Roman Nose State Park, located in Watonga's rolling hills, offers equestrian camping about 90 minutes from Canton, Oklahoma. The park sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with terrain characterized by mesas, canyons and natural springs. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer months typically reach 90°F with moderate humidity, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking trails: Roman Nose State Park features multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. "Amazing trails and great views," notes Justin J. The Spring Loop Trail with the Spring Pavilion is particularly recommended for viewing natural springs.
Fishing opportunities: Foss State Park, about an hour southwest of Canton, offers excellent fishing options. "A lot of room is available for boating fun whether it be fishing, skiing, tubing, etc," explains Colton K., who appreciates the park rangers' friendliness and accommodating nature.
Water recreation: Beyond horseback riding, Roman Nose State Park offers diverse water activities. "There is a little store and restaurant in the park. You can even rent a teepee for the night," mentions Richard, who appreciates the paddleboats and swimming pool options available during warmer months.
What campers like
Natural springs: The cold, clear springs at Roman Nose create a refreshing experience. "After a day of hiking we love to go wade in the springs. Nice and refreshing," writes Nohemy T., who considers this their go-to camping destination for the combination of hiking and natural water features.
Spacious campsites: Foss State Park Campground receives positive feedback for its campsite layout. "Slightly remote which makes it nice and quiet. Good facilities and good parking for travel trailers - we had a 49 foot rig and the spots we picked worked out great," reports Tom R., who particularly appreciated the helpful staff.
Clean facilities: Travelers consistently mention well-maintained restrooms. "The new restrooms at the Canyon Vista are extremely nice. It has 4 individual Bath Suites," notes William A., though he advises bringing quarters for hot showers at Roman Nose State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Roman Nose State Park changes significantly with seasons. "During the Fall and Winter months the lake provides great Trout Fishing that is stocked every 2 weeks," explains William A., making it an excellent destination for cooler weather camping.
Wind exposure: Oklahoma's open landscapes can experience significant wind. "I don't know if it's an Oklahoma thing but the wind was crazy making tent camping a little rough," shares Anna M. about her stay at Foss State Park, suggesting securing tents properly with extra stakes.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should secure food properly. "We were visited in our sleep by raccoons trying to get in our tent," reports Anna M., highlighting the importance of proper food storage when horse camping near Canton.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Roman Nose provides numerous family-friendly activities. "Miniature golf, paddle boats, hiking trails, golf course and pool. There is a little store and restaurant in the park," lists Richard, making it suitable for families seeking varied recreation beyond horseback riding.
Swimming areas: Water-Zoo Campground in Clinton combines camping with water recreation. "Our plan: spend a few days at the campground and let our 12 yo son enjoy the Water Zoo," explains Jasmine B., noting the campground's quiet atmosphere despite proximity to the highway.
Safety features: Foss State Park offers designated swimming areas. "This campground offers an area sectioned off for swimmers," notes Colton K., who also mentions special events throughout the year including "fireworks on the lake for the 4th of July, haunted trails and trick or treating for Halloween."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Roman Nose, experienced RVers recommend specific locations. "If we returned, would stay at #40, but #37, 38 & #39 are good sites," advises Leslie N., who stayed at RV Site #39 at Two Lakes and appreciated the clean site with full hookups, picnic table, and fire pit.
Low branches: Watch for overhead obstacles when navigating to campsites. "Be careful of low hanging branches if you have a taller RV," warns Brian F. about Roman Nose State Park, a practical consideration for those bringing horse trailers or larger RVs to equestrian camping areas near Canton.
