Summary
Oklahoma, often referred to as the ‘Land of the Red Man’ due to its original name meaning red people in Choctaw, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural diversity alongside its varied landscapes. More than 25 Native American languages are actively spoken throughout the state, which features flatlands, grasslands, mountains, and numerous lakes. Indeed, Oklahoma has the highest number of lakes formed by dams of any state in the nation.
While all natural lakes in Oklahoma are categorized as oxbow or playa lakes, the state is also home to over 200 man-made lakes that range in size from approximately 222 hectares to over 42,000 hectares. Most lakes are publicly owned and are complemented by state parks and lodges. For those considering a visit to Oklahoma, here are the 15 premier lakes in the state.
1. Broken Bow Lake; McCurtain County
As one of the deepest and most picturesque lakes in Oklahoma, Broken Bow Lake is situated in the southeastern corner of the state, encircled by forests and hills. Its tranquil environment and stunning location render it a sought-after retreat for locals from neighboring Texas and Arkansas.
The lake extends for 35 kilometers with a surface area of 5,700 hectares, and its surroundings provide habitat for numerous native bird species, making it a favored locale for birdwatching.
Popular activities at Broken Bow Lake include kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fly fishing; furthermore, there are a multitude of trails suitable for hiking and horseback riding.
2. Eufaula Lake; Haskell, McIntosh & Pittsburg Counties
Eufaula Lake, the largest lake in Oklahoma, spans a surface area of 41,000 hectares and traverses three counties. It also boasts a shoreline measuring 970 kilometers, lined with numerous marinas, camping sites, and lodging options.
Each year, the lake hosts a prestigious fishing tournament that draws participants from across the nation. Common catches include largemouth bass, Kentucky bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sand bass.
In addition, Eufaula Lake offers a wealth of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. Opportunities for golf and hunting are also readily available.
3. Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees; Delaware, Ottawa, Mayes & Craig Counties
Nestled within the Ozark Mountain Range in northeastern Oklahoma, Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees ranks as the state’s third largest lake, positioned at an elevation of 226 meters above sea level.
The lake was established in 1940 with the completion of the Pensacola Dam and has since become a leading destination for water sports, particularly sailing.
Renowned for its natural beauty, the lake is adorned with picnic areas, parks, and campsites, along with a variety of dining and accommodation options.
4. Lake Texoma; Bryan County
Lake Texoma, not only the second largest lake in Oklahoma but indeed one of the largest reservoirs in the country, encompasses 36,000 hectares and is located on the border of Oklahoma and Texas at the point where the Washita and Red Rivers converge.
This lake is notably developed and widely regarded as the most frequented, drawing around 6 million visitors annually for sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, and fishing activities.
A plethora of camping sites and resorts line the shoreline, complemented by golf courses, marinas, and two state parks, along with two wildlife refuges.
5. Tenkiller Ferry Lake; Cherokee & Sequoyah Counties
Commonly known as Lake Tenkiller, this reservoir was named after the prominent Tenkiller Cherokee family that owned the land where it was established. It was formed in 1952 upon the damming of the Illinois River.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is situated in the Cookson Hills of the Ozark Mountains, resting at an elevation of 193 meters above sea level. As one of Oklahoma’s deepest lakes, it attracts scuba divers from around the globe.
With 24 boat launch ramps, 14 parks, and ten marinas along its 210 kilometers of shoreline, the lake features five floating restaurants and is home to several islands, notably Goat Island.
6. Lake Overholser; Oklahoma City
Although not one of the larger lakes, Lake Overholser is renowned for its aesthetic appeal and is a favorite among city residents. Both tourists and locals frequent the lake for activities such as boating and fishing for white bass, bluegill, bream, striped bass, catfish, and largemouth bass.
At the northern end of the 610-hectare lake resides the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, an excellent location for hiking, birdwatching, and biking. The southern end features Lake Overholser Park, a popular area for picnicking.
The lake was formed by damming the North Canadian River and is named in honor of Ed Overholser, the 16th Mayor of Oklahoma City.
7. Lake Hefner; Oklahoma City
Also located in Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner was constructed in 1947 to provide water to the city. It has since become a popular recreational area for residents, particularly those interested in fishing.
The lake supports a diverse range of game fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and bluegill. Additionally, it serves as a hub for boating activities, accommodating both sailboats and motorized vessels.
Spanning 1,000 hectares, the lake is bordered by residential neighborhoods, with the Lake Hefner Dam occupying the northern boundary. Along the shoreline, you will find marinas, sailing schools, golf courses, and cycling paths.
