15 Best Oklahoma Lakes For Relaxing By The Water

Grab your swimsuits and dust off your fishing poles.

Lake Hefner lighthouse at sunset
Photo:

Courtesy of TravelOK.com

A landlocked state may not be the first spot that comes to mind when you think of waterfront fun, but Oklahoma's lakes will easily tempt you think again. Home to more than 200 lakes, the state actually has more shoreline than the entire east coast of the U.S.

Fishing enthusiasts flock to Oklahoma’s scenic lakes and Fishing Trail to lure more than 40 documented species of fish—including the coveted and giant paddlefish—while leisure travelers charter yachts or capture the wind on sailboats for a relaxing adventure. But the lakes in Oklahoma offer more than just fishing and boating. Kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing, canoeing, and swimming are popular ways to enjoy the waters and verdant wildernesses in the Sooner State. So load up those swimsuits, dust off your fishing poles, and get ready to swim in some of the best lakes in Oklahoma.

01 of 15

Lake Eufaula

Lake Eufala in Oklahoma

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Eufala, Oklahoma

Located just two hours east of Oklahoma City, Lake Eufaula is Oklahoma’s largest lake with 600 miles of shoreline and 102,000 acres. Anglers swear by this fishing hot spot, and species found in its depths include everything from crappie and sandbass to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Kentucky bass, and catfish. While fishing is popular, others steal way to the lake for boating fun, golfing, swimming and tubing, shopping, or to discover entertainment venues, locally-owned restaurants, and various year-round festivals.

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02 of 15

Lake Murray

Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma

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Ardmore, Oklahoma

Historic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings, rustic rolling prairie, well-maintained trails, and a looming limestone tower make Lake Murray at Lake Murray State Park one of the oldest and most visited lakes in Oklahoma. Tucker Tower, a 65-foot CCC-built tower meant as a summer home for former Oklahoma Governor William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, boasts a thriving geological museum and nature center today. The lake's 5,728 acres of clear, cool water—one of the cleanest in the state—invites revelers to swim, boat, fish, or take in some water sports. Plenty of camping and cabins are available along with the renovated and modern Lake Murray Lodge, so there’s no excuse not to stay for the famous Oklahoma sunsets and starry skies.

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03 of 15

Keystone Lake

Keystone Lake, Oklahoma

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Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Located just 23 minutes from Tulsa, Keystone Lake is known for walleye, striper, bass, and catfish, but it is a boater’s paradise as well. Surrounded by the unique cross-timber terrain of the Keystone Ancient Forest, which is filled with 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old post oak trees, this lake boasts 54,000 surface acres of natural beauty. For the adventurers, it also offers ATV areas, mountain biking and hiking trails, and plenty of courtesy docks and boat ramps.

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04 of 15

Broken Bow Lake

Beaver's Bend State Park, Oklahoma

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Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Nestled among some of the most stunning scenery in the state, Broken Bow Lake is a gem within the Ouachita Mountains foothills. On the water, enjoy kayaking, boating, or fishing for cold-water trout. Back on land, golfing and more than 15 miles of hiking trails await too. The lake's location in southeastern Oklahoma makes it a favorite getaway for travelers from Arkansas and Texas as well.

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05 of 15

Lake Hefner

Lake Hefner lighthouse in Oklahoma

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Northwest of Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner is a local favorite for all kinds of outdoor adventure and recreation. There are more than 10 miles of walking and cycling trails that circle the 2,500-acre lake, while the water’s breezy reputation and rocking waves are perfect for sailboating and kite surfing. The picturesque lighthouse on the lake’s east shore is one of the most photogenic spots near Oklahoma City, especially when the sun sets.

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06 of 15

Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees

Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in Oklahoma

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Grove, Oklahoma

With 46,500 surface acres of water and 1,300 miles of shoreline, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in northeastern Oklahoma’s Grand Lake State Park is one of the most popular and visited lakes in Oklahoma. With eight different areas to explore, this lake has something for every kind of traveler. From world-class crappie and bass fishing to jet skiing in the Snowdale area to simple and relaxing solitude under the wide blue skies, Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees has it all.

