Forum Discussion

danoren's avatar
danoren
Explorer
Dec 06, 2013

2014 RV summer plan-open for suggestions

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.

16 Replies

  • On your route between Amarillo and Colorado is a very small town an hour or so short of Raton - Capulin - and Capulin Volcano National Monument.

    No camping in the park - but the town has a nice small overnight RV park so you can take a day to hike and explore.

    Beaver's Bend is great - we also like Fern as the best CG in the park - though I strongly recommend you come into the park from the north along the lake.

    One of the locals taking a shady rest at the Doris Camp Ground in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

  • I'm not sure if you're already looking at the Eureka Springs, Arkansas area, but if not, I'd suggest a look.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Buffalo National Scenic River in the Ozarks of Arkansas

    Petit Jean State Park - across the river from Morrilton, AR

    Devil'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 170

    Mountain View, Arkansas - Ozark Folk Center State Park - bluegrass music heaven - some nice RV parks within walking distance of several venues

    Wild buffalo herds - Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge - near Lawton, OK

    I'm not a fan of Branson, MO and its over 50 music shows, but obviously several hundred thousand folks are and visit each summer.