.png)
Palo Duro Canyon State Park has over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Explore the canyon on horseback with a guided tour from Old West Stables or Palo Duro Riding Stables.
Experience local wildlife, breathtaking views, and rugged terrain with a guided jeep or horseback tour from Palo Duro Creek Ranch.
During the summer, enjoy a performance of Texas, the Outdoor Musical that portrays the history of the area as you sit under the stars.
Go on a modern-day treasure hunt! People hide geocaches everywhere - from just down the street to the remote wilderness areas.
Kids can become Junior Rangers by explorer pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park. Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal | PDF. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
OUTDOORS
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Randall County in the Texas Panhandle. Its shortgrass prairies spill into marshes, woodlands, riparian habitats, croplands, and water-carved canyon walls that together form 7,664 acres of homes for migratory and year-round wildlife.
Located 32 miles Northwest of the Park, Mackenzie Reservoir is a perfect spot for a day trip if you want to cool down and take a dip. It is also a great spot for fishing. Water levels vary so be sure to check the website for possible closures.
.png)
.png)
Located 90 miles South of the Park, White River Reservoir has boat ramps and ample places for fishing. Water levels vary so be sure to check the website for possible closures.
Located 130 miles North of the Park, Lake Meredith is an oasis from the Texas heat. Offering activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. Water levels vary so be sure to check the website for possible closures.
AMARILLO, TX.
The city of Amarillo, located just half an hour from Palo Duro Canyon has an abundance of activities like restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping, and more.
Visit the world-famous Big Texan Steak Ranch and see if you are up for the 72 oz. steak challenge.
Take the kiddos to play at the iconic Wonderland Amusement Park.
Make a day of visiting the Amarillo Zoo, with over 80 species of animals from around the world!
The oddities never cease; standing along Route 66 west of Amarillo is the famous art installation known as the Cadillac Ranch. Cadillac Ranch has been the subject of songs, books, and movies.
Visitors to the PPHM Art Museum can enjoy Texas art, through paleontology, geology, and archeology while learning about the rich history of the region and seeing some of the finest examples of American fashion in the Textiles Gallery.
.png)
FOOD SCENE
Below are some of our favorite restaurants in the area closest to our cabins. Amarillo has a large and diverse food scene if you are willing to drive a little longer distance.
THE SAD MONKEY MERCANTILE
Located just behind the Shepherd Family Cabins is the Sad Monkey Mercantile. This is a multifaceted business offering beverages from local breweries and wineries, food from local food trucks, snacks, supplies and unique camping gear, homewares, and “Panhandle Proud” merchandise. Check their website for special events!
JOE TACO
Joe's offers award-winning Mexican cuisine with a great outdoor patio. Their Canyon location is only about a 20-minute drive from our cabins.
TEXAS ROSE STEAKHOUSE
Traditional Steakhouse with American fare. Less than a 20 minute drive from our cabins.
ROCKIN' ZEBRA SODA SHOPPE
Old-fashioned, 50's-style soda shop, with burgers and other grilled foods and sandwiches. Ice cream and candy as well. On the square in Canyon. Less than a 20-minute drive from our cabins.
PEPITO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANTE
Pepitos Mexican restaurant has been serving traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine in Canyon since 1988. Only about a 15 minute drive from our cabins.
PALACE COFFEE COMPANY
Located on Canyon's Historical Downtown Square, Palace Coffee is a must visit for the coffee aficionado.
CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK
.png)
Visit the Canyons and see the flatlands of the plains dramatically fall away into the breathtaking beauty of the canyons with layers of red and orange rock that plunge into deep valleys. The Shepherd Family Cabins and RV Site are located at the front door of the State Park entrance.
Take advantage of the 90 miles of wide-open trails for hiking and mountain biking that accommodate all skill levels and vary in length. Access the Trailway from the park or trailheads. Take a virtual tour with the Interactive Park Trails and Trailway Map.
For a closer view of these natural canyons, take a horseback tour of the canyons with Quitaque Riding Stables.
Enjoy swimming, fishing, and no-wake boating in the 120-surface-acre Lake Theo.
Go on a modern-day treasure hunt! People hide geocaches everywhere - from just down the street to the remote wilderness areas.
Kids can become Junior Rangers by explorer pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park.Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal | PDF. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
TEXAS STATE BISON HERD
Did you know that Caprock Canyons is home to one of the largest herd of free-roaming bison in North America? You will see large herds of bison roaming the trails and roadways at Caprock Canyons. The Official Texas State Bison Herd are the direct descendants of the preservation herd started in 1878 by Charles Goodnight.
