Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
As a city nestled in the heart of the Great Plains, Oklahoma City offers more than just urban attractions. Without having to travel too far, you’ll find a variety of picturesque lakes teeming with fun outdoor activities.
These 11 lakes are must-visit destinations for nature enthusiasts too, providing an ideal backdrop for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Lake Thunderbird
At over 5,000 acres, Lake Thunderbird stands as one of Oklahoma City’s largest lakes, providing plenty of outdoor activities. Along the water, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking trips, or even water skiing and tubing, while land-based adventures include hiking, biking, and camping. With Lake Thunderbird State Park surrounding the reservoir, the combination of vast open spaces and a wide range of facilities ensures there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Lake Hefner
From calming picnics to the thrilling weekend sailboat races, just northwest of Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner offers a diverse blend of activities for every adventurous spirit. Constructed in the 1940s, Lake Hefner is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting dozens of bird species along its vast 17-mile shoreline during their annual migrations. Enjoy some sailing or relaxing with a rod and reel; just remember, swimming and camping are off-limits.
Lake Overholser
With a rich history dating back to 1919, Lake Overholser is more than just a reservoir. It provides a wonderful setting for sunset viewing and bird watching from the Stinchcomb Wildlife Reserve while also catering to active visitors with its nature trail, soccer field, and tennis courts. Additional amenities like a playground, fishing dock, picnic areas, and the Route 66 Family Park make Lake Overholser the ideal spot for every vacationer.
Arcadia Lake
On the Deep Fork River lies Arcadia Lake, a picturesque body of water that combines urban convenience with outdoor recreational opportunities. Not only does Arcadia Lake offer typical lake activities such as swimming and boating, but it also features a disc golf area and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For fishing enthusiasts, a covered, heated dock ensures year-round fishing for bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass at Arcadia Lake, too.
Fort Cobb Lakefwa
Located southwest of Oklahoma City, Fort Cobb Lake is a 4,000-acre reservoir that offers a variety of recreational fun. Its shoreline, part of Fort Cobb State Park, has everything from campgrounds and hiking trails to a golf course and marina. Visitors can enjoy pontoon boating, jet skiing, or simply basking in the sun, while anglers can look forward to catching hybrid striped bass or saugeye from the stocked reservoir.
Lake El Reno
Conveniently located just off I-40, Lake El Reno, you’ll find a wide array of activities, from camping and fishing to boating and picnicking. It features an RV park with full hookups, two large boat docks, and a dedicated ski area for personal watercraft. With unique amenities such as Beach El Reno for public swimming and an asphalt strip for remote-controlled airplanes, this scenic lake is an ideal destination for both day trips and extended vacations.
Lake Stanley Draper
Lake Stanley Draper offers a refreshing mix of land and water activities just 17 miles from OKC. Whether you enjoy hiking trails, are a mountain biking enthusiast, or love water sports, this popular lake always has something fun to do. Complete with a boat ramp, camping areas, and covered fishing piers, it’s perfect for a comfortable outdoor experience.
Wes Watkins Lake
A 30-minute drive from Oklahoma City, you’ll find a sizable 1,142-acre area home to a range of recreational ventures, known as Wes Watkins Lake. It boasts two recreation areas and three boat ramps, along with picnic pavilions, barbecue grills, and camping sites available for rent. Whether you fancy some fishing, boating, skiing, or jet skiing, you’ll find loads of entertainment at Wes Watkins Lake!
Lake Murray
Lake Murray, a large lake about two hours drive from OKC, is based entirely within Lake Murray State Park, offering over 12,500 acres of natural beauty. Lake Murray is a hub for water-based activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports. The park’s unique feature, Tucker Tower, once intended as a summer home for a former governor, now operates as a geological museum and nature center.
Kaw Lake
Located in north central Oklahoma, Kaw Lake is a scenic destination is perfect for the whole family. From swimming and boating to fishing for large catfish, sand bass, and walleye, the lake guarantees an adventurous experience for visitors. Adding to its appeal, Kaw Lake is a preferred overwintering spot for American Bald Eagles, making it a must-visit for birdwatchers as well.
Broken Bow Lake
Set in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Broken Bow Lake offers a picturesque escape with a mix of water and land activities. From kayaking and trout fishing in the lake’s waters to exploring over 15 miles of hiking trails through dense forests, Broken Bow Lake has something for everyone. You’ll want to pack your binoculars, too, with plenty of native birds nesting and flying around this 22-mile-long lake.
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