Are you searching for beautiful lakes in Oklahoma to explore?
From beautiful mountains to grasslands, there are plenty of things to do in Oklahoma, especially for outdoor lovers.
If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we have listed down some of the best Oklahoma lakes that you simply cannot miss out on.
Oklahoma, also known as the ‘Land of the Red Man’ is a huge state with a diverse landscape and culture.
Home to over 200 lakes, Oklahoma is one of the top places to visit in the Midwest. Here, you will find natural lakes, oxbow lakes, playa lakes, and more.
That’s not all, most of these lakes are surrounded by pine trees and bluffs and offer a breathtaking view to the visitors.
One of the best times to visit these lakes is during the fall season when the leaves change their color and bathe the entire region in an orangish hue.
Most of these Oklahoma lakes are located inside a state park so you have a lot of activities to indulge in such as hiking, camping, and more.
The Oklahoma lake levels are also good enough for boating and swimming so, you won’t be short of fun things to do in these lakes.
Wondering where can you go for a short lake trip?
Well, then check out the below list of 15 lakes in Oklahoma that you must visit.
Lakes in Oklahoma: 15 You Must Visit
Broken Bow Lake
If you are looking for a beautiful Oklahoma lake near Broken Bow, a small town in Oklahoma, then you should definitely check out Broken Bow Lake.
This is one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in Oklahoma that will offer you beautiful views of the surrounding area.
You can marvel at the Quachita mountains or hike through the dense forest to make the most of your stay here.
Apart from that, it is also a good place for birdwatching and is home to various native birds.
If you are lucky, you might also spot wild turkeys, deer, and more in the area.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are lots of hiking trails to explore here as well such as the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, Big Oak Nature Trail, and more.
Visitors can indulge in a lot of activities at this lake such as swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, canoeing, and more.
This lake is also a great spot for fishing and has amazing varieties such as largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, crappie, and so on.
So, if you want to enjoy a beautiful lake in Oklahoma with family or friends, then do visit Broken Bow Lake.
Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees
Located in the Ozark Mountain Range, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is the third largest lake in Oklahoma with a shoreline of 1300 miles.
Also known as simply the Grand Lake Oklahoma, it was created in 1940 by the Pensacola Dam and offers stunning scenery for visitors to enjoy.
One of the best ways to make the most of this stunning scenery is by taking a boat ride on Cherokee Queen, especially during the sunset.
On the western shore of the lake, you have the Cherokee State Park where visitors camp and indulge in fun, outdoor activities.
Cherokee is one of the best state parks in Oklahoma to visit!
For families, there is a separate picnic and camping spot available as well so, you don’t have to worry about privacy here.
The lake is perfect for fishing and visitors will enjoy catching sunfish, catfish, bluegill, paddlefish, and more here.
For some more fun, you can head to the nearby Har-Ber village Museum for some history lessons or explore the 2 miles long Nature hike trail here.
If you are looking for one of the biggest lakes in Oklahoma, then do plan a visit to the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
Lake Murray
One of the best lakes near Oklahoma City, Murray Lake is popular for its spring-fed Oklahoma waters and beautiful beaches.
It is located within the oldest and the largest Lake Murray State Park and features lots of fun activities such as camping, picnicking, swimming, and more.
If you wish to learn more about Murray Lake OK and its surroundings, then you can visit the Lake Murray Nature Center.
For those who love the views, Tucker Tower is the best place to enjoy the clear view of the lake water.
You can also find several amazing hiking trails and horseback riding trails near the lake which can help you explore this beautiful landscape.
That’s not all, there is also a marina here that offers rental boats so that you can go boating in this beautiful lake.
Fishing is a popular sport here as well and one can find fish varieties such as walleye, bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, and more in this lake.
Trust me, if you want to enjoy a weekend away from the city, then Lake Murray is one of the top lakes to visit in Oklahoma.
Eufaula Lake Is One Of The Popular Lakes In Oklahoma
The largest lake in Oklahoma, Eufaula Lake is a popular lake near Tulsa and features a shoreline of 600 miles.
It is the biggest lake in Oklahoma with lots of recreational facilities for visitors including many towering bluffs and sandy beaches.
Apart from these, you will also find several spots around the lake for camping.
There is a golfing course available nearby as well and visitors can make use of the marinas and the hiking trails found here.