Clarity Tunnel is an abandoned railroad tunnel located on the Trailway of Caprock Canyons State Park. It was built in the late 1920s and was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Clarity Tunnel is home to up to 500,000 Mexican free-tailed bats from late April through mid-October and is considered an official Bat Watching site in Texas.
OUTDOORS
Located about 45 minutes away, The Mackenzie Reservoir is a perfect spot for a day trip if you want to cool down and take a dip. It is also a great spot for fishing. Water levels vary so be sure to check the website for possible closures.
QUITAQUE, TX.
Turkey Texas, right outside of Quitaque, was the home to Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing. Head to the Bob Wills Museum to see items from Bob’s life in Turkey. See why people gather from all over the world to pay homage to the King in his hometown for the annual Bob Will's Day.
Quitaque, TX has a rich history involving Native Americans and Bison. The Quanah Parker Trail marks areas of significance from Comanche history to help you follow the Indians’ story.
The Comanchero Canyons Museum covers history from the counties of Swisher, Briscoe, Hall, Floyd, Motley, and Crosby. "At the museum, art and artifacts come together to illustrate our local history. They tell stories about Comancheros, wild bison, Native Americans, the US military, expeditions, battles, and more."
_edited.jpg)
FOOD SCENE
Below are some of our favorite restaurants in the area closest to our cabins.
HOTEL TURKEY
The restaurant at Hotel Turkey offers daily breakfast and lunch on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Dinner is served Thursday to Saturday, with Pizza & Wings on Wednesdays. Enjoy BBQ once a month from March to November and a Sunday Brunch every other Sunday featuring fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, a waffle bar, salads, and dessert. Live music from local musicians is available on the weekends for your enjoyment.
THE COFFEE MILL & MERCANTILE
The Coffee Mill and Mercantile has a variety of specialty teas and coffees. They serve breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, desserts, snacks, smoothies, and ice cream, with gluten-free, keto, and vegetarian options available, as well as dairy-free milk for beverages.
TOÑA'S MEXICAN KITCHEN
Just a quick trip down the road in Turkey, you'll discover Toña's Mexican Food Truck, serving up mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK
"Once a winter campground of the Cheyenne tribe, this area now is a scenic retreat set on a canyon bluff that over-looks ancient mesas. Towering cedar, buffalo grass, and wild blue sage add to the beauty of this legendary setting, and to the enjoyment of the many recreational activities."
You will never run out of things to do! Set amidst a beautiful canyon, activities at this state park include an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, volleyball court, hiking trails, mountain biking, two lakes, trout fishing in season, miniature golf, canoeing, paddle boats, and hayrides.
OUTDOORS
.png)
The Roman Nose State Park Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 70 course that 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.
The Roman Nose State Park Trail System offers four interconnected trails: two for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use, and two for hiking and mountain biking only.
With nearly 500 species of birds winging their way across the state, Oklahoma is prime bird-watching territory. You can visit the Hackberry Flats Wildlife Management Area, about 2.5 hours from Watonga, which covers 7,566 acres and is a combination of upland and wetland habitats.
Saddle up at one of Oklahoma's ranches or recreation areas, where stables offer horseback riding memories for the whole family. Join The Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride, one of Oklahoma's premier trail rides. This organized ride features scenic wooded hills, mesas, and plains on private land, thanks to local ranchers. The event includes a ride to Inspiration Point in Roman Nose State Park.
WATONGA, OK.
Watonga, located in the heart of Oklahoma, is a charming town known for its rich history and friendly atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque landscapes, unique local shops, and welcoming community events. The town also boasts outdoor recreational activities, including nearby parks and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. With its blend of small-town charm and engaging attractions, Watonga offers a delightful escape for all who visit.
Visit the T.B. Ferguson Home Museum, the historic residence of T.B. Ferguson, who holds the record as Oklahoma's longest-serving territorial governor. This Victorian home, constructed in 1901, was restored for public access in 1972.
Enjoy an afternoon full of activities when the Oklahoma Nature Conservancy Group visits Roman Nose State Park. While the group visits, park staff will be offering morning yoga, bird watching and guided hikes.
Get ready for an exciting gaming experience at Lucky Star Casino Watonga! With over 175 gaming machines to choose from, you're in for a thrilling time!
FOOD SCENE
Below are some of our favorite restaurants in the area closest to our cabins.
THE LOOKOUT KITCHEN
Enjoy a meal at The Lookout Kitchen while visiting Roman Nose State Park, the official restaurant partner of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.
NOBLE HOUSE RESTAURANT
Noble House Restaurant, situated in a charming 1912 hotel listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings, offers friendly service a comfortable, historic setting.
RESTAURANTE LOS 3 ADRIANES
Enjoy a diverse menu authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients, from zesty tacos to rich enchiladas. Enjoy the true taste of Mexico!