7 Lakeside Escapes in Oklahoma You’ll Remember

Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of waterfront getaways, but this state holds some truly spectacular lakeside treasures waiting to be explored.

From crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming to peaceful shores ideal for watching the sunset, these destinations offer something special for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or just need to escape the everyday hustle, Oklahoma’s lakes provide the perfect backdrop.

Pack your bags and get ready to discover seven unforgettable lakeside spots that will have you coming back year after year.

1. Lake Murray State Park

Nestled in south-central Oklahoma, Lake Murray State Park stands as the state’s oldest and largest state park, spanning over 12,500 acres of pure natural beauty.
The park surrounds the shimmering 5,700-acre Lake Murray, which was created in the 1930s and has been welcoming visitors ever since.
What makes this destination truly remarkable is the perfect blend of modern amenities and unspoiled wilderness that greets every guest.

Families absolutely love the sandy swimming beach that stretches along the shoreline, providing a safe and fun place for kids to splash around while parents relax nearby.
The park offers comfortable lodge rooms and cozy cabins right on the water, so you can wake up to stunning lake views every morning.
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie waiting beneath the surface, making it a popular spot for anglers of all skill levels.

Adventure seekers can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or pontoon boats to explore hidden coves and quiet inlets around the lake’s 200 miles of shoreline.
The park also features an excellent golf course, nature center, and miles of hiking trails that wind through forests filled with oak and hickory trees.
Wildlife watchers often spot white-tailed deer, armadillos, and dozens of bird species throughout the park.

When evening arrives, the park transforms into a peaceful haven where campfires crackle and stars fill the sky.
Local restaurants near the park serve delicious Southern comfort food, including fried catfish and homemade pies.
Lake Murray State Park truly captures the essence of Oklahoma hospitality combined with natural splendor that keeps visitors returning season after season.

2. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

Situated in the scenic northeastern corner of Oklahoma, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees has earned its reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier vacation destinations.
With over 46,500 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline, this massive reservoir offers endless opportunities for water recreation and relaxation.
The lake was completed in 1940 and quickly became a beloved retreat for families from Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Boating culture thrives here like nowhere else in the state, with marinas dotting the shoreline and offering everything from fishing boats to luxury yachts for rent.
The crystal-clear waters stay warm throughout summer, making swimming, waterskiing, and wakeboarding favorite pastimes for visitors of all ages.
Monkey Island, a popular peninsula jutting into the lake, features upscale resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues that create a vacation atmosphere reminiscent of coastal destinations.

Anglers flock to Grand Lake year-round to catch white bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish in waters known for producing trophy-sized fish.
The surrounding communities of Grove, Afton, and Langley offer charming downtown areas filled with antique shops, local boutiques, and family-owned eateries.
During summer weekends, the lake comes alive with festivals, boat parades, and fireworks displays that light up the night sky.

Luxury lakefront homes and cozy rental cabins provide accommodation options for every budget and group size.
Golf courses with stunning water views challenge players while providing breathtaking scenery at every hole.
Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees represents the perfect combination of natural beauty and modern resort amenities that create memories lasting long after your vacation ends.

3. Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake

Tucked away in the Ouachita Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake create a mountain retreat that feels worlds away from the prairie landscape many associate with the state.
Towering pine trees frame the incredibly clear waters of Broken Bow Lake, which was formed in 1968 when the Mountain Fork River was dammed.
The water here maintains an unusual clarity that allows you to see deep below the surface, creating a swimming experience unlike any other Oklahoma lake.

Cabin rentals near the park range from rustic to luxurious, with many featuring hot tubs, fireplaces, and wraparound decks overlooking the forest.
The Mountain Fork River flows through the park, offering some of the best trout fishing in the entire region, with rainbow and brown trout stocked regularly.
Kayaking and canoeing on the calm lake waters provide peaceful ways to explore secluded coves and observe wildlife along the undeveloped shoreline.

Hiking trails wind through old-growth forests where you might encounter wild turkeys, beavers, and even the occasional black bear.
The Forest Heritage Center Museum teaches visitors about the logging history and natural heritage of this unique mountain ecosystem.
Nearby Hochatown has exploded in popularity, now featuring excellent restaurants, breweries, and shops catering to the growing tourist trade.

Sunset boat tours on Broken Bow Lake have become incredibly popular, offering spectacular views as the sun dips behind the mountains.
Winter visits bring a different kind of magic, with misty mornings and fewer crowds making it perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake stand out as Oklahoma’s hidden gem that surprises first-time visitors with its natural beauty.

4. Lake Texoma

Straddling the Oklahoma-Texas border, Lake Texoma ranks as one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, covering an impressive 89,000 acres when full.
Created in 1944 by damming the Red River, this massive lake has developed into a world-class fishing destination that attracts anglers from across the country.
The Oklahoma side offers numerous state parks, resorts, and recreational areas that provide excellent access to the water and surrounding natural areas.

Striped bass fishing on Lake Texoma has achieved legendary status, with the lake producing numerous state and national records over the decades.
Professional fishing guides operate year-round, taking both experienced anglers and beginners out to find the best fishing spots on the expansive waters.
Beyond fishing, the lake’s size creates perfect conditions for sailing, with steady winds and open water providing thrilling experiences for sailors.

