Canadian-Traveler

 September 03

Roper Lake State Park
Friends have been park hosts in this Arizona State Park for years and once we decided to check it out while we were on our way east. 


Arriving at Roper Lake State Park is like coming to peace, a peace you might only find in nature, though, if you take a close look not everything at the park is nature. Take the lake f.ex. which was created as an artificial lake. But it seems that nature has adopted this lake, or at least the birds have adopted it/ Thousands of Yellow breasted Blackbirds are living around this lake, filling the air with their special sounds, which often remind me of a rusty door hinge. Egrets and ducks are abundant as well and after a long day of driving or hiking, the natural hot springs at Roper Lake are not only inviting, they're invigorating! Roper Lake State Park provides a great place to spend a few days or just a few hours. Desert vegetation, a peaceful lake and a view of Mount Graham, just a few miles away, frames a beautiful picture for visitors to enjoy.

There are two different sections to the park: the main unit, Roper Lake, and the Dankworth Pond unit, three miles south. Roper has 30 lake surface acres, a boat ramp, natural stone hot tub, swimming, a day use island, beach and campsites. Dankworth Pond is 15 lake surface acres and was once a fish hatchery for rearing catfish. It has picnic ramadas, an Indian Village and a playground available. Both units provide opportunities for fun for the whole family!
Four cabins line the lake at Roper Lake State Park offering a plethora of recreational opportunities. Cabins at Roper Lake are variably furnished with bunk beds with mattresses and/or full size beds with mattress. Currently, the cabins are not electrified, hence, upon arrival, visitors will be provided with and electrical lantern. Open flame as produced by candles and stove burners are not permitted in the cabins. Picnic tables and charcoal grills make for a well-equipped outdoor setting. Restrooms and showers are within walking distance. Cabins are available year-round.

Roper Lake w. Campground as seen from Mesa

Roper is a stocked lake, making it a great place for kids to catch their first fish. If you've always wanted to learn how to sail board, then this is the place to do it. Boats are limited to only small electric motors, creating ideal conditions to bring a sail board and hit the water. Five miles of trails throughout the park let you stretch your muscles and view the wildlife. Arizona State Parks began managing Roper Lake in December 1974 through a cooperative management agreement with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.


Reservations: Reservations can be made up to 365 days in advance and a minimum of 2 days in advance. There is a two night minimum stay on weekends, and a three night minimum stay during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, and July 4th and Labor Day where applicable). The units can be rented for a maximum of 14 nights.
Reservation Deposit: First night’s rental amount payable within 10 days after the reservation is made. If the deposit is not received within 10 days, the reservation will be cancelled. Reservations made fewer than 10 days in advance will require a credit card for deposit (first night’s rental). The reservation fee is applied to the total bill. Visa, MasterCard, check and cash are accepted.
A campsite with or without water and electric hook-up is available for use next to the cabins for an additional charge.
Cancellations: Cancellation must be made 7 days in advance to receive a full refund. If the reservation is cancelled fewer than 7 days in advance, the deposit (first night’s rental) will not be refunded.
No shows: Campsite or cabin will be made available to waiting customers the morning after the anticipated arrival date.
Pets: $5.00 per night/per pet.
Contact Name and Phone Number: Park Manager Mike Fernandez or staff at (928) 428-6760


Rules:

• Keep pets on a leash. Pick up after pets.
• Damaging or removing the natural rocks, vegetation or public property is prohibited.
• No glass on day-use island.
• No pets on beach.
• Generators prohibited 10:00p.m.-6:00a.m.
• Obey all hunting and fishing regulations.
• Prevent loud nuisance noises.
• Maximum of two vehicles per campsite. Fees paid per vehicle. Maximum of 12 people per campsite.
• Camping permitted in designated sites.
• Checkout is 2:00 p.m.

---

Area Scenic Attractions
Pinaleno Mountains, scenic drive to summit of 10,717ft. Mount Graham, Riggs Lake, Coronado National Forest and Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area.

---

Community Facilities
Shopping, restaurants, banks, churches, library, city and county parks, recreation center, bowling alley, swimming pool, movie theaters, ball fields and tennis courts, a golf course, health and grocery stores, laundry facilities, automobile and recreational vehicle repair.


Due to the strained Arizona economy the park was threatened to be closed, but I understand that extraordinary efforts were made to keep this park open.

Up-to-date infos are at:  

http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/ROLA/index.html