Roman Nose State Park, named after a Cheyenne chief, is one of the original seven Oklahoma state parks. Outdoor recreation abounds at this stunning park, where you’ll find an 18-hole golf course, well-maintained hiking, biking and equestrian trails, two no-wake boating lakes and even seasonal trout fishing. Read on for a description of the campgrounds and amenities found at Roman Nose State Park, and start planning your next Watonga getaway.
Arriving at the Park
To reach the office located within Roman Nose State Park Lodge, follow Highway 8A north from Highway 8 approximately 2.5 miles and turn right onto P20 Road. Stop in for information, brochures and a bathroom break before venturing out to explore all the park has to offer.
Roman Nose State Park Lodge
Originally constructed in 1956, Roman Nose State Park Lodge was completely remodeled in 2010. It features 22 stunning guest rooms with contemporary furnishings, flat screen televisions and large showers. The on-site Roman Nose State Park Lodge Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are also several conference rooms available for meetings and group events. The lodge also offers a swimming pool for guests. Book your stay at Roman Nose State Park Lodge here.
Roman Nose State Park Golf Course & Pro Shop
Just south of the lodge you’ll find the Roman Nose State Park Golf Course. This 18-hole, par 70 course offers sloping bent grass greens, Bermuda grass tees and fairways, natural hazards, lake views, canyon walls and mesas. Facilities include a putting green and pro shop with cart and club rentals, snacks and drinks. Click here to book a tee time online.
Deer Run & Talking Trees Day Use Areas
From the lodge and pro shop, head south on P20 Road toward Highway 8A. Turn right and the first area you’ll reach is the Deer Run Day Use Area. Although this area is mainly for day use only, there is one primitive tent site with a comfort station and water hydrant nearby. Deer Run is adjacent to the Talking Trees Area, where you can enjoy the sounds of rustling grass and babbling water from Bitter Creek, which winds through the area.
Roman Nose Riding Stables
From the Talking Trees Day Use Area, continue along Highway 8A and take the first right turn onto P60 Road. This will lead you to a “T,” with Roman Nose Riding Stables being directly ahead.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own horses (although a negative Coggins report is required) or rent a horse to explore the park’s well-marked equestrian trails. Guided rides are also available in one or two-hour increments, and pony rides are offered for children ages six and under.
Beaver Dam Tent Area & Teepees
Continuing north along P60 Road, the first camping area you’ll reach is the Beaver Dam Tent Area. Pitch your tent near Lake Boecher at one of the 13 sites, each of which comes with a fire ring, grill and picnic table. A centrally-located water hydrant and comfort station are also available. The Beaver Dam Area is also home to some of the park’s teepees.
Open seasonally from April through October, each teepee can sleep up to four adults. Rentals also include an indoor electric outlet, outdoor fire ring and grill. A comfort station with restrooms and showers is located within easy walking distance.
Pioneer Cabin
Continuing along P60 Road, you’ll next reach the Pioneer Cabin. Overlooking Lake Boecher, this cabin can sleep up to five people between a queen-sized sleeper sofa in the living room and a bedroom with full bed and fully adjustable twin bed. It also comes with a fully equipped kitchen, ground-level entry shower and open floor plan to accommodate ADA guests.
Located just north of the Pioneer Cabin at the entrance to the Two Lakes Area is the General Store at Roman Nose State Park. This area is home to some of the park’s most popular activities with a variety of rentals available. Play a game of miniature golf, horseshoes or volleyball, or rent a mountain bike, canoe, kayak or paddleboat to explore the park. The general store also stocks a mix of drinks, snacks, bait and tackle.
Two Lakes RV/Tent Area
The next camping area you’ll reach is the Two Lakes RV/Tent Area, which is tucked in between Lakes Boecher and Watonga. This area is home to many of the park’s popular amenities including a fishing dock, fishing jetty, comfort station and trailhead that can take you down through Canyon Spur and to the Switchbacks. Read more about Roman Nose State Park Trails here.
The campground offers one tent site and eight modern RV sites with pull-through parking and 50-amp electric service. Book Two Lakes RV campsites online here.
Canyon Vista RV/Tent Area
Nestled in an alcove bordering Lake Watonga, the Canyon Vista RV/Tent Area looks toward Inspiration Point and is a popular camping area. There are a total of three tent sites and 23 RV sites. Ten of the RV sites are semi-modern (electric and water hookups only) with 30 amp electric service; four RV sites are semi-modern with 50 amp service; five sites are semi-modern with pull-through parking and 50 amp service; and four are modern with pull-through parking and 50 amp service.
This area also offers a self-pay station, boat ramp, fishing dock, fishing jetty, dump station and comfort station. Book Canyon Vista RV campsites online here.
Cedar Cove RV/Tent Area
The park’s northernmost campground is Cedar Cove, which offers cozy camping among shady trees and the still waters of Lake Watonga. Here visitors will find a comfort station, fishing jetty and trailhead for the Lake Loop Trail, which leads around to Inspiration Point. The campground features two tent sites and seven semi-modern RV sites with 30-amp electric service.
Turkey Roost Group Camp
Head back south on P60 Road continuing past the stables until you reach the Turkey Roost Group Camp. This area is tucked away for complete privacy and comes with a fully-furnished dining hall and A-frame bunkhouses that can accommodate up to 163 overnight guests.
Bitter Creek RV/Tent Area
Driving back toward the stables, turn west onto Highway 8A and the next campground you’ll encounter is the Bitter Creek RV/Tent Area. This location is popular with equestrians and features pull-through sites for horse trailers, horse pen rentals and five RV sites. All of the sites are semi-modern with 50-amp electric service and pull-through parking, and one of the sites is accessible. Book Bitter Creek RV campsites online here.
Resort Cabins
Located along Highway 8A, Roman Nose State Park offers 10 resort cabins. Each duplex-style cabin can sleep up to four people between a bedroom with queen-sized bed and a queen sleeper in the living room. Additional amenities include a full kitchen with microwave, coffee pot and dishes, as well as all linens and a fireplace. Two of the cabins are pet-friendly.
Swimming Pool
Just a short way from the cabins is the park’s public swimming pool, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Since swimming isn’t allowed in either of the park’s lakes, the pool is a popular place to cool off during those hot summer months. Typically open from late May through early August, the pool offers two big yellow slides and plenty of poolside lounge seating.
Springs Area Day Use & Spring Pavilion
Veer off Highway 8A onto P10 Road to discover the popular natural springs area. Located in the westernmost area of the park is the Springs Day Use Area, which is home to the park’s beautiful natural springs. A short walk down a stone staircase will lead you to an easy trail that winds alongside a creek. Be sure to check out one of the park’s hidden gems - Big Spring, which is tucked back in a rock formation. Visitors are welcome to wade in the freshwater springs, but keep in mind that it’s chilly all year!
Also be sure to check out the charming Spring Pavilion, a shaded oasis built from native stone that makes a perfect place for a picnic.
