Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Morenci, AZ

There is plenty to do at Roper Lake. Great spots for RVs, tents, and cabins too. This is a popular area so get your reservations in early. The lake was low in December and it was windy and cold, but we made the best of it and enjoyed the views of snow capped Mt. Graham. Campground was clean and very dog friendly. They have a dog park. The have a junior ranger program... fun for the little ones! We did notice that many weren’t following covid protocol in bathrooms and around the campsite. But we had no problem social distancing and keeping to ourselves, even with our loop completely full. We felt safe and comfortable. Your stay also includes access to Dankworth Pond State Park, a 10 min drive down the road. The pond is small, but you’ll catch more fish here. There are also great educational hiking paths with information & replicas of tribal villages. Worth the drive!

So if you are into rocks this really is a great place to check out. Be prepared as the drive in is difficult and long. Larger RVs are not recommended as the road has many steep washouts and ruts. The main dirt road leading into the area has bad washboard bumps. There is also an active cattle ranch in the area so be careful with any pets. You’ll find a logbook on the way in. Once there you’ll find plenty of places to park but don’t count on it being level. There are also lots of sharp rocks so watch your tires. There are no facilities here. The views are amazing especially at night. The wind never did stop. You got to really like rocks!

This site was very private and expansive for the location. There is the lower campsite however it is a bit down from the area where the tents were set up. There were multiple fire rings set up around the camp and the rangers who visited us informed that we may not use them and they were going to be dismantled once we left. There is a "main" fire ring near two tables and a bear box. The restroom being close and CLEAN was a bonus but is the only restroom for both the upper and lower campsites. There are great hikes and trails in the surrounding areas especially if you want to venture off trail to a lookout point nearby. Highly recommend this site for families and new to camping campers.

Camped for a week over Christmas 2020 and really enjoyed the serenity in the “non-hook up” loop? Tables, fire rings and grills, and water all available. Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl. The sites are large with plenty of screening for privacy. I would not stay in the hook up loops which are more typical Arizona State Park Campgrounds offering no privacy with sites usually crammed together. Walking trails all over the place including one that leads up to the Mesa top. There’s a beach,several docks for fishing and a boat ramp. Excellent staff.

Many places feel like they are in the middle of nowhere; this one actually is.  A 24 mile drive from Stafford AZ, along a bumpy asphalt road brings you to some lovely desert camping with miles of OHV trails and 2 hot thermal pools for soaking.  For just $3/day you can camp, soak, or ride in this beautiful desert oasis.

There are only around 14 designated sites, but there are many other tucked away spots where you are welcome to set up camp.  Just be careful to stay out of the soft sand, or off the popular OHV trails. We set up just just off the dirt camp road, with a short walk to the pools, and pit toilets, and woke each morning to Gambel Quail and Mourning Doves.  We happened to visit during the 2019 spring “super bloom” and desert wildflowers were everywhere. The sand outside outside our trailer revealed that a bobcat had sniffed us out. The desert and the surrounding area is full of life, you just have to look for it.  

Come prepared to dry camp as there is no other water source than the thermal pools, but the pit toilets were very clean and well stocked by the friendly camp host.  The pools fill each morning once sunlight hits the solar panels which power the pumps. By sunset the pools will begin to drain, so everyday there is a new supply of freshwater in the tubs.

Trail activity was pretty loud and busy during the weekend, but as the workweek began things died down and all was quiet.  We cycled on the road rather than the OHV trails because we didn’t bring orange safety flags, or really want to compete with motorized trail traffic.  There are endless desert hiking opportunities just outside the OHV area.

Note:  Cell service was spotty in the campground, but we were able to make a phone call, but no data.

Riggs Flat Campground is located in the Pinaleño Mountains 40 miles southwest of Safford, AZ. The lake is not all that big, a bit under whelming to be honest after such a great drive, although if your lucky you may be able to catch some trout and bass for dinner (you'll need a valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp). I don't believe many people come to the lake to specifically "camp", what this location offers is a scenic drive and a base camp for much better nearby activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birding, caving and swimming.

There are no services or first Aid, the nearest would have to be Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford, 42 miles away. RV Camping is 22 feet and less. Boats permitted on the lake may be powered by no more than a single electric trolling motor. RV’s up to 22' and vehicles with trailers less than 21' are recommended. Longer vehicles have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on the road up the mountain (AZ 366). Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit.

The drive up starts out paved and well maintained, but half way turns to a semi-maintained dirt road. You'll climb from 3200 feet to 9000 in a matter of miles, Mt. Graham is known for is amazing diversity from the surrounding desert. You'll climb through many different Biospheres and witness wildlife change from Lizards, Snakes, and desert dwellers to Deer, Endanged Red tree squirrels, and black bear. There are many other camp grounds on the way but if they are all full then this is your… 15th or so choice!

If your a hiker you can find traces of the Anasazi Indians that once inhabited this area.

Keep in mind the cabins you will pass on the way up are PRIVATELY OWNED, and are not for rent.

Me and the boys picked a site with a few flat areas for tents. Standard issue picnic tables and fire pits with a flat common area is fantastic. Very easy access to this cute little Lake that is stocked with fish. Good fishing if you're into it. Definitely some trails on the mountain, but we also greatly enjoyed just wandering through the forest to some local lookouts. No sour reception in Camp that we've found, but if you walk out to the West edge of the mountain you can pick some up. The pine Forest up here is fantastic. Not as many Aspen's at this camp as others on the mountain. We got caught in some pretty heavy rain. Definitely be aware of the weather and that the mountains attract more rain. It is definitely a healthy drive to get out there, and the last 30 minutes or so is dirt with some holes and dips and rocks.