Summer is just around the corner, and there are many lakes in Oklahoma you must visit. This state is also known because it has the highest number of artificial lakes in all states. Thanks to that, it’s one of the best tourist destinations you could go to during summer. Every lake is different and is surrounded by an incredible scenic natural view.
There are a lot of natural and artificial lakes you could visit, so we made a list of the most important ones. Most of those lakes are inside state parks, so you could do tons of activities here to spend the day. So plan your future vacations carefully, and don’t miss any of these wonderful spots.
Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees
In 1940, the Pensacola Dam created the Gran Lake o’ the Cherokees in the Ozark Mountain Range. This is the third-largest lake in the state and is a must-go if you want to have the boat ride of your life. You have a 1300 mile long shoreline ready to explore almost any time of the day, all of it surrounded by a beautiful forest.
If you want to stay here for some time and enjoy nature, you could camp here. The lake’s western shore is an amazing camping space; you could also try fishing here. In case you want to go somewhere else, you could visit the Har-Ber Museum very close by. In there, you could get historical insights about the area and the 2 miles long Nature Trail.
Broken Bow Lake
Located in the southeast corner of the state, this lake in Oklahoma is surrounded by a deep forest, hills and mountains. This means that the view is gorgeous, and the serenity of the location make it an ideal destination for camping. The lake has 35 kilometres and a surface of 5,700 hectares, everything surrounded by multiples wild species.
Just getting to the lake will fulfil anyone’s need for adventure and exploration; however, you can do many extreme activities there. For example, you could explore some trails on horseback, then, when you reach the lake, you could go Kayaking all over the coastline.
Keystone Lake
There are very few lakes that look like a beach, and this one has even sand if you miss it during the summer. You can also visit the grasslands, hills, and forests to explore different environments in just one place. You can also find several recreation facilities nearby, which means you can do a lot of activities here.
From the lake, you can reach several parks that are scattered in the area. We recommend you to use the trials, so you won’t get lost. Thanks to the trails, you can also reach the park you are looking for while enjoying the lake. Be careful not to miss any of the wildlife on the path because most species are excluded from this area.
Eufaula Lake
As one of the biggest lakes in Oklahoma, it isn’t surprising that there are many marinas and camping grounds around it. With a surface area of 41,000 hectares and a 970-kilometre shoreline, you can’t explore it in just one day. Luckily, there are many activities that you can do here that will entertain you for several days.
If you travel in the right season, you could arrive in time for the annual tournament held in the lake. But, in case you miss this, you can swim in the lake, hike, ride a horse on the trails, and do many more fun activities. Finally, if you like golf, you can pack everything you need to play it and give it a try here, near the lake.
Lake Hudson
Better known as the Markham Ferry Reservoir, the Hudson sit in the Ozark Maintains too. Being close to other lakes, this is a perfect destination if you want to explore nature without missing any prominent spot. In combination with its 200 miles of wilderness, incredible plants, trees, and abundant wildlife, that makes this one a very memorable destination.
Not many lakes in Oklahoma have so many things to do or to see like this one. Of course, the whole lake is surrounded by campgrounds, which means you can have boat rides, you can swim and more, whenever you want. But, on the other hand, if you reach Snowdale State Park, you can do a lot of water sports.
Lake Texoma
Also known as the second largest lake in Oklahoma, we expect you to have a lot of things to do near this river. However, there are more to it because it’s in the largest reservoirs in all the states. Here you can enjoy 36.000 hectares of lake, which also is in the right at the border of Oklahoma. Thanks to this, here confluence the Washita and the Red Rivers.
Mainly because of its location, this is the most developed lake in all of the state, making it one of the safest. There are a lot of activities you can do here to enjoy the day, like sailing, windsurfing, or fishing. If you aren’t so much into water sports, there are resorts with gold courses and wildlife refuges that you can visit.
Oologah Lake
If you didn’t know, this is one of the lakes in Oklahoma that supplies water to the Tulsa Region. In other words, if a trendy place, there are several campgrounds, marinas, and even a swimming beach around. Even though it might seem little, it has 208 miles of shoreline, so you could avoid crowns if you want to.
This is an excellent place if you are in the mood for adventure. The 23 kilometers long Will Rogers Trail goes through the east side of the like. Hiking here will allow you to experience an incredible view. But, on the other hand, you get to know a little more about the local fauna.
Great Salt Plains Lake
We are sure that you already know about this because it’s one of the most famous lakes in Oklahoma. There are thousands of photos of this lake online, and it’s part of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, another favorite place. We recommend you to go here during the fall, which is in that season when the surrounding area is at its best.
Here you can swim in natural beaches or sit and stargaze in the red rock bluff; however, there are many more. For example, you could explore a primitive campground, walk nature trails or follow the auto tour route. Also, there is an observation tower if you want an eagle view of the park or a mesmerizing photo.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake
Named after the Tenkiller Cherokee family who owned the land, this is one of the lakes in Oklahoma that is a must. The lake was formed in 1952 with the Illinois River damming and inside a reservoir with the same name. Also, it’s close to a lot of the other rivers on the list because it’s located near the Ozark Mountains.
Suppose you are into scuba diving and want to explore a different environment. In that case, you should consider a trip to this lake. The Tenkiller is 193 meters above sea level, making it one of the deepest lakes in all the states. At the same time, you are surrounded by 14 parks, 10 marines, and an incredible 210-kilometer shoreline.
Lake Murray
The Lake Murray State Park is one of the oldest parks in the state and gets its name thanks to Lake Murray. This is one of the largest lakes in Oklahoma; also, it flows through the entire park. You can find here a marina, beaches, parks, and campgrounds all across the shoreline. In other words, Lake Murray is an excellent destination if you want to have a long trip.
Get to know the whole river is nearly impossible, but you could rent a boat in the center of the lake. The Lake Murray Marina offers you a boat ramp, a ship store, and a rental. However, if you want to go hiking, you should go to the park’s south end. Here, you will find the Tucker Tower, a perfect photo spot and a great way to know the park’s landscape.
Lake Overholser
Even though it isn’t a large lake, it’s a popular city attraction, and many locals enjoy going here. We recommend that you come here just for a day if you want to see a beautiful lake. You won’t spend the whole day here, but you could spend an afternoon fishing and boat around the shoreline.
In the north end of the lake is the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, a great place for hiking and biking. After you fish and boat around the 610-hectare lake, you should visit it. You could also have a nice picnic at Lake Overholser Park, in the south end. If you go boating around the shoreline, you will be able to see both locations.
