Here Are 10 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Oklahoma, According To Our Readers
By Raymond Goldfield|Published January 20, 2023
×
Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Oklahoma might have a reputation as the Prairie State, but that doesn’t mean it’s short of places to enjoy a day on the water! In fact, Oklahoma is dotted with beautiful lakes that make amazing places for camping, boating, fishing, and other warm-weather activities. Some of them are known statewide as wonderful vacation destinations, while others are hidden gems that locals would love to keep their little secret. There are so many beautiful lakes in the Sooner State that it’s hard to pick where to start. That’s why we asked our readers on our Only in Oklahoma Facebook page to tell us their picks for the most beautiful lakes in Oklahoma – and oh, boy did they deliver! These 10 lakes all stood out as the most stunning the state has to offer.
Located in Keystone State Park, this charming lake is a popular family destination for boating and fishing. The nearby Pier 51 Marina is the perfect place to rent supplies, and a nearby camping site complete with furnished cabins makes it ideal for a multi-day adventure.
Oklahoma's largest lake and one of its most beautiful, Eufala Lake is a reservoir that has become the state's most popular beach. With 800 miles of shoreline, it's home to multiple marinas that will make it easy to get on the water with your own boat or a rented one. It's a popular spot for fishing tournaments, and it's adjacent to Eufaula State Park's nature center. There is even an 18-hole golf course in the vicinity!
Located near the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, this reservoir is located deep in the mountain terrain and the surrounding area is filled with nature trails. Popular with sports fishers, it features several boat launching ramps and camping facilities to help you make a vacation of it.
Do you love catfish? You're in the right place. This mid-sized lake is known for producing the largest catfish in the Sooner State, as well as being a prime spot for walleye and bass. It's a more laidback lake without many tourist attractions, but the prime fishing waters and the convenient RV hookups make it the perfect place to get away from it all.
A mild slope greets you as you approach Canton Lake, the state's top fishing destination for walleye. It's home to the annual Walleye Rodeo, an offbeat competition with a $30,000 cash prize. Located alongside a rich woodland, you'll find a fully furnished campsite for RVs and tents along with boat ramps and a family-friendly swimming beach.
While Hulah Lake is an ideal fishing and hunting area, particularly for those fishing for catfish, the main appeal of this lake on the banks of the Caney River is its gorgeous landscape. Surrounded by trees, it's one of the best spots in Oklahoma for fall foliage. The adjoining public hunting area also plays host to a migratory bird refuge, so keep your eyes on the sky!
The largest lake in Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner is a peaceful urban oasis featuring an enclosed heated fishing dock and 18 miles of shoreline. While swimming isn't allowed, the lake is a popular spot for boating and has a nearby golf course, nature trail, and even a model airplane field!
8. Grand Lake
Grand Lake Drive, Grand Lake Dr, Oklahoma 74331, USA
Also known as Grand Lake O'the Cherokees, Grand Lake is maybe the state's most popular waterfront destination. It has many on-site cabins and accommodations, and many guests take a full weekend to explore. It's a popular fishing and hunting area, and adjoins not one but five nearby state parks! Water activities including parasailing and wakeboarding are popular, and many of the adjoining resorts are ideal for a luxurious getaway.
Nestled amid mighty oak trees, this lake adjoins the nearby Dripping Springs recreation area. At Lake Okmulgee, you'll find a collection of RV and camping suites, along with a popular fishing dock. The view when the sun goes down is truly stunning, and several 1930s Native sandstone sculptures have been preserved on the grounds.
A small, charming lake along Oklahoma's southern border, it features just under 10 miles of shoreline. While this is a fairly shallow lake, it still has a popular fishing scene. Located near Raymond Gary State Park, it features two boat ramps - but really, the best use of your time at this lake is waiting for the sun to go down and watching the lake turn into a shimmering display of colors.
Did you know there are over 200 lakes in Oklahoma? That’s a lot of unique spots to go fishing! For maybe the most serene swim in the Sooner State, check out our recent article The Most Remote Lake In Oklahoma Is Also The Most Peaceful. Don’t forget to join our Oklahoma Nature Lovers group on Facebook to see more incredible reader-contributed photos from all around Oklahoma!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.