Arizona Outdoorsman / AZOD

ARIZONA STATE PARKS PRESS RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Public Information Officer Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or cell (602) 228-8518 ebilbrey@pr.state.az.us

"Camping Log Cabins" and "Yurts" Open at Lyman Lake State Park

(Phoenix, Arizona - May 12, 2003) Lyman Lake State Park will start taking reservations for its new "Camping Cabins" and "Yurts" on May 19 2003.

For most Americans, the image of Arizona is windswept arid canyons and vast deserts, yet Arizona's State Parks offer innumerable opportunities to visit lakes and rivers. Spring, summer and fall, Lyman Lake State Park in northeast Arizona has been a water destination for family vacationing and usually has plenty of space for campers.

At 6,000 feet, Lyman Lake was created in 1915 as an irrigation reservoir by damming the Little Colorado River. Since then, Lyman Lake State Park has become a favorite vacation retreat for thousands of Arizona's residents, especially water skiers. Situated in wide-open mountain grasslands, Lyman Lake State Park offers the perfect setting for families seeking a variety of activities. The State Park has a water ski slalom course, fishing, hiking, bird-watching, windsailing, swimming and now has added a new twist to its remote camping facilities.

Four "Yurts" and four "Camping Log Cabins" have been installed in the campground and are available for renting through a reservation system at rates that range from $35-50 depending on the season. The yurts are 16 -feet round and the cabins are 14 feet x 16 feet with a six-foot porch. Cabins are heated and designed to sleep four persons on a bunk bed and mattress in one of the two rooms or an extra cot can be added. Toilets, showers, and electricity, are available in the campground but campers must bring bedding, cookware and tableware. Reservations are limited to no more than 15 nights and occupancy is limited. Tents and RVs may be erected next to the cabins to increase capacity for families on the site.

Although new to Arizona, yurts have been home for millions in Central Asia for several millennium. The round design is proving just as well suited for use in Arizona’s unique climate. On clear nights, yurt campers can lie in their sleeping bags to view the abundant display of stars visible through the open roof or during wet seasonal storms the yurt offers room for the whole family to sit in dry comfort. The yurts interior is secure and solid no matter what the weather might be outside.

Lyman Lake State Park is also a bird-watching destination as it is home to a variety of birds such as herons, cinnamon teals, quails and coots. The park offers a lasting image of untrammeled nature and more importantly, the special appeal of family recreational opportunities in a secure setting.

Fishing enthusiasts treasure the park for the lake’s walleye and largemouth bass. Hikers treasure this State Park for the one-quarter mile self-guided Peninsula Petroglyph Trail, the longer, Ultimate Petroglyph Trail guided by rangers on a seasonal basis and for exploring the petroglyph-covered boulders and the 14th Century ruin at Rattlesnake Point Pueblo. Water skiers treasure Lyman Lake for the permanent slalom course set up on the west side of the lake. And most of all, campers treasure Lyman Lake for its wide variety of camping facilities.

Additional amenities at the Park range from a multi-use rental building with two restrooms, for large groups to tent-camping and full RV hookup sites for families looking for overnight camping. The beauty of Lyman Lake State Park's 1,180 rambling acres is inescapable whether you spend the night in one of the new "camping log cabins" or one of the newly installed "yurts" which are now all available..

Note: All State Parks are open! For information about costs or to make reservations after May 19, please call Lyman Lake State Park at (928) 337-4441 or for more information about the 27 State Parks call the Arizona State Parks main office at (602) 542-4174 (long distance from rural areas 800-285-3703).

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