Lake access defines the experience at Cottonwood Campground, where campers can fish, swim, and paddle directly from sites that border Roper Lake's shoreline. This state park campground accommodates RVs up to 45 feet with full hookups alongside tent sites, all equipped with covered picnic tables and fire rings.
The campground operates across multiple loops, with the Hacienda section drawing praise from repeat visitors for its spacing and reduced crowding compared to other areas. Sites sit close together, though "even though it was semi crowded and the sites are close together, people were quiet," according to Megan S.. Weekend periods bring families with children, creating a livelier atmosphere that contrasts with the quieter weekday environment.
Fishing opportunities exist both at the main lake and at nearby Dankworth Pond, accessible with your park pass. Swimming areas remain separate from the fishing zones, though dogs cannot access the designated swimming beach. Hiking trails circle the lake and extend toward Mount Graham, which rises prominently to the south. A natural hot spring feeds a communal hot tub, though availability varies seasonally.
The park maintains clean restroom facilities with hot showers, and recent upgrades include new bathroom buildings and an improved dump station. Cell service reaches most areas of the campground. For those seeking additional overnight options, Hacienda Campground — Roper Lake State Park sits just southeast within the same park boundaries.
Reservations prove essential during peak seasons, as this popular destination fills quickly with both RV and tent campers drawn to the reliable water access and comprehensive amenities that define Arizona's state park system.
Description
Cottonwood Campground
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Campers who are going to arrive after 9PM, must call the Park before 4PM.
Campers arriving prior to 12:00 pm will be charged the day use fee.
Maximum of 2 motorized vehicles (including ATV, UTV, motorcycle, etc) at a site. 2nd vehicle will be assessed a $15/night fee if not registered to same person or address as primary vehicle.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park is located in Arizona
Directions
From town: Go 6 miles south on US 191, then 1/2 mile East on Roper Lake Rd.
Address
101 East Roper Lake Road
Safford, AZ 85546
Coordinates
32.7548195168203 N
109.707081289326 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 1 hr 35 min from Tucson, AZ
- 2 hrs 50 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 1 min from Phoenix, AZ



































