As some of you know we are RVing since 2002 every summer for 5 months,store the rig at the end of the trip , fly home(Israel) for the winter just to pick it up on the next Spring.In October 2013 we ended the trip next to St.Louis after traveling in Michigan-Wisconsin & Illinois,so our 2014 summer will be in Missouri-Arkansas-Oklahoma ending the trip in Colorado Springs. We love nature,hiking,waterfalls (can hike hours to get to one),history,special events,music and meeting people.After reading brochures,searching the net and some advice we came up with this plan,mind you that our routine is:using a central location C.G and using the truck for side trips till we "cover" the area and then move to a new location.This is an "open" plan and would like to get suggestions from RVers what else to see along the planned route and what NOT TO MISS.Thank you.

Buffalo National Scenic River in the Ozarks of ArkansasPetit Jean State Park - across the river from Morrilton, ARDevil's Den State Park - Winslow, AR - do not use the southern route into the park from Winslow - exit 45 on I-540 - go to West Fork and down state road 170Mountain View, Arkansas - Ozark Folk Center State Park - bluegrass music heaven - some nice RV parks within walking distance of several venuesWild buffalo herds - Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge - near Lawton, OKI'm not a fan of Branson, MO and its over 50 music shows, but obviously several hundred thousand folks are and visit each summer.

For more ideas do a Google search for `______ tourism' and put the city/state/area in the blank and read what the specialists have to say about their location.

Dick_B wrote:For more ideas do a Google search for `______ tourism' and put the city/state/area in the blank and read what the specialists have to say about their location.I was asking for suggestions from personal knowledge....how to Google I know.Thank you

OK - I think you need a response from the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Department!!! Only joking. But since I live here, and it's our back yard, can tell you some excellent spots to hang out.As a reference this is the link for the state parks. And as I'm sure you're aware, most state parks are doing good to have electricity and water, but only the more developed have sewer too, but as long as you don't mind a little "lite" boondocking, you can have some killer views. Black Mesa State Park (here's a map), which is an interesting part of the country. Covered wagons would come through this part, and would mark their passing. Also great for star-viewing (the famous Okie-Tex Star Party is in Kenton every year). Great Salt Plains State Park (here's a map) and unbeknownst to most, this is a major stop over for Sandhill Cranes from about November to April. But during summer great spot for crystal digging. Here's more on the crystals at the lake. This is one of our favorite state parks.Red Rock Canyon State Park (here's a map) is a place where wagon trains would rest. It is along a creek and in a canyon with huge trees so was almost always cool and refreshing. It's very glade-ish and a quiet restful spot. There are 3 full-hookups. Call first to reserve one. Here's more info. Another one of our favorite spots.Greenleaf State Park (here's a map) is also a quiet little park, but lovely and pretty place to stay. Deer Run Campground is the only one with full hook-ups, and check because some are 30AMP only and some are 50AMP. During summertime, many fishing contests up through the fall. From here it's an easy trip to just below Tenkiller Dam (which is practically next door) where you can fish for trout (and fry 'em up that night for dinner!) Here's more info on this park. Another one of our favorite parks. Lake Wister State Park (here's a map) is a great birding spot. Eagles and migratory birds are often here in early spring and late fall. Beavers Bend State Park (here's a map) Hands down, the most popular state park in Oklahoma. If you don't go any place else, you must do this park. We like Fern Campground, but some of the spots are hard to get into (the configuration of the road and the site are difficult). Don't try it in a motor home or long 5th wheel. For those Buckeye or Acorn are better. You can reserve in Buckeye only. None of the RV sites are full hookups - they all have electricity and water. Fern sits high up on the sides of the river, while Buckeye and Acorn are more level with the river. Great fishing here and gobs of beautiful babbling brooks and scenery. No cell or wi-fi (unless you want to go to the Forest Heritage Center (go inside the exhibit area and you should be able to pick up a wi-fi signal, free - no one is exactly sure why, but it's there!!!!)The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (here's a very basic map) - this isn't a state park, but the preserve houses a fine heard of bison, so be careful not to get out of your car as they can be dangerous animals. They will come right up to the road and will cross as will. There are great hiking trails as well. The best RV park in the area is the Settle In RV Park. You might want to call for reservations. They have full hook-ups. For more information click here.Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (here is general map and here is a hiking trail map) is located near Lawton and has lots of wildlife, but even better fabulous hiking trails. Here is their website, and here is a brochure about the refuge. Their visitor center is excellent with better info than I could give about what's going on locally. The Doris Campground is probably rated a little higher.Good luck and hope you enjoy your trip

I'm not sure if you're already looking at the Eureka Springs, Arkansas area, but if not, I'd suggest a look.

