Roadtrip with RVshare St. Louis to Dallas

You can find a lot of fun things to do on a road trip from St. Louis to Dallas. There are some national parks that you can include on this trip, including starting your journey at the Gateway Arch National Park. This trip is an angler’s paradise, and you will want to stop and fish at Table Rock State Park, Keystone State Park, Lake Texoma State Park, and many other points along the way. If the fish are not biting, then there are wonderful cities to explore where you might want to stay in a campground at night. 

Nearby National Parks

Gateway Arch National Park  

Before you leave St. Louis, stop and visit Gateway Arch National Park. While most people ride the elevators to the top of the arch where they see amazing views, this park consists of two different parts. Get a better idea of why the arch was constructed and dedicated to Thomas Jefferson by watching the Tucker Theater's 25-minute film. In addition to the arch, you will want to visit the Old Courthouse. See the courtrooms where the judge presided over the first two Dred Scott cases in 1847 and 1850. You can also see the courtroom where Virginia Manor argued in 1870 that women should have the right to vote. 

Nearby State Parks

Table Rock State Park  

Table Rock State Park is near Branson, Missouri, and it is home to State Park Marina, where you can rent various boats, including paddleboards and ski boats. One side of this park is Table Rock Lake, which is a fantastic place to go fishing for crappie and bass. Lucky anglers can catch a variety of other fish in this man-made reservoir fed by the White, King, and James rivers. March through May are usually the best months to go bass fishing on this lake. Additionally, there are many opportunities to go hiking through bottomland woods and higher-elevation glades. 

Roaring River State Park  

Located in a valley surrounded by stunning mountains, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Missouri, offers many different opportunities. Hikers will love following the seven hiking trails at this park. Stop at the nature center to learn more about the wildlife and plants that live in this area. The swimming pool makes an excellent place to swim laps or jump off the diving board. Most people come to this location for the trout fishing because the state regularly stocks the river with the trout raised at this park’s hatchery. Head to the park’s store to get your license and more information. You are only allowed to fish during certain hours, which vary depending on the season. You cannot keep what you catch from November to February. 

Keystone State Park  

Anglers often reel in stripers, walleye, bass, and catfish at Keystone State Park near Sand Springs, Oklahoma. The Arkansas and Cimarron rivers feed the 23,610-acre lake where catfish, bass, and crappie are often the catch of the day. The full-service marina and the lighted boat ramp help anglers get an early start or fish into the night. You will also want to bring along your mountain bike to ride on the biking loops. The three loops each have a different difficulty level, so it is easy to choose one to match your ability. The fitness trail is a great place to work off the calories you consumed at the marina's restaurant. Especially during the winter, watch for eagles from the observation platform. 

Lake Thunderbird State Park  

Lake Thunderbird State Park near Norman, Oklahoma, offers easy access to Lake Thunderbird. Two marinas and several boat docks make it easy to launch your vessel. If you prefer fishing from a pier, then you are in luck because this park has two covered fishing piers and one open fishing pier. Anglers often catch 10-pound bass and up to 10-inch catfish. You can also play on two swimming beaches at this park. An archery range is available along with over 22 miles of multi-use trails. Both deer and waterfowl hunting are available seasonally. 

Eisenhower State Park  

Eisenhower State Park near Dennison, Texas, offers access to some of the premier striped bass fishing in the state. Lighted fishing piers make it easy to fish far into the night. If you do not have your equipment, you can borrow some from the park’s headquarters. There are 4 miles of nature trails to explore and many scenic places to have a picnic at this state park. While you will need a permit, you can also enjoy riding along the off-road vehicle trail through backcountry woodland at this park.

Along the Way

Mountain Springs Trout Park  

If you are learning to fish or want to learn, Mountain Springs Trout Park near Highlandville, Missouri, would be a great stop on your St. Louis to Dallas RV road trip. The park will loan you the equipment and tackle that you need and help you get started. You can catch an unlimited amount of fish at their pond. Then, they will clean them for you and arrange to ship them to you if you want. 

Mohawk Park  

Yahola Lake at Mohawk Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a prime spot to go shore fishing. Hike along the path surrounding the lake. Stroll along the boardwalk at the Oxley Nature Center to see a variety of wildlife in the marsh. You can also observe a beehive at the center. Use the grills in the picnic area to prepare a cookout. Mohawk Park is a great stop on your St. Louis to Dallas road trip to totally relax and recharge.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area  

Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers many outdoor recreational opportunities. If you love to fish from shore, then Veterans Lake and many small streams are available. If you want to use trotlines and other fishing techniques, then head to Lake of the Arbuckle. If you love to bike, the Platt Historic District is right up your alley. Hike on trails up to 2.5 miles long to see waterfalls and experience the sound of mountain streams bubbling nearby. You may even see a beaver dam or see bison grazing in the nearby pasture. 

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza  

The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas is a place that any history buff must visit. See the view from the window where Lee Harvey Oswald shot President John Kennedy while he was in a motorcade on Dealey Plaza. You can also watch the infamous Zapruder film here. Understand more about the politics surrounding Kennedy’s time in office, and examine some of the more popular conspiracy theories.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Springfield, Missouri  

You can find a lot to do in Springfield, Missouri, including visiting the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Pythian Castle, and the Springfield Botanical Gardens. Campground options in Springfield include Lambert’s Café RV Park, where you will want to enjoy one of their thrown rolls, and Cooks RV Motor Park, where you can find extra-long spaces. Find Springfield RV dump stations at Legit West Plains Motor Speedway and Branson Stagecoach RV Park. 

Durant, Oklahoma  

Test Lady Luck when visiting Durant, Oklahoma, by heading to the Choctaw Casino and Resort, or explore history at the Fort Washita Historic Site. There are many campgrounds in the Texoma area, including Lake Texoma RV Resort and Preston Bend Campground. You can find Durant RV dump stations at Lake Texoma State Park and Pennington Creek Park or other Oklahoma locations.

Sherman, Texas  

The Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Harber Wildlife Museum, and Grayson County Frontier Village are all fantastic places to visit around Sherman, Texas. You can find great Sherman campgrounds at Lazy L RV Park and Paradise on Lake Texoma. Consider using Sherman RV dump stations at Eisenhower Recreation Area and Juniper Point Campground or at other Texas locations. 

Plano, Texas  

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park offer beautiful places to explore nature in Plano, Texas. You can also find many indoor places to visit, including the Interurban Railway Museum and the ArtCentre of Plano. There are plenty of Plano campgrounds to choose from, including the Vineyards Campground & Cabins and Destiny RV Resorts. Shady Creek RV Park & Storage and Willow Grove Park offer Plano dump stations.

Find Adventure from St. Louis to Dallas

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from St. Louis to Dallas, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in St. Louis or Dallas.