🏆 Official Guide: Roper Lake State Park — A 32-acre desert oasis near Safford, Arizona (Graham County) — featuring a sandy swimming beach, fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie + seasonal rainbow trout, 8 shoreline camping cabins with lake views, 3 campgrounds (RV + tent), 5 miles of hiking trails, the Dos Arroyos Trail at Dankworth Pond with a re-created historic Indian village, boating (electric motors/non-motorized), and desert wildlife viewing.
Roper Lake State Park is a surprising desert oasis in southern Arizona’s Gila Valley — a 32-acre lake surrounded by rugged desert terrain and framed by distant mountain views. The park offers an unusual combination: a sandy swimming beach, excellent warm-water fishing, shoreline camping cabins, and a fascinating re-created historic Indian village at nearby Dankworth Pond.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Safford, AZ — Graham County |
| Lake | Roper Lake — 32 acres |
| Dankworth Pond | Sub-unit — 3 mi south (included with entry) |
| Former Hot Springs | ⚠️ Permanently closed (filled 2019) |
| Dogs | Welcome — NOT on swimming beach |
Accommodations
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Cabins | 8 shoreline — lake views, patios, picnic tables (communal restrooms) |
| Cottonwood CG | RV + tent — electric/water hookups |
| Gila CG | RV + tent — electric/water hookups |
| Hacienda CG | RV + tent — electric/water hookups |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Sandy beach — Roper Lake |
| Fishing | Bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie + rainbow trout (winter) |
| Boating | Electric motors + non-motorized — no gas |
| Hiking | 5 mi — Roper Lake + Dos Arroyos Trail at Dankworth |
| Indian Village | Dankworth Pond — re-created historic dwellings/artifacts |
| Bird Watching | Desert + riparian habitat — diverse species |
| Camping | 3 campgrounds — hookups available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hot springs still open?
No — the natural stone hot tub was permanently closed in November 2019. The site was filled with dirt and rocks for safety and maintenance reasons and is no longer accessible.
What is Dankworth Pond?
Dankworth Pond is a sub-unit of Roper Lake State Park located about 3 miles south. It offers additional fishing (bass, catfish, trout) and the Dos Arroyos Trail, which leads to a re-created historic Indian village with traditional dwellings. Your Roper Lake entry ticket covers both areas.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Dankworth Pond State Park (a short drive away) and Oracle State Park (elsewhere in the state).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Arizona state parks online at azstateparks.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Roper Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are allowed at most Arizona State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, though allowances vary by park and visitors should check individual park pages before traveling.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Dogs must be tethered on a leash 6 feet or shorter at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No single statewide swim-beach rule; some parks provide designated dog beaches (e.g. Cattail Cove's dog beach).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabins and camping are offered at several parks (e.g. Alamo Lake, Dead Horse Ranch, Lyman Lake); dogs are not allowed in the cabins at Lost Dutchman State Park.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Buckskin Mountain and River Island State Parks have fenced off-leash dog parks for registered guests.
Are dogs allowed at Roper Lake State Park?
Dogs are allowed at most Arizona State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, though allowances vary by park and visitors should check individual park pages before traveling. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via azstateparks.com. More: Arizona state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Roper Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