2014 RV summer plan-open for suggestions | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

Hank85713
Explorer
Dec 09, 2013
Your route indicates you are going through Lawton Ok, so stop at Ft Sill for their Museum, also there is the Holy City over in the Wichita Mountains park. A place called Meers is an old mining place in the same park, used to have some good burgers (dont know if circle K or not), but is interesting. On the way down you can go to salisaw and see the lakes/locks up in the tulsa area. Visit the hot springs over in arkansas. Really not a lot to see on the route to amarillo, but again in amarillo is the big texan steak house was a fair place to eat. Bell helicopter has/had a large maintenance facility at the old airbase there also. Look at the Cadillac graveyard just out side of town on I 40.

Over in NM just a little west of where you plan to hit I 25 is Angle Fire the 1st official Vietnam war memorial in the US. About 100 miles or so from I 25. Along the way is whittington the NRA ranch and the Boy Scouts Philmont ranch is also along the way outside of cimmeron. Nice optical illusion to be found along the road as you go downhill and the stream goes uphill! You can go to Taos NM and up into durango than over to Pagosa springs for some soaking in hot springs. One of the places has an rv park but you will need reservations they are not expensive. Also on way back to I 25 in colo is the great sand dunes monument to visit. When you get to colo springs well thats an area of its own, lots of tourist traps if ya know what I mean.
4runnerguy
Explorer
Dec 09, 2013
Arkansas suggestions:

1. Blanchard Springs Caverns We've been to quite a few caves and this one is notable for its generally pristine condition. Above ground, make sure you hike to where the springs come out.

2. Consider camping at Lake Ouachita SP. FHU available.

3. Agree with the recommendation to visit Eureka Springs. Lots of up and down walking so you'll get your exercise. Interesting historic houses and buildings. Loved the Local Flavor Café. Be prepared to wait for a table.

4. Drive the Talimena Scenic Byway on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma.

5. Spend a rainy day exploring the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville. Except for a special exhibit they may be presenting, the rest of the museum is free. Amazing collection of North American art, from pre-Revolution to today. Plan on a full day if possible. The building and the gardens are interesting in themselves.

6. If the river levels are good, plan a float/canoe trip on the Buffalo River. Also many hiking opportunities here.
Grey_Mountain
Explorer
Dec 09, 2013
PM sent.
We will be back home in late August after our annual invasion of Vancouver Island.

The original "Grey Mountain" was my great-grandfather. Grey Mountain is the English translation from Comanche of "Esa Toyah."

GM
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Dec 08, 2013
Any of the state parks in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas are well worth investigating - many waterfalls. There are some great Corps of Engineer (COE) parks, also.
wannavolunteerF
Explorer
Dec 08, 2013
Unless you have already been, I would consider adding in a trip along MS river and into Memphis. I would slide that in after point 9 or 10 (can't read names on pic). Likely Corps of Engineer parks available along the river and Memphis has plenty of things to see.
danoren
Explorer
Dec 08, 2013
Grey Mountain wrote:
Teh Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is about 30 miles from my home. There are buffalo, longhorns, elk, deer, turkey, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks and various other critters wandering loose in this area. Oklahoma is also home to about 40 different Native American tribes, so there is a powwow going on somewhere every weekend. If you are in Oklahoma City in early June, the Red Earth Arts Festival could be on your schedule. There are usually around 250 Native American artists from around the US, Canada and sometimes even S. America there, as well as about 1000 dancers competing for prizes. The Comanche Nation (my tribe) has its three-day Comanche Nation Fair in September at the tribal complex north of Lawton and not far from the Wichita Game Reserve.

GM

I will be there in September and would like to meet you.
Grey_Mountain
Explorer
Dec 08, 2013
Teh Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is about 30 miles from my home. There are buffalo, longhorns, elk, deer, turkey, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks and various other critters wandering loose in this area. Oklahoma is also home to about 40 different Native American tribes, so there is a powwow going on somewhere every weekend. If you are in Oklahoma City in early June, the Red Earth Arts Festival could be on your schedule. There are usually around 250 Native American artists from around the US, Canada and sometimes even S. America there, as well as about 1000 dancers competing for prizes. The Comanche Nation (my tribe) has its three-day Comanche Nation Fair in September at the tribal complex north of Lawton and not far from the Wichita Game Reserve.

GM
danoren
Explorer
Dec 08, 2013
Thank you all for your swift reply to my post, some of the mentioned places were already on my map and some new ones I added to our route.
Keep warm ,see you down the road
TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Dec 07, 2013
South of Amarillo is the second largest canyon in the us and you can camp in the canyon it self Palo Duro Canyon State Park
At Trinidad CO take The Highway of Legends Spend a second day on the Highway of Legends and hike West Spanish Peak
Crowe
Explorer
Dec 07, 2013
In Colorado I'd suggest Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods.