PHOENIX — Arizona State Parks and Trails announced today that Rockin' River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde will expand from three to five operating days per week starting Sept. 1. The park will be open Thursdays through Mondays, adding two days to its current weekend schedule.

Days of operation at the park were previously limited due to staffing restrictions. "We're thrilled to be able to welcome more visitors into the park with these expanded days of operation. This is something we have been working towards and that our customers have been asking for since the park opened last year," said Bob Broscheid, executive director of Arizona State Parks and Trails.

Arizona State Parks and Trails is a self-sustaining agency that relies on park entrance fees, retail sales, and donations for the operations of its parks instead of general fund (taxpayer) dollars. In February 2025, the agency increased its park fees in an effort to support its operations, including staffing, maintenance, and park programming.

"This is made possible because we were able to increase staffing at the park, thanks to the revenue earned through our entrance fees," Broscheid said. "We Arizonans love our public lands, and as an agency, we're grateful to the many people who are proud to support our parks by simply visiting and enjoying them. We hope to eventually expand to daily operations with additional staffing increases in the future." 

Entry to the park costs $10 per person or $20 per vehicle for 2-4 visitors, and $5 per individual on foot or bicycle. 

Since opening in 2024, the park has attracted nearly 10,500 visitors. Previously operated as a guest ranch with horse riding and boarding facilities, the park offers nearly 4 miles of multi-use trails through pastures, a mesquite bosque, and riparian areas along the Verde River. 

Park Manager Jennifer Steffen said staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming more visitors. "People love this park for its serene setting, river access, and abundance of wildlife," said Steffen. "We're so thankful to all who continue to support this beautiful place, from our volunteers who are leading new programs like our monthly butterfly walks, to our visitors who share photos and stories with us of the critters and birds that they spotted during their hike, and community partners who have hosted service projects here and awesome events like our upcoming beer tasting event on Public Lands Day."

Visitors can learn more information about Rockin' River Ranch State Park, see upcoming events, and get directions at AZStateParks.com/Rockin-River.

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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