Spectacular views

By Tony Waggoner, Staff Writer

April 04, 2008 03:47 pm

— Looking for a great view of the Oklahoma landscape? Maybe, you’re looking to swim in one of the state’s largest swimming pools. Or, maybe you would like to just pull a few catfish, trout or crappie out of the lake. There is a beautiful place in Watonga where you can enjoy all of these attractions and more: Roman Nose State Park and Lodge.
“We have so much to offer,” Roman Nose Park Superintendent, Dean Taylor, said. “It really depends on what you are after.”
Roman Nose Park was once a winter campground for the Cheyenne Indian tribe. In fact, it is named for a Cheyenne chief who lived in the rugged canyon from 1887 until he passed away there in 1917, according to the park Web site.
The park, itself, was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is one of the seven original state parks in Oklahoma and offers a variety of different leisure attractions, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, tennis and volleyball courts and golfing.
The park added its first man-made lake in the 1950’s, Lake Boecher. It now also features another lake, Lake Watonga, a renown spot for fishing of all types, especially trout in the winter time.
“It’s been a wonderful season for trout fishing,” Taylor said of this past winter season. “Fisherman are just fascinated by the amount of trout in the lake.”
With 840 park acres, the park offers seven camping areas with 93 campsites. Campers can stay at the park for as little as $8 a night. Campsites prices are available dependent on the amount of amenities, Taylor said. Campsites are trailer and RV compatible, as well, and Teepee rentals are available in the summer months.
Taylor said it has been a great place for many churches and organizations to come to for a retreat.
“The group camp will sleep 180,” Taylor said. “The 4-H club and Boy Scouts often use it for teaching things like the fundamentals of shooting.”
Resort guests not wanting to rough it at one of the campsites can stay in lodges or cottages. Lodges and cottages or cabins run from $68 to $81 a night. The resort has 47 lodges available and 10 cottages, including the Fairway Cottage, which has three rooms inside and a terrific view, Taylor said.
“The Fairway Cottage is essentially set up right on our 18 hole golf course,” he said. “Our golf course is a real hot attraction right now.”
Two of the cottages allow pets, Taylor said, but all other lodges and cottages do not. There is a kennel for those pets to stay in.
Guests can enjoy catfish, rib-eye steaks and many other menu items at the Redbird Restaurant, where Taylor says they have one selection that past guests say all must try, the Indian tacos.
Guests can also buy any necessities or food to cook at the park’s General Store. Passes for a number of the park’s attractions can be purchased at the store, as well.
The first thing many visitors notice is the resort’s large swimming pool. With 280,000 gallons of water, the pool can have up to 120 people in it at one time and is the largest pool in any state park in the state. Taylor said originally the pool was spring fed, but state park regulations changed that. The outdoor pool still has the feel of an open country spring, though. Surrounded by rocks and trees, the pool’s ground level look is very much the look of the outdoors.
The park has between 14 and 25 miles of trails used for hiking, mountain bike riding and horseback riding. Taylor said many guests like to use these trails to go on nature walks and view the park’s beautiful scenery.
“People have said we have some of the most beautiful views,” Taylor said. “There is not doubt we have a lot to offer.”
With gas prices and a sluggish economy, many are concerned that there won’t be money for vacations to places like Roman Nose Park, but Taylor is optimistic.
“It is a huge concern,” Taylor said. “With gas prices high, people won’t want to travel far. I really think local residents will stay closer to home.”
Taylor did say he believes the economy might make people not stay as long as they normally would, though.
Taylor is also hopeful this summer’s weather will be better than it has been the last couple of years. People tend to stay away when it consistently rains, which is understandable.
“I’m hoping for good weather this summer,” he said. “If we get the weather to cooperate, I believe visitors will want to come out and enjoy our park.”
The busy season is fast approaching, and Taylor said it is best for people thinking of coming to the park to book their lodges or cottages as soon as possible.
With everything the park has to offer, Taylor considers it one of the best attractions in all of Oklahoma, and one he hopes will continue to thrive and earn renown. Just don’t call Roman Nose a “best kept secret.”
“I wouldn’t say it was a best kept secret,” Taylor said. “Many residents in Watonga have referred to it as their diamond in the rough.”
For Lodge Reservations call (800) 892-8690 or (580) 623-7281, Stables (580) 623-4121 and the General Store call (580) 623-7750.

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