15 Best and Most Beautiful Lakes in Oklahoma

Best lakes in Oklahoma: There are a number of best-known states nestled in the country of the United States which are most acclaimed for their prodigious landmarks and tourist locations. No doubt that the states are always ready to portray the significance of the tremendous destinations inside them. Like this, we are going to discover a bewitching state in the Southcentral region of the country called Oklahoma

In the country, it is considered as a landlocked state which is suitably enclosed by a number of fabulous attractions and is home to boundless natural sightseeing spots. That’s why the state always stays busy with the numerous nature lovers and those people who like to do adventurous activities here.

The state is remarked as the 28th most populous and is affectionately called “The Sooner State”. It is obvious that the state of Oklahoma spreads with eastern forests, mountain ranges, mesas and prairie etc. 

Embarking from natural reserves to state parks, all the adorable sights nestled inside the state and is mainly renowned for the best lakes in Oklahoma. If you are a great nature seeker and looking for the best known sights to explore in the United States then Oklahoma is one of the most recognized States in the country. With the enjoyable sights around the state, you can spend your day with memorable experiences and discover the best things to do in Oklahoma. 

Now is a great time to discover the best lakes in Oklahoma by which the tourists can feel the true treasure of beautyness of the state. To know more about the state of Oklahoma, we have prepared the article where the major information about the state is mentioned with complete explanations in the following paragraphs, given below. 

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1. Eufaula Lake

Best lakes in Oklahoma, Eufaula Lake

The largest lake in the state of Oklahoma is known as Eufaula Lake which is the most adored natural site in the province and is nestled on the Canadian River. It is the best-known reservoir in the state that’s surfaced with an area of 41,000 hectares which has been stretched through three counties like McIntosh County, Okmulgee, Pittsburg and is featured with several stunning attractions here. In addition, it is one of the best lakes in Oklahoma that offers a shoreline of 970 kilometers and is featured with accommodation options, marinas and camping grounds etc. 

Near the lake, you are allowed to do a lot of affectionate activities such as horseback riding, boating, swimming, hiking and picnicking etc. If you are a great nature lover then you will never miss the lake from your journey list because the attraction is completely surrounded by natural sights by which the visitors are attracted towards the site for their worthwhile exploration in the state of Oklahoma and several recreational activities are also provided to the tourists like hunting, boating, fishing, hiking, golfing and other picnic areas etc. 

2. Lake Texoma

Best lakes in Oklahoma, Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is the most elegant natural site, known as the second largest lake in the state of Oklahoma which has covered an area of 36,000 hectares and is considered as the most developed reservoir in the province.

Being a most popular lake in the region, it has gained much more popularity throughout the country of United States and there are several stunning activities done along the lake like water skiing, fishing, sailing and windsurfing etc. That’s why more than 6 million people come to the lake throughout the year inside the state and it is not a bad place to have so many sightseeings here.

The shoreline of the lake is very rich with its incredible structure that’s home to a large number of campgrounds and resorts. To access the lake, you have to journey towards Bryan County, Oklahoma and the location of the attraction is on the Red River. 

3. Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees

Best lakes in Oklahoma, Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees

The third largest reservoir in the state of Oklahoma is considered to be Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees, listed among the best lakes in Oklahoma and has a privileged location in the slopes of the Ozark Mountain Range in the northeast corner of Oklahoma. In the province, it is a top-class destination that was formed in the year of 1940 and is an ideal place to have many mesmerizing watersports along the lake.

With the surrounding picnic areas, the lake is renowned all over the state and is home to vibrant natural sights by which nature lovers are attracted towards the attraction to enjoy all the significance of the site.

At the lake, you will definitely get to see camping grounds, and parks as well as so many restaurants and accommodation options are available here. It is said that the lake comfortably lies in the foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range, in northeast Oklahoma. 

