Dankworth Pond State Park

Dankworth Pond State Park is a small day-use park in the town of Safford, just 115 miles west of Silver City, NM and 127 miles north of Tucson.

This picturesque park surrounding a small pond is an ideal spot for anglers, kayaks, hikers and nature lovers. It’s a perfect place to stop for the day, and it’s only 3 miles from Roper Lake State Park and campsites, swimming, more trails and a dog park.

Activities at Dankworth Pond State Park

Dankworth Pond State Park’s day-use features include a small pond for fishing and boating, trails, a replica Native village, playground and a picnic area. The picnic area has tables, BBQ grills and shade ramadas.

Nearby Roper Lake State Park’s Visitor Center has more information, guides and maps for this park and surrounding areas. Their visitor center, only 3 miles from Dankworth Pond, also has a gift shop, restrooms and Junior Ranger programs.

Here are some more activities that you can do during your visit to Dankworth Pond State Park:

Fishing at Dankworth Pond State Park

Fishing is very popular at Dankworth Pond State Park and the lake is seasonally stocked with trout. Fish from boat, shoreline or the park’s fishing dock to also catch bluegill, sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Remember to pick up an Arizona fishing license ahead of time; a fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 10. And keep in mind that the use of minnows is prohibited.

Boating at Dankworth Pond State Park

Bring your canoe, kayak, paddle board, tubes or any other non-gas powered watercraft and enjoy a relaxing day on the lake. A canoe/kayak launch is available inside the park

but for anything larger you will need a small trailer to get close enough to the water’s edge to launch.

Trails at Dankworth Pond State Park

Explore the trails and discover a recreated Native village during your visit to Dankworth Pond State Park. The park’s trails wind through the desert vegetation and along the lake with spectacular views of the mountains in the distance.

Here are a couple of the trails at Dankworth Pond State Park:

• Dos Arroyos Trail – Easy 1.75 mile loop that starts near the end of the pond and leads past the Native American village and into a riparian area. This is a beautiful area containing many types of plants and animals.

• Dankworth Village Trail – Easy .4 mile trail that connects the Dos Arroyos Trail with the Far Loop Trail.

• Far Loop Trail – Easy .3 mile loop into the riparian area that’s alive with native plants and animals.

Dankworth Village at Dankworth Pond State Park

Dankworth Village is a replica of a Native American village. This village features the dwellings, tools and artifacts that were used by the natives of this area.

It depicts life from prehistoric times on through the Mongollan tribes. This educational area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and a joint effort with Arizona State Parks & Trails.

Wildlife Viewing at Dankworth Pond State Park

This rustic park and lake provide a secure habitat for many species and is an ideal spot for birdwatching.

Some birds you may see during your visit here are cardinals, ducks, owls, egrets, herons and blackbirds. While exploring the trails keep an eye out for squirrels, rabbits, deer, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats.

Pets at Dankworth Pond State Park

Pets are allowed at Dankworth Pond State Park but must be attended to at all times and kept on a leash no longer than six-feet. Please clean up after your pet.

Lodging Near Dankworth Pond State Park

Dankworth Pond State Park is a day use area only and doesn’t have any overnight accommodations, but nearby (3 miles north) Roper Lake State Park does. Here you’ll find lakeside tent/RV campsites and camping cabins.

Roper Lake State Park’s campground has a handful of primitive sites, a large primitive group site and 45 sites with water and electric connections for tents or RVs.

Most of the RV sites are up to 45 feet long and are either back-in or pull-through accommodating. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and is close to campground bathhouses.

The park’s 8 camping cabins have bunk beds, electricity and heat/AC.

Attractions Near Dankworth Pond State Park

Safford

Visit nearby Safford for shopping, dining, antiques, museums, a golf course and more.

Roper Lake State Park

This nearby Arizona state park has a campground, beach, trails, dog park and more. Only 3 miles north of Dankworth Pond State Park.

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area – Winkleman, AZ 85192

A protected area of 19,410 acres that features a 1,000 foot-deep canyon, forest and creeks. Explore this area by foot or horseback.

Kartchner Caverns State Park – 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602

Explore the large limestone cave at this state park, 86 miles from Dankworth Pond. Kartchner Caverns is considered the best cave in the US and has 2.4 miles of passages throughout.

The park is located 9 miles south of Benson near the San Pedro River and the Whetstone Mountains in Sky Island country. The park also features trails, cabins and a campground.

Hours

Open Year Round: 6am to 8pm (Oct–April);
4:30am to 8pm (May–Sept)

Park Entrance Fees

Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $10.00
Individual/Bicycle: $3.00

Park Location

Dankworth Pond State Park
8600 US-191
Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: 928.428.6760

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Dankworth Pond State Park: