Picnicking: Plenty of picnic areas can be found throughout the park. Most of them have tables and barbecue grills and are shaded. There are also a few group picnic sites with large ramadas and multiple picnic tables.
Outside Roper Lake State Park
Roper Lake State Park is in an area of Arizona filled with natural beauty. There are also a few towns close to Roper Lake, including Safford and Thatcher, where you'll find some restaurant and shopping options.
Restaurants
Kainoa’s Grill
Kainoa’s Grill serves up Hawaiian delights. It features a variety of Hawaiian specialties that both vegetarians and meat-eaters can enjoy. The eatery is located about 10 miles from Roper Lake State Park in Thatcher.
Type: Hawaiian
Location: Thatcher, AZ
Jerry's Restaurant
Jerry's Restaurant is a classic burger chain that dates back to the early 1960s. The seating is in old-style booths, and vintage photographs and art give the place a 20th-century feel. Roper Lake State Park is about 7 miles to the south of this restaurant, which is located in Safford.
Type: Burgers
Location: Safford, AZ
Casa Mañana
Casa Mañana dates back to 1951 when the founders started serving authentic Mexican food from their home, which is now the Casa Mañana restaurant. This Mexican food eatery is still run by the family and brings decades of experience to the table. It also is located in Safford just a few miles to the south of Roper Lake State Park.
Type: Mexican
Location: Safford, AZ
Shopping
Gila Valley Plaza
Once known as the Safeway Shopping Center, the Gila Valley Plaza is a strip mall with a variety of stores. They include Gordmans (an apparel and home decor outlet), Safeway, O'Reilly Auto Parts and more. You can find the Gila Valley Plaza in Thatcher.
Location: Thatcher, AZ
Dollar General
There is a Dollar General store right up the road from Roper Lake State Park. This discount variety store sells a wide array of products, including food and beverages, health and beauty items and even clothing. This Dollar General location is only four minutes away from Roper Lake State Park.
Walmart Supercenter
If you travel for about 15 minutes north on U.S. Highway 191, you will reach the Walmart Supercenter in Safford. You can stock up on just about any kind of supplies you may need here.
Location: Safford, AZ
Sightseeing
Hot Wells Dunes Recreation
Hot Wells Dunes Recreation Area was once the site of a lake a couple of million years ago. Today, it's the location of 2,000 acres of dunes and some hot tubs.
Location: It’s located about 30 miles out of Safford.
Swift Trail Parkway
Swift Trail Parkway is a 26-mile drive that takes you up to Mount Graham. The drive ascends 6,000 feet into the mountains, where you'll see pine forests and wildlife.
Location: It begins 7 miles south of Safford off Highway 191.
Black Hills Rockhound Area
At the Black Hills Rockhound Area, you can harvest various types of rocks, including fire agate. You can also spend time hiking, and camping is permitted for free for up to two weeks.
Location: It is located just past Solomon.
Mount Graham International Observatory
Mount Graham International Observatory is a place where scientists and visitors from around the world frequent. There are numerous telescopes and lots of information regarding astronomy and space. Camping is permitted.
Location: Safford, AZ
How to Get to
Roper Lake State Park
There's really only one way to reach Roper Lake State Park, which is by way of Highway 191. The 191 runs south out of Safford and north from I-10. Whether you're heading south or north on the 191, you'll take W. Roper Lake Road east, which will then lead you directly to the park.
By Car
Entering Roper Lake State Park
Roper Lake State Park is open year-round, and the entrance fee varies. The park gates are closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and the visitor center and park store are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The holiday hours change slightly to 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Roper Lake State Park Per vehicle : $10.0
1-4 Adults
Roper Lake State Park Per Individual or Bicyclist : $3.0
Roper Lake State Park is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you like a little seclusion from big cities and lots of natural beauty. Don't forget to keep your camera at the ready as there are lots of chances to spot wildlife and lots of opportunities for downright fun. Please send RVshare some of your best shots to [email protected] so they can be added to the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roper Lake State Park
Roper Lake State Park is home to many unique wildlife species. Some of the animals found in the area include gray foxes, desert cottontails, mule deer, raccoons, coyotes, turtles, nine species of lizards, and over 60 species of birds.
Roper Lake State Park has a very hot and dry climate. Summer temperatures can reach as high as 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures typically range from 29 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are 51 total campsites at Roper Lake State Park, and 45 of them are designated RV sites. All 45 of the campsites feature water and electrical hookups. There's an on-site RV dump station as well.
Dogs are permitted at Roper Lake State Park, but there are certain regulations to follow. Dogs should be leashed at all times and kept away from restricted areas. This includes all park buildings.
To enjoy the most comfortable conditions, you should visit Roper Lake State Park during spring or autumn. The weather should be warm enough for outdoor fun but not unpleasantly hot.