Roper Lake State Park, Oakley, AZ

The natural beauty of Roper Lake State Park in Oakley, Arizona boasts a stone hot tub, fishing, beaches, a tranquil island and quiet campsites. There are natural hot springs in the lake that can soothe tired muscles after a day of hiking. There are ranger facilities, restrooms, picnic areas, campsites for tents and trailers, showers, boating, canoeing and bird watching at Roper Lake State Park. It is six miles from the lake before there are other services.

Roper Lake is surrounded with desert vegetation, a fishing dock and views of Mount Graham. Entrance fees to the park are five dollars per day for a vehicle with one to four individuals. Visitors on bikes pay two dollars per bike and individual. Camping fees are twelve dollars a night for non electric sites. Electric sites charge sixteen dollars a night and cabins are available for fifty dollars a night.

The lake is stocked with large mouthed bass and rainbow trout. Kids can catch their first fish at Roper Lake very easily. Boats that are allowed on the lake are only those with small electric motors. Because of this sail boards and canoes can enjoy the lake as well.

Five miles of trails surround the Roper Lake and close by Dankworth Pond. Visitors walking along the trails may get to see Gamble's Quail and heron so binoculars are advised for optimum bird watching.

There are thirty lake surface acres. Some of the features of the lake are the boat ramp, stone hot tub, swimming beach and a day use island. The island has picnic tables and grills. Reservations are available for the camping cabins and for certain camp sites.

On- going events at Roper Lake State Park are: Desert Fishing with Sammy: Thursday through Monday at 10:00 am. Park ranger Sammy Gomez teaches people how to fish. Children under fourteen do not need a fishing license, but all others are required to have a valid fishing license. Fishing poles and tackle must be brought with the attendees. RSVP's are requested.

Heart Healthy Walks happen daily. This hike is about two miles and is led by the park staff. The history of the park is discussed on the hike. People interested in the hike need to meet at the visitor center. Attendees are advised to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

The elevation of the State Park is 3,130 feet. To reach Roper Lake State Park from Phoenix, Arizona, head north on N. Central Ave toward E. Adams St. then turn right at E. Van Buren St., turn left at N 7th St. and then merge onto I-10 E toward Tucson. Follow US-60 E for about eighty miles, and then go on E. Ash St or US-70 for another seventy six miles. Turn right at S. 1st Ave/S US-191, turn left at W. Roper Lake Rd then go about twenty three feet to the entrance to the park and turn right. There are no gas stations at the state park.