8. Keystone Lake; Pawnee, Osage, Creek & Tulsa Counties
Covering 9,600 hectares, Keystone Lake is located near the Arkansas and Cimarron rivers, approximately 37 kilometers west of Tulsa, thus serving as a preferred weekend retreat for urban dwellers.
The lake features a 530-kilometer shoreline that accommodates two state parks, 16 recreational areas, 11 launch ramps, and 4 marinas, alongside various campgrounds for overnight stays.
Fishing is a highly favored activity here, with striped bass, smallmouth bass, sand bass, black bass, crappie, and catfish being prevalent. Additionally, wildlife in and around the lake includes bobcats, white-tailed deer, beavers, cottontail rabbits, ducks, and geese, among others.
9. Lake Murray; Carter County
Lake Murray is situated within Lake Murray State Park, recognized as the first park in Oklahoma to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as the state’s oldest and largest state park.
The 2,300-hectare park is a favored destination for various recreational pursuits, as it permits all forms of water sports. Numerous cabins and camping options are available along the lake’s western shore, while the historic Tucker Tower rises on the southern bank.
This tower, which opened as a nature center in 1982, showcases the renowned Lake Murray Meteorite, the fifth largest found globally, discovered on a nearby farm.
10. Lake Thunderbird; Cleveland County
Located in Norman, just south of Oklahoma City, Lake Thunderbird covers 2,165 hectares and was constructed to provide the city with water. It is named after the Native American mythical creature but is colloquially referred to as ‘Lake Dirtybird’ by locals.
There are two marinas and a boathouse offering access for boating and fishing. The facilities provide sailing instruction, sailboat races, and regattas, along with an annual fishing derby designated for developmentally disabled children.
Surrounding the lake is Lake Thunderbird State Park, which features opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hunting. Additionally, it houses a nature center, an archery range, and more than 440 camping sites.
11. Great Salt Plains Lake; Alfalfa County
This 3,800-hectare lake is situated within the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, recognized for its rich avian biodiversity. The refuge also encompasses 4,500 hectares of salt flats, where visitors can unearth selenite crystals.
Named for the salt flats found in the area, Great Salt Plains Lake allows for activities such as boating and swimming, while the surrounding park provides options for hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking.
Visitors wishing to stay overnight can do so at the RV Park, which offers tent sites, a beach, a playground, a boat ramp, and picnic facilities.
12. Lake of the Arbuckles; Murray County
Established in 1966, Lake of the Arbuckles ranks among the top lakes in the state for fishing, particularly for catfish, bass, perch, and crappie. Its 58 kilometers of shoreline feature camping facilities, picnic areas, boat docks, and launch ramps.
The lake is renowned for its stunning scenery, enhanced by the adjacent Chickasaw National Recreation Area to the north, which is surrounded by prairie and woodlands.
The recreation area offers several kilometers of hiking trails, particularly favored during the summer months.
13. Lake Hudson; Mayes County
Also referred to as Markham Ferry Reservoir, Lake Hudson was formed following the completion of the Robert S. Kerr Dam. This 4,900-hectare reservoir is positioned at 189 meters above sea level, featuring a shoreline that stretches 320 kilometers.
Snowdale State Park lies to the west of the lake, situated approximately 1.6 kilometers from Saline, and serves as a popular location for various recreational pursuits, including water sports, hiking, volleyball, picnicking, and fishing.
The state park presents ideal options for overnight stays, offering 17 motorhome sites and 20 tent sites.
14. Skiatook Lake; Osage County
This federally owned and operated 4,200-hectare reservoir is enveloped by gently rolling hills, rendering it an exceptionally peaceful locale. It ranks as the fifteenth largest lake in Oklahoma.
Skiatook Lake is located within the Osage Reservation, just northwest of Tulsa, attracting both residents and visitors for fishing, swimming, and boating experiences.
Beautiful vistas of the surrounding bluffs and water can be appreciated from various hiking trails encircling the lake. Numerous camping sites are also available along the lake’s 260 kilometers of shoreline.
15. Lake Oologah; Rogers & Nowata Counties
Lake Oologah, deriving its name from a Cherokee term that translates to ‘dark cloud’, is located along the Verdigris River and serves as a water source for the Tulsa area while also facilitating various recreational activities.
Along its 336-kilometer shoreline, there are 11 parks, a swimming beach, a marina, and a camping ground. The eastern bank of Lake Oologah features the Will Rogers Country Centennial Trail, which meanders around the lake for over 25 kilometers.
The lake offers promising fishing opportunities for sand bass, largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie, with several available boat ramps and docks for added accessibility.