The lake is also home to three state parks including the Robber’s Cave State Park.
You can visit the lake in the fall season to enjoy the vibrant colors on the hills and the foliage here.
Although you can go boating and swimming in this lake, a few areas are risky and off-limits to visitors.
So, make sure you stay away from the marked areas and any place where algae blooms are visible.
Overall, Lake Eufaula Oklahoma is a great place for picnicking and enjoying a weekend getaway with your family and friends.
Keystone Lake, One Of The Lakes In Oklahoma, Is Near Tulsa
Another one of the top lakes near Tulsa, Keystone Lake is surrounded by grassland hills, sandstone bluffs, sandy beaches, and so on.
Due to the amazing scenery and the clear blue-green lake water, Keystone Lake OK is the perfect getaway spot for friends and family.
Visitors can take advantage of the multiple recreational facilities available around the lake including three marinas, eleven boat ramps, and more.
There are also several state parks surrounding the lake such as Keystone State Park, Walnut Creek Park, etc. where you can hike and enjoy the lake views.
One of the best hikes around this lake in Oklahoma is the Sand Plum Trail that will offer you gorgeous views of the natural beauty here.
Apart from hikes, you can also enjoy wildlife viewing here that includes beavers, bobcats, white-tailed deers, raccoons, and more.
This is one of the best lakes in Oklahoma for a weekend trip as you will find plenty of cabins and campsites to rent here.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake
One of the top Oklahoma lakes in Eastern Oklahoma, Tenkiller Ferry Lake is known as the ‘Oklahoma’s Clear Water Wonderland’.
Lake Tenkiller Oklahoma is one of the deepest lakes in Oklahoma and is nestled in the Cookson Hills of Ozark Mountains.
This lake is one of the top places for scuba diving and offers several other fun activities for visitors.
You can enjoy boating and camping by making use of the several marinas, campgrounds, boat ramps, tents, etc. here.
A few other things that you can do at this lake is hiking for amazing views, visiting Goat Island, and enjoying a meal at one of the floating restaurants.
Visitors can capture photos of many amazing animals such as otters, Whitetail deers, goats, Canada geese, and more.
So, if you are looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway to a beautiful lake in Oklahoma, then do visit Tenkiller Ferry Lake.
Sardis Lake
One of the top lakes near North Clayton OK that you must visit is Sardis Lake.
Sardis Lake Oklahoma has a shoreline of 117 miles and offers amazing views of Ouachita Mountain Range that borders it.
This lake is famous for fishing different kinds of giant bass fish and is home to catfish, walleye, and crappie.
Apart from fishing, you can make use of the swimming beach here and play on the beach with friends or family.
There are three campgrounds where you can spend the night and picnic shelters where you can enjoy picnic meals.
Overall, if you are looking for a camping or fishing trip, then Sardis Lake in Oklahoma is the perfect choice.
Lake Thunderbird
A large artificial lake in Norman City, Lake Thunderbird is another great lake in Oklahoma that you cannot miss out on.
Located in Lake Thunderbird State Park, the lake is a great place for swimming and boating. There are two swimming beaches, nine boat ramps, two marinas, and a boathouse available here for visitor use.
That’s not all, for outdoor enthusiasts, there are many hiking and biking trails to explore here as well.
Plus, you have lots of accommodation options available including primitive campsites and full hook-up sites.
Another great thing about this lake is that you can spot bald eagles here and can actually take a guided tour from the Crow’s Secret Nature Center.
So, if you want a fun weekend lake trip, then Lake Thunderbird is definitely a top choice to consider.
Cedar Lake Oaklahoma
Situated at an elevation of 900 feet, Cedar Lake flows in the center of Ouachita National Forest.
This southeastern Oklahoma lake is surrounded by pine and oak hills, offering a gorgeous view to the visitors.
If you are looking for a little adventure, then you can make way to the Horsethief Springs Trail and Winding Stair Mountain Equestrian Trails.
For those who want to spend the night near the lake, there are many camping options available at North Shore, Shady Lane, Sandy Beach, and more.
Other fun activities that you can indulge at this lake in Oklahoma are boating, horseback riding, canoeing, picnicking, and so on.
Canton Lake
One of the best lakes in Oklahoma, Canton Lake is surrounded by the high plains of Western Oklahoma.
