Roper Lake State Park offers camping options 8 miles south of Safford, Arizona at 3,130 feet elevation. The 338-acre park features a 32-acre reservoir surrounded by desert landscape with mountain views. Camping facilities include various tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and upscale options for visitors seeking luxury camping experiences close to Safford, Arizona.
What to do
Swimming in designated areas: Roper Lake State Park has a swimming beach area that's popular during warmer months. "Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake," notes Ryan V. from Cottonwood Campground.
Fishing from docks: Multiple fishing docks provide access to the lake stocked with bass and trout. "Site 46 is on the lake which hosts a variety of water fowl," according to Lisa S. who visited Gila Campground.
Nearby mountain exploration: Mount Graham is accessible for hiking and cooler temperatures. "Sunday I drove up Mt. Graham till the road turn to dirt and enjoyed the cold and quite," shares Mindy H. who camped at Roper Lake State Park.
Hot springs soak: The natural hot springs tub offers relaxation when operational. "Enjoyed the hot springs hot tub in the campground," mentions Betty F. who found Roper Lake State Park "clean, beautiful and friendly staff."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings provide opportunities for bird watching along the lake. Colby F. reports, "The campsites were very clean and well-maintained... Waking up early to watch waterfowl on the lake at sunrise is going to be one of my most memorable camping experiences."
What campers like
Covered picnic areas: Many sites feature sheltered tables, providing protection from sun and elements. "The sites are pretty private and there are nice picnic table covers," notes Shawn who recently stayed at Cottonwood Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise for cleanliness. Ryan R. from Gila Campground states, "The facilities are immaculately clean. I mean the cleanest campground restrooms I've ever seen."
Spacious campsites: Sites provide adequate room between neighbors. "Plenty of space between campsites," mentions Ryan V., while Bianca B. adds, "Spots are spacious. Seemed kind of pricey at $20 a night."
Evening stargazing: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. At Playa Dispersed Campsite, visitors appreciate "wide open skies, peaceful surroundings, and incredible sunrises made for a perfect desert camping experience."
Bird watching opportunities: The area attracts diverse bird species, especially during migration periods. "Got here about 6 PM and the lagoon was filled with cranes. Got amazing pictures of them. In the morning the lagoon was empty," shares Ken about the Playa Dispersed Campsite.
What you should know
Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Weather varies significantly between seasons. Colby F. notes, "We visited in November, so temperatures ranged from the 80s during the day down to the 40s in the night."
Maintenance issues may affect amenities: Facilities undergo periodic maintenance that can impact availability. "Sadly, there is construction going on in the park right now... Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while," reports Shawn at Roper Lake State Park.
Busy holiday periods require planning: Holiday weekends bring larger crowds. Justin G. experienced this at Roper Lake State Park: "Fairly busy, Easter weekend, but didn't seem like we were on top of each other."
Highway noise at some locations: Willcox-Cochise KOA sits near the interstate with associated noise. "If you are parked next to the highway you are approx 12 feet from the actual highway road itself and can feel and hear every single vehicle that drives by," warns Megan B.
Limited shade at some sites: Tree cover varies across locations. Beth G. mentions about the Gila Campground, "Most sites don't have much of a view. Very few trees."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly paths: Multiple paved and unpaved trails accommodate cycling. "Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake," shares Ryan V. about Cottonwood Campground.
Child-friendly swimming areas: The designated beach area provides safer water access for children. At Riverview Campground, Sara notes, "Little bit of walk to river but not bad. Was post monsoon weather. River was flowing fast and looked like chocolate."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play equipment for younger visitors. C.W. mentions that Willcox-Cochise KOA has a "Small play area for the kids, level gravel parking, not cluttered, good place for the night."
Cabin options for easier family camping: For those seeking luxury camping near Safford, Arizona without tent setup, cabin rentals provide convenience. Ryan R. reports, "We stayed in a cabin and it was nice and quiet. We will definitely stay here again."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bird watching provides educational experiences for children. A visitor at Playa Dispersed Campsite notes it's "renowned for its wintering population of sandhill cranes. During wet winters, thousands of these majestic birds can be observed."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations on certain roads: Some access routes present challenges for larger rigs. Shane W. from Riverview Campground cautions, "The road in turns to dirt for a brief minute, then back to paved. It winds and there are some tight turns... Wouldn't take anything over 35' 5th wheel."
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete RV services. Brad E. found at Grande Vista RV Park: "Park is amazingly quiet at night. Clean and well kept. Spaces are level and gravel."
Internet connectivity varies: Cell service and WiFi quality differs between locations. C.W. reports about Grande Vista RV Park: "I have Verizon and management stated Verizon is the best in this small town... This is on top of their 2 free wifi access they provide which are already fast!"
Dump station access may be limited: Maintenance issues occasionally affect dump services. Shawn mentions at Roper Lake State Park, "Unfortunately, the dump station is closed for a while."
Site preferences for privacy: Choose sites strategically for more seclusion. Lisa S. recommends at Gila Campground: "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."