4. Broken Bow Lake

Best lakes in Oklahoma, Broken Bow Lake

In McCurtain County, Broken Bow Lake is the best-known destination for those who especially adore to interact with the beauty of nature and to enjoy epic viewpoints along the site. It is considered as one of the deepest lakes in the state that’s renowned for its scenic view and is completely surrounded by hills, mountains and forests etc.

The lake spans over 5,700 hectares of surface area which is an ideal destination to experience the natural views and to discover the well-known wildlife, it is the most popular tourist attraction in the province. In addition, it allows you for birdwatching because the lake is home to numerous native bird species and is dotted with native vegetation.

There are various kinds of affectionate activities done along the site such as fly fishing, canoeing, Kayaking and swimming, etc. To have so many adventurous activities in the interior of the state, Broken Bow Lake will be a great option for you. 

5. Tenkiller Ferry Lake

Best lakes in Oklahoma, Tenkiller Ferry Lake

In the year of 1952, Tenkiller Ferry Lake was created in the Cookson Hills of the Ozark Mountains, damming of the Illinois River which was named after the Tenkiller Cherokee family, owner of the land. In the state of Oklahoma, it is the most elegant reservoir which is considered as one of the deepest lakes and is mainly renowned for Scuba diving along the lake.

To experience this diving, a large number of tourists come to Tenkiller Ferry Lake from all over the world and are always beloved by nature lovers. This fabulous lake is listed among the best lakes in Oklahoma and is featured by several facilities such as 14 parks, 24 boat launching ramps and 10 marinas, with 210 kilometers of shoreline.

Besides it, near the lake you will definitely get to see five floating restaurants which are very attractive in look and offer to explore several stunning islands where Goat Island is popular among them. 

6. Lake Hefner

Best lakes in Oklahoma, Lake Hefner

There is a prestigious destination located in the city of Oklahoma called Lake Hefner which was built in the year of 1947 to serve water to the city and is now the most beautiful reservoir in the province to which a massive number of people come to explore.

It is said that the lake has covered an area of 1000 hectares which is bordered by residential areas and you will get to see a lot of game fishes in the lake like channel catfish, bluegill, smallmouth bass, walleye and largemouth bass etc.

In northwestern Oklahoma city, it is a reputed reservoir that was originally named as the “Bluff Creek Reservoir” and you are offered stunning recreational activities where kiteboarding is the most popular during the summer. There is a pompous shoreline found along the lake where you can find golf courses, sailing schools, marinas and cycling trails etc. 

7. Lake Overholser

Best lakes in Oklahoma, Lake Overholser

Lake Overholser is encompassed by the most fabulous natural sights which is the best example of a naturalistic attraction and is also an ideal spot for boating. Although the lake is not a lake in the state, it still offers the most elegant features and a quiet environment to explore for visitors.

In addition, it allows tourists fishing for striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, bream and catfish etc. The lake is considered as an acclaimed destination among tourists and is always beloved by nature lovers, owing to several affectionate activities like bird watching, biking and hiking etc.

If you are looking for the best-known destination to have a picnic in the interior of the state of Oklahoma then Lake Overholser will be a perfect tourist destination for the visitors. 

8. Lake Thunderbird

 Lake Thunderbird

Another most adored and nature-preserved destination in the state is considered to be Lake Thunderbird, located in Cleveland County which has been listed among the best lakes in Oklahoma and spans over an area of 2,165 hectares in the province. The lake was made up to serve water to the city and was named after the Native American supernatural bird.

Along this, it is also affectionately named as “Lake Dirtybird” and is a beautiful reservoir, surrounded by so many enticing sights to explore. It is a remarkable lake that offered a number of stunning activities like hunting, horseback riding, hiking and mountain hiking etc.

It is the best-known nature-preserved area that’s home to almost 440 campgrounds, a nature center and an archery range. At the lake, you will definitely get to see a boathouse and two marinas that help to access the lake and can be used for boating and fishing along the lake. 

9. Lake Oologah

 Lake Oologah

Lies along the Verdigris River, Lake Oologah is a vibrant destination in the province that has been featured by so many stunning sights and amenities for tourists by which the place always stays busy with a number of visitors and is a great place to have several kinds of affectionate activities along the lake.

