The park is located off U.S. Route 191, 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Safford, at the Gila River and Valley.

The land for the park, formerly a ranch, was purchased by the state in 1972 in order to construct a reservoir.

Roper Lake State Park includes a boat ramp, a beach for swimming, a picnic area, a campground, cabins, and a hot spring.

The lake is stocked with bass and trout, and boats are limited to small electric motors.

This scenic park in southeast Arizona is in a beautiful location surrounded by the sky island Pinaleño Mountains range, including Mount Graham.