Lake Texoma State Park on the Oklahoma shore features a lodge, restaurant, and marina that serve as a comfortable base for exploring the area.
The park’s swimming beach and picnic areas make it ideal for families looking to spend a day by the water without needing a boat.
Wildlife management areas surrounding the lake offer hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and waterfowl during appropriate seasons.

Nearby towns like Kingston and Madill provide small-town charm with local diners, bait shops, and friendly residents happy to share their favorite lake spots.
The Eisenhower State Park on the Texas side can be easily accessed for additional recreational opportunities and different perspectives of the lake.
Lake Texoma’s combination of size, fish population, and developed amenities makes it a destination where serious anglers and casual vacationers both find exactly what they’re seeking.

5. Lake Eufaula

Covering over 102,000 surface acres in eastern Oklahoma, Lake Eufaula holds the title as the state’s largest lake, offering an enormous playground for water enthusiasts.
The lake was formed in 1964 when the Canadian River was impounded, creating a reservoir with over 600 miles of shoreline that winds through rolling hills and forests.
Its massive size means you can always find a quiet spot, even during busy summer weekends when other lakes feel crowded.

Crappie fishing on Lake Eufaula has earned national recognition, with the lake consistently producing tournament-winning catches and happy anglers.
Bass, catfish, and white bass also thrive in these waters, making it a versatile destination where you can catch different species depending on the season.
Houseboat rentals have become increasingly popular here, allowing families to spend several days exploring different areas of the lake while having all the comforts of home on the water.

Lake Eufaula State Park provides two different recreation areas with campgrounds, boat ramps, and swimming beaches that serve as excellent starting points for your adventure.
The park’s Nature Center offers educational programs about the local ecosystem and the importance of water conservation in Oklahoma.
Waterfowl hunting draws sportsmen each fall and winter as thousands of ducks and geese migrate through the area.

Small lakeside communities like Eufaula and Checotah offer authentic Oklahoma hospitality with local restaurants serving home-cooked meals and fresh-caught fish.
The lake’s relatively undeveloped shoreline creates a more natural, wilderness feel compared to some of Oklahoma’s more resort-oriented destinations.
Lake Eufaula provides that rare combination of vast open spaces and easy accessibility that makes every visit feel like a true escape from everyday life.

6. Lake Tenkiller

Known affectionately as simply Tenkiller, this stunning lake in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains offers some of the clearest water found anywhere in Oklahoma.
The Illinois River feeds the lake, which was created in 1953 and quickly became famous for its exceptional water clarity and beautiful scenery.
What sets Tenkiller apart from other Oklahoma lakes is its popularity among scuba divers, who are drawn to the visibility that can exceed 30 feet in certain areas.

Several dive shops near the lake offer equipment rentals, training courses, and guided underwater tours of the lake’s submerged rock formations and structures.
Fishing remains excellent here, with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish providing plenty of action for anglers casting from boats or the shoreline.
The steep, wooded hills surrounding the lake create a scenic backdrop that becomes especially breathtaking during fall when the leaves transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.

Tenkiller State Park offers camping facilities, boat ramps, and a swimming area that stays busy throughout the warm months.
Privately owned resorts and cabin rentals dot the shoreline, many perched on hillsides offering panoramic views of the sparkling water below.
Kayaking and paddleboarding have grown in popularity as people discover the joy of exploring the lake’s many coves and inlets at a slower pace.

The nearby town of Gore provides basic supplies and a few local restaurants, while the larger community of Tahlequah sits just a short drive away.
Cherokee Landing State Park on the opposite shore gives visitors another access point and different perspectives of the lake’s beauty.
Lake Tenkiller represents that perfect blend of outdoor adventure and peaceful relaxation that defines the best of Oklahoma’s lakeside destinations.

7. Keystone Lake

Located just west of Tulsa, Keystone Lake serves as a convenient weekend escape for city dwellers while offering all the amenities of a premier recreational destination.
The lake was completed in 1968 on the Arkansas and Cimarron Rivers, creating 26,000 acres of water surrounded by multiple parks and recreation areas.
Its proximity to Oklahoma’s second-largest city means excellent infrastructure, well-maintained facilities, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts diverse crowds.

Keystone State Park anchors the lake’s recreational offerings with a modern marina, swimming beach, campgrounds, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Sailing has become particularly popular here, with the Tulsa Sailing Club hosting regular regattas and races that add excitement to summer weekends.
The lake’s sandy beaches feel almost coastal, providing perfect spots for building sandcastles, playing volleyball, or simply soaking up the sun.

Fishing for sand bass, white bass, and catfish keeps anglers busy, especially during the spring spawning runs when the action can be nonstop.
The Keystone Ancient Forest, located near the lake, preserves one of the last remaining virgin forests in Oklahoma with massive old-growth trees.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with bald eagles wintering near the lake and ospreys fishing the waters during warmer months.

Numerous restaurants and shops in nearby communities like Sand Springs and Mannford cater to lake visitors with everything from casual barbecue to upscale dining.
The lake’s multiple access points and well-marked channels make navigation easy even for first-time visitors.
Keystone Lake proves that you don’t need to travel far from urban areas to find natural beauty and outdoor recreation that refreshes the spirit and creates lasting memories with family and friends.