Roper Lake State Park

Roper Lake State Park encompasses a total area of approximately 400 acres of land that is surrounded by the Madrean Sky Islands and the Pinaleño Mountains of Arizona. To access the Roper Lake State Park, visitors should travel six miles south of Safford off US Route 191. 

The land where the Roper Lake State Park sits was formerly ranch land before the state of Arizona purchased it in 1972 to construct a reservoir and to protect and preserve the local ecosystem. The park is comprised of two distinct units including the main Roper Lake Unit and the Dankworth Pond Unit which is located about three miles south.

The Roper Lake State Park has several unique features that lure visitors into the area. First, the park has the 30-acre Roper Lake which is a stocked lake with natural stone and a hotbed of water from the park's mineral hot springs. Secondly, the park also has the 15-acre Dankworth Pond which was once a fish hatchery for rearing catfish. 

Additionally, the Roper Lake State Park offers historical and cultural education in the form of a replica Indian Village. Besides these attractions, Roper Lake State Park is also a favorite among visitors that love recreational activities like boating (no gas motors), fishing, camping, and swimming. 

Some of the amenities that visitors to the Roper Lake State Park can enjoy include showers, 71 campsites, electric hookups, cabins, group-use area, restrooms, picnic shelters, natural mineral water hot springs hot tub, boat ramp, picnic areas, hiking trails, visitor center, day-use island, playground, and a beach.

Dogs are allowed into Roper Lake State Park, but regulations must be followed in order to maintain the park's resources. Some of the rules regarding dogs are as follows. Dogs should always be leashed. Dog owners should also keep away from restricted areas of the park that include all park buildings and a few other areas.