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07 of 15

Kaw Lake

Man fishing on Kaw Lake in Oklahoma

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Ponca City, Oklahoma

Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, and equestrian activities draw lake lovers from around the state and beyond to Ponca City. With designated swimming areas at Pioneer Park and Sandy Park, Kaw Lake is also known for sporting some of Oklahoma's largest catfish, as well as crappie, sand bass, and walleye. Kaw Lake is also one of the best spots to spot the American Bald Eagles who overwinter along the lakes in Oklahoma.

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08 of 15

Tom Steed Reservoir

Tom Steed Lake, Oklahoma

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Snyder, Oklahoma

Birdwatching enthusiasts delight in the abundance of waterfowl that frequent the Tom Steed Reservoir. An enormous 6,000-acre reservoir, The Tom Steed Reservoir also has a swimming beach and boat ramps, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation stocks the waters with saugeye and striped bass. But the abundance of migratory birds, including sandhill cranes and the rare whooping crane, make the lake a true wildlife treasure. 

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09 of 15

Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma fishermen in Oklahoma

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 Kingston, Oklahoma

Lake Texoma shares its borders with Texas, and attracts over six million visitors every year. Boating and world-renowned fishing tournaments abound here, but white sand beaches like one would find in the Gulf of Mexico also make this lake popular for family getaways, sunbathing, or swimming during the hot summer months.

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10 of 15

Great Salt Plains Lake

Great Salt Plains Lake in Oklahoma

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Cherokee, Oklahoma and Jett, Oklahoma

One of the Sooner State’s most unique areas, Great Salt Plains Lake near Jett is all that remains of a prehistoric ocean that once covered the state. Though a landlocked body of water, this lake is as salty as the name suggests. However, it is still popular for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Nearby, the Great Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge is the only place in the world where visitors can dig through the ancient salt surfaces to find hourglass-shaped selenite crystals.

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11 of 15

Lake Tenkiller

Lake Tenkiller sunset in Oklahoma

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Cherokee and Sequoyah counties, Oklahoma

Lake Tenkiller's wooded shores make it one of the most scenic lakes in the state, but it's clear waters are just as much of a draw. This is a popular spot for scuba diving, with opportunities to see a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter, and two boats in the Tenkiller Scuba Park. The lake is bordered by two state parks and its amenities include marinas, ski boat rental, camping, and beaches.

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12 of 15

Lake Overholser

Lake Overholser Bridge in Oklahoma

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This small lake sits northwest of Oklahoma City and was formed by the damming of the North Canadian River. A historic Route 66 bridge crosses the lake. It's also bordered on the north by the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, a popular entry point for canoeing, kayaking, and biking. Stop at the Lake Overholser Boathouse to arrange any watersport imaginable or even zipline over the lake.

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13 of 15

Bath Lake

Bath Lake in Medicine Park, Oklahoma

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Medicine Park, Oklahoma

Bath Lake in Medicine Park is an ideal spot for cooling off in summer. Bring the whole family for swimming in the shallow kiddie pool and other granite pools. Older kids will enjoy jumping into refreshing waters from the red rocks. Off-season, Bath Lake becomes a fishing hotspot for trout.

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14 of 15

Lake Of The Arbuckles

Lake of the Arbuckles, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma

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Murray County, Oklahoma

This deep blue lake lies on the border of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and is prized for its fishing, with large populations of catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and perch. The clear waters are also popular for diving. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board and explore its secluded coves.

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15 of 15

Oologah Lake

Lake Oologah, Oklahoma

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Rogers and Nowata counties, Oklahoma

Located near the town of Oologah in northeast Oklahoma, this quiet lake is popular for camping, fishing, and sailing. The surrounding lands are managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and an 18-mile trail winds around the lake.

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