It is said that the lake provides the water for the Tulsa area and it can be used for recreational activities. The shoreline of the lake is approximately 336 kilometers where 11 parks are nestled and you will definitely get to see several features like a camping ground, a marina and a swimming beach etc.

In addition, at the east side of the lake, there is a most beautiful attraction located, called the Will Rogers Country Centennial Trail and is also a perfect place for fishing for crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, sand bass and walleye etc. That’s the reason the reservoir is considered among one of the best lakes in Oklahoma.

10. Skiatook Lake

Skiatook Lake

With an area of 4,200 hectares, it is a well-known reservoir which has been surrounded by rolling hills and is dotted by so many natural sightseeing. It is the most popular lake in the province, known as Skiatook Lake which is considered to be the fifteenth largest lake in all over the state of Oklahoma and has a privileged location northwest of the city of Tulsa.

The lake is an ideal tourist destination for doing several kinds of outdoor activities whereas hiking trails are the most popular and by this you can completely experience the hidden beauty of the lake and its surrounding sights.

It is true that the lake has a shoreline of 260 kilometers which is featured by a number of places for camping and offers an epic view of the surrounding bluffs. In addition, several adored activities are done along the shoreline of the lake such as hiking, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, hunting and fishing etc. 

11. Lake Hudson

One of the best lakes in Oklahoma is called Lake Hudson which is popularly known as Markham Ferry Reservoir and was created by the completion of the Robert S. Kerr Dam. It is said that the lake covers an area of 4,900 hectares in Mayes County and has a beautiful location 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Locust Grove, Oklahoma.

Hudson is a man made reservoir that’s managed by the Grand River Dam Authority and is the best known recreational area where you are allowed to do various k8nds of affectionate activities.

There is a most popular and beautiful attraction located at the lake known as Snowdale State Park which is an ideal spot to have several watersports and is good for picnicking, fishing, hiking and volleyball etc. If you are thinking of staying on the lake then you will definitely find 17 motorhome sites and 20 tent sites in the state park. 

12. Lake of the Arbuckles

Lake of the Arbuckles, Oklahoma

In Murray County, there is an elegant reservoir located, called Lake of the Arbuckles which was built in 1966 and is completely surrounded by an impeccable beauty of nature, adored by the nature enthusiasts. With the fabulous natural surroundings, the lake is rich in all over the state of Oklahoma and has an enticing shoreline of 58 kilometers that’s featured by boat ramps, picnic areas, camping grounds and boat docks etc.

On the lake, you are offered a hiking trail of seven kilometers which is possible in the summer months and along the lake, the environment gives you an opportunity to discover the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, on the north side.

There are so many amenities provided for the visitors like flood control, fish, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities etc. The facilities along the lake included picnic areas, public restrooms, RVs, three campgrounds for tents, ramps and boat docks etc. 

13. Lake Murray

Lake Murray

Lake Murray is an adorable lake in the Lake Murray State Park which has been remarked as a captivating place due to the state park, known as the first park in the state and is considered to be the largest and oldest state park in Oklahoma. The lake is renowned for the state park that covers an area of 2,300 hectares and is an ideal tourist destination for recreational activities.

On the West side of the lake, there are a large number of cabins and camping facilities available and in Carter County, it has been blessed for its nature-preserved areas. The lake is encompassed by an area of 5,700 acres in the south-central of the state and you are allowed for the various kinds of activities at the lake such as several watersports, boating and fishing etc. That’s why, the destination is considered among the best lakes in Oklahoma for visitors. 

14. Great Salt Plains Lake

Another notable natural tourists destination in the province is called Great Salt Plains Lake which is located within the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, covers an area of 3,800 hectares and is known as an elegant place for its wide variety of birds. The lake was named for the salt plains in the area where the tourists can find selenite crystals and it is discovered on the west side of the lake.

