Picnic Areas/Shelters
There are several picnic areas throughout the park near the fishing and swimming areas. Most of these areas include a picnic table, BBQ grill and a shade ramada. All you have to do is show up ready for a great time!
Camping & RV Sites
Hacienda Campground: 20 sites with water and electric (20/30 amp). Each site includes fire rings and picnic tables. Hacienda campground has a bathroom with hot showers near the entrance of the campground. Most sites will accommodate a vehicle length of up to 45 feet and are a mix of pull-through and back-in sites.
Cottonwood Campground: 25 sites with water and electric hookup sites (20/30/50 amp). Each site includes fire rings, picnic tables, and a small shade Ramada. Cottonwood campground has a bathroom with hot showers. Most sites will accommodate a vehicle length of up to 45 feet and are back-in only.
Gila Campground: The Gila campground offers eight cabins, five non-electric sites, and a 14 site group camp area. All non-electric sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Water is available at most sites.
There will be an additional per night fee for second vehicles. The fee will be paid upon arrival at the park. The fee does not apply to vehicles towed behind a primary vehicle when the primary vehicle remains at the site and the towed vehicle is used for transportation.
Wildlife Viewing
Roper Lake is an excellent place for bird watching. Species commonly seen are Gamble’s quail, redwing blackbird, yellow headed blackbird, great horned owl, cardinal, flycatchers, kingfisher, mallard duck, ruddy duck, grebes, egrets, herons, and mergansers. Learn more about Arizona's wildlife before your trip!
Unforgettable Fishing at Roper Lake
Roper Lake is home to outsized largemouth bass, eager schools of crappie, tons of bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish. Though at 32 acres this lake is smaller than others in the state park system, much of the lake provides great habitat and ample opportunity to catch some nice fish during your visit. The availability of lakeside cabins and a fully-functional campground make it possible to extend your fishing trip to completely experience what this gem of a southern Arizona lake has to offer. See below for tips and tactics that Roper Lake anglers have shared to make your next trip successful, fun, and unforgettable.
Swimming
Roper Lake State Park has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach on the west side of the day-use island. It is a great place to cool off separate from lake boating and fishing. Before you head into the water, here are some tips to help keep you safe:
The water temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Be aware of the water temperature before entering the water.
In all situations, swimmers should exercise caution. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.
There is no swimming outside of the designated swimming area.
Boating
Roper Lake State Park invites all watercraft users to enjoy the lake, but we ask that you do so responsibly. That means ensuring that your watercraft meets all of the state's regulations for motorized and non-motorized watercrafts.
Please note, gas motors are not allowed to be operated on the lake.
The park does not rent boats, but kayaks are available for rent. Please call the park at 928-428-6760 for details.
Hiking Trails
Five miles of trails and paths in the park let you stretch your muscles and view the wildlife.
The Mariah Mesa Trail is .75 miles loop trail leading to the natural hot spring tube. Explore the plants, wildlife and geology of the area.
The rest of the trails in the park are paths that connect the campgrounds and day-use areas together.