by 
Phoenix- The State Parks in Arizona provide many opportunities for Labor Day 2014 campers. If you have not already reserved your campsite, some campsites are already full. Some State Parks such as Lyman Lake near Springerville and Alamo Lake near Wenden will have campgrounds that may not fill to capacity. Day use and historic parks have plenty of room for daytrippers and Kartchner Caverns State Park always has 100 walk-up tickets each day and good camping opportunities (book cave tours in advance by phone or the website, if possible.)
“Arizona State Parks offer camping cabins, RV sites, tent camping sites and hot showers,” said Kelly Moffitt, Chief of Operations. “For those families seeking cool experiences, you can water ski in the Colorado River, choose a State Park at one of the many lakes, or hike in the pine forests on the top of mesas or sky islands which are many times adjacent to the State Parks. If you camp at the warmer elevations and then spend 30 minutes to drive up to the mountain tops to hike, the elevation changes create cooler climes for outdoor activities.”
Fire restrictions have been lifted in the State Parks due to the recent rains, however some parks always restrict wood burning within the park, but allow charcoal fires. Visitors should call ahead to the State Park for specific restrictions and campsite availability, visit AZStateParks.com to make a reservation or call the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
Another alternative for those individuals who are traveling and are looking for a day trip is the Annual Pass. A family may want to purchase the day-use annual pass, which allows a carload of 4 people entry for day use and is $75 per year.
Slide Rock State Park is a good destination for daytrippers also. Although the swim area remains closed, the park itself is OPEN for business! Slide Rock SP is much more than a swim area. It is a nature preserve that features spectacular red rocks, hiking trails, scenic views and historic buildings.
Stop off at the park while exploring the scenic road 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona for a picnic and tour the historic apple orchard. Meander on the 1/4 mile Pendley Homestead Trail or to the top of the Clifftop Nature Trail, which offers scenic views of the Slide Rock swim area. While on the trail, you may spot a white-tailed deer, javelina, bald eagle or great blue heron.
Slide Rock SP is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with last park entry at 6 p.m. The swim area will remain closed until October 2014. Reduced entry fee of $10 per vehicle is in effect until the swim area re-opens. Bus & Van prices are $2 per person.
STATE PARKS CAMPGROUNDS in Northern Arizona – Call ahead…
Dead Horse Ranch State Park – (928) 634-5283 – Cottonwood – 150 campsites – fishing, boating (non-motorized), hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, guided trail rides.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area – (928) 537-3680 – Show Low – 92 hookup sites, 31 campsites, great fishing and swimming.
Lyman Lake State Park – (928) 337-4441 – St. Johns – 56 campsites & 4 cabins, fishing, waterskiing.
Homolovi State Park – (928) 289-4106 – Winslow – 53 campsites, Hopi Ruins, hiking.
Slide Rock State Park – (928) 282-3034 – Sedona – Picnicking. No camping.
Red Rock State Park – (928) 282-6907- Sedona – Daily guided nature walk/activities, hiking, and photography. No camping.
STATE PARKS CAMPGROUNDS in Southern Arizona – Call ahead…
Catalina State Park (520) 628-5798 – Oro Valley – 125 campsites, hiking, corrals for horses.
Kartchner Caverns State Park (520) 586-2283 – Benson – 60 campsites – cave tours.
Lost Dutchman State Park (480) 982-4485 – Apache Junction – 75 campsites, hiking into Superstitions.
Oracle State Park (520) 896-2425 – Oracle – Lots of hiking opportunities. No camping.
Patagonia Lake State Park (520) 287-6965 – Patagonia – 120 campsites, boats to rent, fishing, beach.
Picacho Peak State Park (520) 466-3183 – Picacho – Seasonal summer closure until September 12, 2014.
Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760 – Safford – 72 campsites/cabins- hot tub, fishing.
STATE PARKS CAMPGROUNDS in Western Arizona – Call Ahead…
Alamo Lake State Park (928) 669-2088 – Wenden – 265 campsites, excellent bass fishing, waterskiing, swimming.
Buckskin Mountain State Park & River Island (928) 667-3231 – Parker – 126 campsites, water sports, cabanas, beach.
Cattail Cove State Park (928) 855-1223 – Lake Havasu City – 61 campsites; 30 Lake Sites (accessible only by boat).
Lake Havasu State Park (928) 855-2784 – Lake Havasu City – 47 campsites – boat launches, great park areas and swimming beach.
For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703). Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by