Rockin’ River Ranch State Park, in Camp Verde off Salt Mine Road, will have its grand opening ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is scheduled to speak at the park, supported by area legislators and local officials. The opening ceremony will be open to the public as a fee-free day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people to explore prior to its official opening the following day.
“People can come in and hike or picnic or whatever they would normally do in the park,” Arizona State Parks public information officer Michelle Thompson said. “Then we’ll just have that short ceremony at one o’clock and the public can listen to that as well, but you know we anticipate that most people will just be enjoying the park.”
“Rockin’ River Ranch State Park will be open for day use Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m., and will cost $7 per vehicle for entry,” Arizona State Parks stated in a press release. “The 209-acre park was acquired in 2008 and is comprised of riparian and high desert land with stunning views of the Camp Verde area. Facilities will include restrooms, picnic areas, parking and a visitor center and gift shop. Six hiking trails are available for mountain biking, equestrian riding, hiking, wildlife watching, birding and fishing access along the Verde River.”
Arizona’s newest state park is the first to be opened in the state since the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park was dedicated in 2016. Following the establishment of Fort Verde State Historic Park in 1970, this new park will become the second state park in Camp Verde.
“The park was acquired in 2008 and sits at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River,” the press release stated. “Previously operated as a guest ranch with horse riding and boarding facilities, the park will now offer nearly four miles of multi-use trails, allowing exploration of the pastures, a mesquite bosque and the riparian zone along the Verde River. Resident and migratory birds and native wildlife are found in the park, and protected and native fish swim in the river.”
“This is going to remain a rustic day-use only park,” Thompson said. “So we’re not planning to add camping or cabins or anything like that. There is potential that we may add more river access, fishing piers, kayaking access or something like that, but no other major infrastructure improvements are planned.”
“Thank you to all our amazing community partners and stakeholders who helped us reach this milestone,” Arizona State Parks and Trails Executive Director Bob Broscheid said. “Being able to share this beautiful space is something that our agency has been working toward for more than a decade, and we are excited to open the park and welcome visitors.”
More information about Rockin’ River Ranch State Park is available at AZStateParks.com/Rockin-River.
