Shawnee is the county seat of Pottawatomie County, located east of Oklahoma City. It has a population of 28,692 as of the 2020 U.S. census. Several Native American tribes settled the land after being relocated here following the Civil War. The tribes included Sauk, Meskwaki, Kickapoo, Shawnee, and Pottawatomi. Their reservations were opened for settlers by the federal government, and claims from the Land Run of 1891 eventually developed into the town of Shawnee.
Twin Lakes Reservoir is on Belcher Road, with nearly 2,500 acres of water spread across two lakes. There are campsites and picnic areas with grills you can use. You can get in some clay shooting practice at Clay Bird Sports near the lakes or take the family to Shawnee Splash Water Park during a hot summer day. If golf is your passion, stop for a round at Firelake Golf Course and challenge yourself on a course with water in play on 13 of 18 holes.
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is popular with visitors thanks to its permanent exhibits of objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It also has art dating back to the Renaissance and artifacts from several indigenous cultures. Plan ahead and get tickets for an upcoming show at the historic Ritz Theater, a concert venue showcasing talent from around the state and beyond.
If you need a traditional American breakfast before hitting the road in your RV, stop at the popular Sunny Side Up restaurant. If you're in the mood for Chinese, Phoenix Asian Diner gets high marks from patrons. Don Circo's Tacos is highly rated as well.
Campgrounds Near Shawnee, Oklahoma
Twin Fountains RV Resort in nearby Oklahoma City has 152 back-in or pull-through sites with full RV hookups, 30- and 50-amp power, cell reception, and Wi-Fi, starting at $49.50 per night. You will enjoy the ample size of the lots, the grassy areas, and the shade provided by the many trees while you stay here.
Big Cedar RV Park & Cabins sits in the Kiamichi River Valley, offering guests 26 back-in or pull-through sites starting at $26 daily. This secluded facility in nearby Hogden provides full RV hookups, 30- and 50-amp power, cell reception, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi in a pet-friendly environment.
Nearby Monkey Island RV Resort in Afton offers a discount for FMCA and Good Sam Club members when they stay at one of its 68 back-in or pull-through sites. Even without the member discounts, the prices start at $24.99 per night for access to full RV hookups, 30- and 50-amp power, cell reception, a pool, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi.
State Parks Near Shawnee, Oklahoma
Lake Thunderbird State Park is a quick 22-mile drive west of Shawnee, near Norman, Oklahoma. It covers 1,874 acres of terrain, most of which is Lake Thunderbird. The lake has two marinas, nine boat ramps, two swimming beaches, and 11 areas for camping. There is a dump station at each campground, and 30 of the 271 campsites provide full RV hookups. There are trails around the lake for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, but the water is the top draw for the park. You can boat, canoe, fish, kayak, swim, and water ski at Lake Thunderbird. Fish species include channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, saugeye, sunfish, and white bass.
Lake Murray State Park is a 101-mile road trip south of Shawnee, near Ardmore, Oklahoma. It is Oklahoma's largest state park at 12,500 acres of terrain. Lake Murray is the top attraction, covering 5,700 acres of water for canoeing, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, sailing, swimming, wakeboarding, water skiing, and more. There are 10 miles of trails you can explore on a bike or by foot, and it also has an 18-hole golf course to challenge your skills. You will find nine designated camping areas that offer a total of 321 RV sites. Water sports are best enjoyed during the summer, making it the peak season. Winters are cold with minimal snow, while summers bring high heat and humidity. Spring and fall are mild, with more rain possible.
Arrowhead State Park is 106 miles east of Shawnee, near Canadian, Oklahoma. The temperatures here can range from 28 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter and up to 93 degrees in summer. It has 191 campsites, with 91 designated as RV sites. Forty RV sites provide full hookups for campers. The Outlaw Nature Trail runs for a three-quarter mile path over hilly terrain, and wildlife enthusiasts might catch a glimpse of rabbits, deer, or wild turkeys. There are plenty of waterfowl to keep birdwatchers busy as well. Lake Eufaula provides anglers and swimmers with fun, and there is an 18-hole golf course at this park.
National Sites Near Shawnee, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City National Memorial is 39 miles west of Shawnee, in the heart of Oklahoma City's metropolitan area. Built on the site of the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, it commemorates those who lost their lives or got injured in the April 19, 1995, terrorist bombing. Visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, the Field of Empty Chairs, the Survivor Tree, and the Survivor Wall. The surrounding communities have plenty of food, gas, and shopping options for RVers.
A visit to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area requires a 59-mile road trip south of Shawnee. The site is near Sulpher, Oklahoma and offers visitors 9,888 acres of terrain to explore, including streams, forested hills, and lakes. Those who come here enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and swimming. Between March and October, you can enjoy the blooming wildflowers, and certain areas near Lake of the Arbuckles open up to hunters during specific seasons. Popular attractions include Buffalo and Antelope Springs, which are accessible with a brief hike near the end of Travertine Creek.
If you want a short road trip in your RV, visit the nearby Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, 171 miles west of Shawnee. It highlights the surprise attack on the nearby Cheyenne village on November 27, 1868, by the U.S. 7th Calvary under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. You can start by watching "Destiny at Dawn" in the visitor's center before taking the Dust and Fire or Washita Battlefield Park Trails to look closely at the geological features.
National Forests Near Shawnee, Oklahoma
Considered one of the oldest forests in the south, Ouachita National Forest is 170 miles southeast of Shawnee by RV, near Hot Springs, Arizona. This 1.6-million-acre forest contains many rivers, streams, and lakes that provide boating and fishing opportunities. Several historical sites draw in sightseers, and visitors can enjoy dispersed or developed camping. The 192-mile-long Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the lengthiest trail system in the forest and is a popular route for guests.
Ozark and St. Francis National Forests are 191 miles east of Shawnee, near Russellville, Arkansas. The two forests combined offer over one million acres of terrain to enjoy, with St. Francis being the only National Forest with access to the Mississippi River. Enjoy scenic drives with your RV or explore by foot on one of the many trails found here. Other popular activities in these forests include caving, fishing, and swimming. There are 24 campgrounds throughout the area, including sites with RV amenities, such as Beech Point Campground at the Mississippi River State Park.
Head 435 miles northeast into Missouri to reach the Mark Twain National Forest near the town of Rolla. This forest covers 3,068,800 acres across nine locations and sits within the Ozark Mountain Range. You can disperse camp in most areas, and the Berryman Campground offers sites for free primitive camping. There are 32 miles of hiking trails within the forest boundaries, with several bodies of water stocked with bass, crappie, and trout to keep anglers entertained.
