Labor Day weekend is here and for those looking to escape the city, Arizona state parks are a short road trip away.
There are five state parks within a two-hour drive: Catalina, Kartchner Caverns, Patagonia Lake, Lost Dutchman and Roper Lake. All provide campsites and activities such as fishing and hiking.
Reservations can be made at pr.state.az.us online. Two parks - Lost Dutchman and Roper Lake campsite - require telephone reservations. Be prepared to pay parking and camping fees over the phone.
There are currently no fire or camping restrictions. The parks department does require visitors to bring plenty of water jugs and a shovel to help make sure campfires are completely out.
The majority of the state parks do not allow ground, wood or charcoal fires, except for Patagonia and Catalina State Park, which both require the fire to be built in a fire ring.
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Oracle and Picacho Peak state parks are closed until further notice.
State Parks WITHIN 2-HOUR DRIVE
Catalina
1-520-628-5798
• Fees: $15 non-electric, $25 electric
Kartchner Caverns
1-520-586-2283
• Fees: $6 parking, $25 camping
Patagonia Lake
1-520-287-6965
• Fees: $10 parking, $17-$25 camping
Lost Dutchman
1-480-982-4485
• Fees: $7 parking, $15 non-electric, $25 electric
Roper Lake
1-928-428-6760
• Fees: $7 parking, $15 non-electric, $23 electric, $55 cabin rental
Jessica Canchola is a University of Arizona student who is an apprentice at the Star. Contact her at starapprentice@azstarnet.com or 573-4117.
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