Roman Nose State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Roman Nose State Park is located in Oklahoma, 7 miles north of Watonga. Named after a Cheyenne chief, it is one of the original seven Oklahoma state parks and was opened in 1937. Roman Nose State Park was once an important resting place and winter campground for Southern Cheyenne, Arapaho and other Plains Indians, providing them with protection from the cold north winds of winter. These days, the state park is a popular attraction due to its natural beauty, as it is set amidst a stunning canyon and surrounded by gypsum rock cliffs and three natural springs. It also provides visitors with opportunities to take part in recreational activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, mountain biking, equestrian, and playing golf at the on-site 18-hole course. Visitors can also view plenty of wildlife, including species such as coyote, raccoon, red-tailed hawk, and rattlesnake.
The state park is open year-round and experiences average daytime temperatures of 50°F - 54°F in winter. Summer, on the other hand, can bring daytime temperatures up to 93°F. If you’re planning a trip to Roman Nose State Park, you’ll want to prepare accordingly. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about this place, including campgrounds, activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 41°F - 80°F
Summer 69°F - 93°F
Fall 40°F - 85°F
Winter 28°F - 54°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Roman Nose State Park
While the park’s beautiful location draws visitors to the region, it’s also the camping opportunities that have people flocking here. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious than your average tent and sleeping bag, then we recommend visiting the state park in an RV. If you don’t own one, you can easily rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget and needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Campground facilities at Roman Nose State Park include 12 full hookup sites, 35 sites with water and electric hookups and 33 tent sites. Daily rates range from $14 - $25. These spaces can fill quickly, however, so we’ve also listed three additional campgrounds and RV parks within the area.
Sandy Cove Campground
Sandy Cove Campground is located on the north end of Canton Dam in northwest Oklahoma on the North Canadian River, just 21 miles from the state park. It offers 35 family sites and one day-use group picnic shelter, all with electrical hookups. Daily rates range from $21 - $40.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: flush toilets, grills, picnic area and shelters, playground, swimming/fishing lake.
Big Bend
Big Bend Campground is located 25 miles from Roman Nose State Park and situated on the scenic Canton Lake. It offers 102 campsites with electricity and water hookups and 12 non-electric campsites. Many of the campsites feature panoramic views of the lake, as well as shade provided by trees. Daily rates range from $17 - $40.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: swimming beach, lake for fishing / boating, flush toilets, showers, boat dock, boat ramp, dump station, playground, picnic tables.
Elk City / Clinton KOA Journey
Further southwest isElk City / Clinton KOA Journey, one of the most popular campgrounds and RV parks within the area. It’s located halfway between Elk City and Clinton and is a short walk to Clinton Lake for sand bass and crappie fishing. Like most KOA’s, you can also expect a long list of helpful amenities and fun activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: swimming pool, laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, dog park, snack bar, propane, playground, dump station, camp store.
What to Do at
Roman Nose State Park
Inside Roman Nose State Park
Roman Nose State Park might be very popular for camping, but people also love visiting here because of the wide range of fun outdoor activities on offer. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, golfing, or more – there’s certainly something for every type of traveler at Roman Nose State Park.
Trails : The Roman Nose State ParkTrail System offers four interconnected trails, two for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, and two for hiking and mountain biking only. These include the Lake Loop Trail, Mesa Loop Trail, Lakeshore Loop Trail, and Black Loop Trail.
Fishing : Watonga Lake has winter trout fishing and trout tournaments in the spring and summer. Anglers can expect to catch species such as rainbow trout, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, and more. A valid Oklahoma fishing license is required for fishing in the park.
Swimming : Although swimming in the state park’s lakes is not allowed, visitors have the option of two swimming pools to cool off in. One of the swimming pools is located in the Resort Lodge, while the other can be found at Three Springs. This pool is typically open 5-6 days a week from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Boating : Lake Watonga and Lake Boecher provide plenty of opportunities for boating, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating. These can be rented from the General Store.