This lake in Canton city has an amazing shoreline that features gentle slopes and dense forests consisting of sandy soils, oak trees, cedar, and more.
You will also find lots of wildflowers, flowering shrubs, and grasses here that make the entire landscape a lot more beautiful to watch.
With numerous campsites and picnic spots, this place is perfect for a short weekend trip. Plus, there is a swimming beach where you can chill and have fun with your travel buddies.
If you plan your trip in May, you can attend the annual Walleye Rodeo, a fishing tournament in which you can win prizes.
For a short camping trip in Oklahoma, Canton Lake is definitely a good choice.
Arcadia Lake
Are you looking for beautiful lakes in Oklahoma City? If yes, then you should check out Arcadia Lake in Oklahoma City.
This is one of the man-made Oklahoma City lakes with an area of 1,725-acre and was created due to the building of a dam across Deep Fork River.
The lake is surrounded by beautiful grasslands and forests and the area is known as Cross Timbers.
At this lake, you can indulge in lots of fun things like sailing, windsurfing, boating, and angling.
For anglers, there are many fish varieties to catch here including bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, crappies, and so on.
You can also watch birds and wildlife around the lake. There are three state parks located around the lake that offer sandy beaches, playgrounds, and boat ramps.
So, whether you wish to spend a day or a weekend, Arcadia Lake Oklahoma is a great option.
Oologah Lake
Oologah Lake is one of the top Oklahoma lakes near Tulsa that gets the water from Verdigris River.
If you are looking for Oklahoma beaches to chill, then Oologah Lake is perfect as the 209-mile shoreline has swimming beaches, parks, campgrounds, and more for visitors to use.
So, you can do a lot of activities here like swimming, boating, canoeing, sailing, water skiing, and so on.
Apart from this, the lake also has a 25 km long Will Rogers Country Centennial Trail on the east side that offers amazing views.
If you are into hunting or angling, you will find plenty of opportunities for that as well here.
Lake Hefner
Another one of the lakes in Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner is a popular attraction in Oklahoma City.
Earlier, this Oklahoma lake was created to supply water to Oklahoma City.
However, it has become a popular spot for kayaking, sailing, kiteboarding, and more.
Visitors can enjoy the paved trail around the lake by cycling, walking, skateboarding, etc. on it.
After the workout, you can indulge in some delicious meal in one of the restaurants found near the western shoreline.
The best thing to do at this lake is picnicking and watching sunsets. Swimming is not allowed but you can indulge in other water-related activities.
Trust me, this is one of the best Oklahoma City lakes that you cannot miss out on.
Great Salt Plains Lake
One of the best lakes in Oklahoma, Great Salt Plains Lake is near Oklahoma City and a must-visit place.
This lake is a part of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and is one of the most unique lakes you will ever find in the state.
The salty lake has minimal depth and was named after the salt plains found around the lake. Visitors can collect selenite crystals from the western shore of the lake.
The lake is surrounded by Red Rock bluffs and looks particularly beautiful in the fall. Furthermore, there are lots of Oklahoma beaches to enjoy here.
From swimming to camping, to auto-tour, there are lots of fun things to do at Great Salt Plains Lake.
It is also a paradise for birdwatchers as you can observe species like blue heron, pelicans, bald eagles, Ibis, egret, and more.
This is why Great Salt Plains Lake is one of the top lakes in Oklahoma for short vacations with family and friends.
Heyburn Lake
Located in northeastern Oklahoma, Heyburn Lake is a 920-acre lake that is a must-visit in the state.
This is one of the top Oklahoma lakes that is surrounded by dense forest and rolling hills.
Featuring 52 miles of amazing shoreline, Heyburn Lake is a popular vacation spot for families and friends.
Visitors will find lots of facilities here for boating, camping, hiking, waterskiing, and more.
There are many swimming beaches here as well and boating ramps from where you can fish and catch catfish, bass, sunfish, etc.
There are many cute towns nearby such as Jenks, Sapulpa, and more that you can explore near the lake.
This is why Heyburn Lake is one of the best lakes in Oklahoma that you should visit.
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Packing List When Visiting Lakes In Oklahoma
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Oklahoma, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting Oklahoma lakes.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during Montana attractions.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
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