The surrounding areas of the lake are renowned for several facilities like mountain biking, hiking and picnicking etc. In addition, it is said that the lake is rich because of swimming and boating.

At the lake, you must see the campgrounds that’s feature by picnic shelters, a playground, a boat ramp and a beach. There are also very good facilities for staying overnight at the RV park and so many features are available here like boat ramps, fishing docks, equestrian trails, swimming beach, playgrounds, cabins, showers and group shelters etc. 

15. Keystone Lake

Keystone Lake

Nestled at a distance of 37 kilometers west of the city of Tulsa, Keystone Lake is a nature preserve that has covered an area of 9,600 hectares and there is a most beautiful shoreline lined up along the lake which is almost 530 kilometers long, home to two state parks.

It is one of the best lakes in Oklahoma where you are allowed to explore boundless campgrounds for staying at night and is also featured by 11 boat ramps, 4 marinas and 16 recreational areas etc.

In addition, it is also possible for game fishing for catfish, black bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass, sand bass and crappie etc. It is also possible for wildlife along the lake, including beavers, bobcats, white-tailed deer, geese, cottontail rabbits and dicks etc. If you are looking for an ideal tourist place to spend your weekend vacations then Keystone Lake is the best option for you. 

Best time to visit Oklahoma 

You can experience several kinds of weather in the state of Oklahoma and you must research the climate of the state. If you are thinking about a beautiful exploration towards the state of Oklahoma then you have to know about the best time to visit Oklahoma and for your convenience, we have mentioned the best seasons and months to visit the state in the following paragraphs. 

Spring (March through May)

To make a trip towards the state of Oklahoma, the season of spring is the best known time for the visitors that offers suitable and experienced weather for the journey. Spring is considered as the best time to visit Oklahoma which is also known as the busiest season of the year and you can also look for the things to do in the state. The season is experienced between the months of March through May and the temperature ranges from 14.3° celsius – 30.6° celsius which is a beautiful climate for the tourists.

Summer (June through August)

In the state of Oklahoma, the season of summer is considered to be the second busiest season of the year that offers comfortable weather to explore the state and the weather of the place is moderate. The time of the season is known as the middle year months that comes to the state in the months of June through August and during the season, the temperature stays between 28° celsius – 32° celsius. 

Winter (December through February)

Most people prefer the cold weather for their experienced journey towards the state of Oklahoma so that Winter will be a great option for you. But the season is fairly slow with tourists, so you can obtain accommodations at affordable prices in the interior of the state. The season comes to the destination between the months of December through February and the temperature ranges 10.6° Celsius – 15.8° Celsius. 

Conclusion: Best Lakes in Oklahoma 

Oklahoma is a notable U.S state in the terrain which has been stretched with boundless attractions and is home to renowned natural destinations. In the province, you all visitors are recommended the best lakes in Oklahoma by which you can experience the true beauty of nature closely and the lakes are also ideal to have several affectionate outdoor activities which has been beloved among the nature seekers and adventure enthusiasts.

The lakes are always being blessed for their tremendous amenities, offering to the tourists and is backed by an abundance of natural sightseeing spots along the state of Oklahoma, Thank you. 

FAQs: Best Lakes in Oklahoma 

Q. Where is Oklahoma situated?

A: The state of Oklahoma is situated in the south-central region of the country and is renowned for its fabulous lakes. 

Q. Is it possible to explore the best lakes in Oklahoma?

A: Yes, it is possible to explore all the best lakes in the state but you need to know the convenient accommodations for staying.

Q. Which is the main lake in the state of Oklahoma?

A: It is said that Lake Eufaula is the main lake in the state of Oklahoma. 

Q. Which is one of the largest lakes in Oklahoma?

A: Eufaula Lake is considered to be the largest lake in Oklahoma and is featured by so many fabulous amenities. 

Q. Which is the best time to visit Oklahoma?

A: The season of spring is known as the busiest season of the year and is also called the best time to visit Oklahoma.

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