Golfing : There’s also an 18-hole, par 70 golf course located within the state park. Facilities include a putting green and pro shop with cart and club rentals, snacks and drinks. Tee times can bebooked online.
Outside Roman Nose State Park
If you thought the activities on offer within the park were good, then you’re going to be delighted by just how many experiences are available to you in Watonga and surrounding areas. These include stunning sightseeing opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and so much more.
Restaurants
Noble House Restaurant
Noble House Restaurant is located inside a charming, restored hotel which was built in 1912. This hometown dining establishment is open daily to bed and breakfast guests, however the public can enjoy breakfast here each Saturday morning. If you’re in the area, it’s certainly worth stopping by.
Type: Historic restaurant
Location: Watonga, OK
El Charro
If you’re craving some traditional Mexican fare, take a short drive toEl Charro. This family-friendly restaurant is popular amongst locals and serves mouth-watering meals such as enchiladas, tacos, nachos, and according to one customer, the “best fajitas” he’s ever tasted.
Type: Mexican
Location: Canton, OK
Eagle's Nest Restaurant
Eagle’s Nest Restaurant is a straightforward diner offering up Oklahoma favorites such as catfish baskets, burgers and a variety of country-fried delights. It’s located across the street from Watonga High School and features a time-spanning collection of the school’s yearbooks on its wall. It’s a great place to soak-up some community spirit, along with hearty, delicious, and reasonably-priced meals.
Type: Diner
Location: Watonga, OK
Sightseeing
Watonga Cheese & Wine Festival
If you happen to be visiting the region during the second week of October, you won’t want to miss the region’s most celebrated event: theWatonga Cheese & Wine Festival. This two-day event offers a parade, art show, 5K run, carriage rides, vendors and, of course, plenty of wine and cheese tastings.
Location: Watonga, OK
T.B. Ferguson Home
Once the home of T.B. Ferguson, the sixth territorial governor of Oklahoma from 1901-06, thishistoric homestead is now open to the public, showcasing Victorian decor and furnishings (including T.B.'s typewriter from his days as the Watonga Republican founder). Admission is free.
Location: Watonga, OK
Whirlwind Winery
The Whirlwind Winery is housed in what was once a turn-of-the-century Main Street building. It offers a wide variety of wines for almost any taste, although we’ve been told that their Sweet Fay Rose, Honey Apple wine, and Wild Sand Plum Wine are the most popular.
Location: Watonga, OK
How to Get to
Roman Nose State Park
Roman Nose State Park is located on State Highway 8 & State Highway 8A, seven miles north of Watonga. Head south on N Noble Ave towards W Main St, then turn right at the 1st cross street onto W Main St. Turn right onto OK-8 N/N Clarence Nash Blvd, then turn left onto OK-8A N. Finally, turn right onto P20 Rd.
Entering Roman Nose State Park
There is no entrance fee for day use of the state park. Additional fees apply to overnight camping, rentals, and use of the public swimming pool, however.
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Roman Nose State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Roman Nose State Park
Roman Nose State Park is a fantastic destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. Over 85 bird species inhabit the park, including wild turkeys, mourning doves, blue grosbeaks, cardinals, robins, herons, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, and bald eagles.
For the most part, Roman Nose State Park has a pretty warm climate. The temperature can sometimes exceed 90 degrees during the summer, and it's usually above 35 during the winter.
The Roman Nose State Park campground has 47 designated RV campsites available. There are 12 sites with full hookups and 35 sites featuring only water and electric hookups. Keep in mind that these RV campsites usually fill up quickly.
For those looking to enjoy activities like hiking, golfing, fishing, and boating, spring and autumn are typically the best times to visit the park. However, summer is the perfect time to go for a refreshing swim.
Visitors may bring their pets along to Roman Nose State Park, but they are not permitted inside the lodge. All pets must also be on leashes and cleaned up after at all times.