PHOENIX - For the first time since 2016, Arizona will have a new state park. Rockin’ River Ranch, located in Camp Verde, will be opening on February 9, 2024 with outdoor recreation options like picnicking, hiking, and wildlife watching. The park will operate Fridays-Sundays.

Governor Katie Hobbs is scheduled to speak at the grand opening ceremony on Thursday, February 8 at 1 p.m. Area legislators, Camp Verde and Yavapai County officials, and other stakeholders will be invited to attend. This will be a fee-free day for the public to explore the park before the official opening on Friday.

“Thank you to all our amazing community partners and stakeholders who helped us reach this milestone,” said Arizona State Parks and Trails Executive Director Bob Broscheid. “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.”

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. 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/gift shop. Six hiking trails are available for mountain biking, equestrian riding, hiking, wildlife watching, birding, and fishing access along the Verde River. 

The park was acquired in 2008 and sits at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. 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. 

More information about Rockin’ River Ranch State Park can be found online at AZStateParks.com/Rockin-River. This will be the second park in Camp Verde, the first being Fort Verde State Historic Park, which was opened and dedicated in 1970.

Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov