Roman Nose State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
With the backdrop of a beautiful canyon, you will find Roman Nose State Park in the scenic countryside of Oklahoma, featuring rock cliffs of gypsum and natural springs. Seven miles north of Watonga in Blaine County, this state park is a must for your next RV outdoor adventure. You'll have a vast amount of opportunities for outdoor recreation in a warm and inviting setting. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and golfing, Roman Nose State Park offers a huge variety of outdoor fun for RVers of all ages.
The views of Roman Nose State Park are spectacular; the canyons showcase the gypsum rock cliffs and three natural springs. You will love soaking up the cool mountain air during your RV vacation while being surrounded by flora, fauna, and natural flowing water. Enjoy watching the wildlife that calls the area home. Historians will love learning how Roman Nose State Park got its name from a Cheyenne Chief.
Once you park your camper at Roman Nose State Park, you can venture out to one of the many hiking trails in the area. For wildlife viewers, critters such as deer, sheep, and bears are not uncommon to see while staying at the park. Roman Nose State Park is a great RV destination whenever you visit, with beautiful summer days and crisp winters.
RV Rentals in Roman Nose State Park
Transportation
Driving
Roman Nose State Park is easy to access by RV or car as it is just seven miles north of Watonga in the northwestern section of Oklahoma on Highway 8A. You can take US-270 from the south, OK-3 from the east, OK-58 from the west, or OK-51 from the north. You’re only an hour from Oklahoma City, which is the capital of Oklahoma known for its cowboy culture.
Only 39 miles north of Red Rock Canyon State Park, you can stop by and see the 310 acres of rugged canyons and cliffs on your way to or from Roman Nose. And 46 miles north, you’ll find Gloss Mountain State Park, which is full of, you guessed it, mountains
Local roads will take you through the park, from the ranger’s office and gift shop to the campgrounds and hiking trails. There are no driving restrictions for RVs or trailers within the park, so getting around will be easy, whether you are in your rig or another vehicle. Parking is available for RVs and trailers in several locations throughout the park. You will be able to park at the ranger’s office, Lake Boecher, Lake Watonga, the gift shop, the Pro Shop, and the day-use areas.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Roman Nose State Park
Campsites in Roman Nose State Park
Reservations camping
Beaver Dam Campground
Beaver Dam Campground at Roman Nose State Park has 16 campsites that are great for getting back to nature. You will have to park your rig in the parking lot and pick a teepee here because they cannot accommodate RVs of any size. Kick back and sleep under the stars at one of these spacious sites located along the banks of Boecher Lake. Each of the sites has a teepee, picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill for you to cook on.
The teepees are huge and can sleep up to four adults. They even have an indoor electric outlet for you to use, so it is not entirely off the grid. This unique experience is only available from April through October, and they get booked up fast, so reserve one early if you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday. Pets are welcome as long as you keep them on a leash or otherwise secured at all times.
Beaver Creek RV Campground
Bitter Creek RV Campground is located between the cabins near Buffalo Bluffs Amphitheater and the Bitter Creek Tent Area near the horse stables. This is the closest RV campground to the pool and Springs Day Use Area. Each of the five sites here has 30- to 50-amp electric hookups, a large stone picnic table, and can accommodate motorhomes, RVs, and campers up to 50 feet in length. One of the sites (number 77) is ADA accessible, as well.
Modern restrooms are available at the Deer Run and Springs Day Use Areas, as well as the pool. And there are several potable water spigots nearby. Bring your furbabies too because they are welcome, but you must keep them restrained at all times. They are available from April until November, and with only five sites, you should book early. Reservations are required and may be made up to 11 months in advance.
Cedar Grove Campground
Cedar Cove Campground offers eight RV campsites available for reservation from April through October. All of these back-in sites have 30-amp electric hookups, water, and can fit campers, motorhomes, and RVs up to 30 feet long. You will have access to a comfort station that offers restrooms and hot showers as well as drinking water. This campground also has several tent sites, but only one is reservable while the others are first-come, first-served.
Nestled in the northern end of Lake Watonga, you are just a short walk away from all the water fun you want. If you are in the mood for a hike, the Lake Loop Trail starts right here at this campground as well. The kids will enjoy the playground, which is right across the road from the campground. Pets are welcome too, so bring your pooch. Just keep it on a leash or otherwise restrained while you are here. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance because these premium lakeside sites are popular.
Canyon Vista Campground
The largest RV campground at Roman Nose State Park is Canyon Vista, which offers 24 campsites with various length limits and electrical amperages. Nine of the sites can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet in length and have 30- to 50-amp electric and water. Ten of the sites can handle rigs up to 30 feet in length and offer 30-amp electric and water. Five of the sites are ADA accessible, can accommodate rigs up to 55 feet in length, and have 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups.
There are also five tent sites at this campground that are reservable. Each of the tent sites has a concrete pad for a tent, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill. Tucked into a canyon surrounded by Lake Watonga, this campground is a popular spot with boaters and anglers as the boat ramp is right across the road. Reservations can (and should) be made up to 11 months in advance. Pets are welcome as long as you supervise them at all times and keep them on a leash or otherwise restrained.
Two Lakes Campground
Between Boecher Lake and Lake Watonga, you can find Two Lakes Campground. This campground offers eight premium RV sites with 30- to 50-amp electric hookups as well as sewer and water. Seven of the sites can accommodate campers, RVs, or motorhomes up to 50 feet in length while one (site 37) can handle rigs up to 55 feet. Site 45 is ADA accessible, as is the nearby comfort station, which has modern restrooms and hot showers.
Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and BBQ grill and is available from April until November. This campground is also close to the miniature golf course, camp store, and a playground for the kids. You can access several of the trails from the campground, and pets are welcome here as long as they are leashed and supervised. There are several tent sites here as well, but only one is available for reservation. The rest of them are first-come, first-served.
Roman Nose State Park Lodge
If you are in the mood to get out of the motorhome and into luxury, you can choose to stay at the Roman Nose State Park Lodge. This gorgeous and historic building was built in 1956 and has been completely renovated to emphasize the mid-century design while enhancing the natural landscape and modern amenities. Each room is furnished and has a flat-screen television, comfortable beds, blow dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, large showers, and much more.
You’ll also find a modern restaurant with all kinds of yummy food choices where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are also two swimming pools for guests to enjoy. If you are having a wedding, family get-together, or another large get-together, the lodge also has a 2,400 square-foot meeting area with catering services. Make sure you book a room early if you intend to come on a weekend or holiday. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the lodge.
Cabins at Roman Nose
The park also boasts 11 luxurious cabins that are scattered around the grounds from the eastern edge near the Buffalo Bluffs Amphitheater to the Pioneer Cabins next to Lake Boecher and Beaver Dam. Ten of the cabins can accommodate up to eight people, and the cabins come with queen-sized beds and a queen sleeper sofa as well as a fully stocked kitchen and fireplace. Two of the cabins are pet-friendly, so you can bring your furbaby with you. These cabins are spread out with plenty of space in between for privacy and room to play. You’ll also have a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill for cooking.
The Pioneer Cabin is right on the banks of Lake Boecher and sleeps up to five people. This cabin comes with a queen sleeper sofa as well as twin and full-sized beds in the bedroom. The kitchen here is also stocked, and you’ll have a shower, BBQ pit, and picnic table. The Pioneer Cabin is ADA accessible and has a spacious floor plan. You’ll love the privacy and seclusion of this cabin as you feel like you have the place to yourself. Reservations are needed and can be made up to 11 months in advance.
Seasonal activities in Roman Nose State Park
Off-Season
Touring the Visitor's Center
If you want to learn more about the park's history, park your RV at the Visitor Center and check out the exhibits inside. Walkthrough and learn about Chief Henry Roman Nose, who died in 1917 in the canyon, along with the other cultural history of the park. You can ask the park rangers any questions that you may have about the park, as well as learn about the wildlife that calls Roman Nose State Park home.
Taking a Historic Walking Tour
Roman Nose State Park offers amazing historic structures just waiting to be explored during your RV adventure. Starting at the park entrance sign, you will learn how the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the sign in 1942; you will also learn about the historical meaning that goes along with the sign. The next station highlights the stone that is native to the Oklahoma area and how it is used on the concrete picnic tables and fire rings. There are four more historic structures to view before you come to an end at one of the smaller beautiful springs showcasing a picnic pavilion that seamlessly blends in with the natural surroundings.
Horseback Riding
If you've ever wanted to be an avid equestrian, you will love the opportunity to hit the trail at Roman Nose State Park. This state park has guided horseback riding that will fulfill your horseback riding dreams. Whether you are in the mood for a one-hour or two-hour horseback trail ride, your guide will ensure that you have a memorable time while you explore the beautiful array of scenery in the park along the well-groomed and marked trails.
In-Season
Golfing
If golfing is what you crave, then you will not want to miss the 18-hole, par 70 golf course at Roman Nose State Park. While swinging away at this fantastic course, you will encounter natural hazards, sloping grass greens, and views of the lake and surrounding mesas to inspire you to forge on and do your best. Should you wish to practice getting your putt into the hole for a win, there is a putting green. Other facilities include a pro shop with cart or club rentals if you do not have your own, as well as snacks and drinks.
Hiking
Make sure you pack your best pair of hiking boots in your RV since there are four amazing trails to pick from at Roman Nose State Park that range from beginner to intermediate level treks. If you want an easy hike, take in Lake Loop Trail. This trail starts at the northwest side of Lake Watonga and is fairly straight until you reach the curve where you cross over the lake. The Lake Loop Trail takes you back to Lake Watonga and across the dam, showcasing rocky formations along the way.
Bird Watching
Roman Nose State Park is home to more than 85 different species of birds, so you will want to make sure you pack your binoculars in the motorhome before heading out. Some of the varieties of birds you can see include wild turkeys, mourning doves, blue grosbeaks, cardinals, robins, and herons. You’ll also see raptors such as the great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, and maybe even a bald eagle or two. Hotspots in the park for viewing include Lake Watonga as well as the Lake Loop Trail and Mesa Loop Trail.
