Oklahoma might be landlocked, but it is not lacking in shoreline.  With more than one million surface acres of water, Oklahoma holds the title for the most man-made lakes in the country. Cool off this summer and enjoy the best lakes in Oklahoma that make our state spectacular. Here are a few of the best lakes in Oklahoma to visit…

1.) Lake Murray- Ardmore, OK: Located in south-central Oklahoma and within the largest state park, this lake is known for its pristine waters. Rent a floating cabin, check out Tucker Tower, or just enjoy the scenery at this relaxing lake. Learn more about Lake Murray in our previous article.
best lakes in oklahoma
Lake Murray, Oklahoma 73401, USA
Google/Eric Silva
2.) Greenleaf Lake- Braggs, OK: Quiet and secluded, Greenleaf is a sparkling blue lake that offers great fishing and camping spots at its state park. Learn more about Greenleaf Lake in our previous article.
Greenleaf Lake, Oklahoma, USA
flickr/granger meador
3.) Lake of the Arbuckles- Sulpher, OK: This reservoir features 36 miles of shoreline and has been rated as the best bass fishing in the state by The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation. Put this one on your list if you're looking for that crystal-clear water. Learn more about Lake of the Arbuckles in our previous article.
Lake of the Arbuckles, Oklahoma 73086, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Victoria Stauffenberg - NPGallery
4.) Lake Eufaula- Eufaula, OK: The largest lake in Oklahoma is located in the southeastern part of the state. You will find all the usual lake activities on and off the shore. If you are looking for a vacation rental or even a new home, visit Carlton Landing, a seaside lake community. Learn more about Lake Eufaula in our previous article.
Eufaula Lake, Oklahoma, USA
Google/Glyn Martinez
5.) Keystone Lake- Sand Springs, OK: A short drive from Tulsa, this is the perfect place for a great day or overnight outing. Take your own boat or rent a pontoon for the family. The water is blue-green, and its natural beauty makes this lake a top choice for those in green country. Learn more about Keystone Lake in our previous article.
Keystone Lake, Oklahoma, USA
flickr/raymond bucko, sj

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6.) Lake Hefner- Oklahoma City, OK: A top destination for sailing and boating but sorry...no swimming in this lake. Learn more about Lake Hefner in our previous article.
Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
flickr/lane pearman
7.) Lake Texoma- Red River, OK, TX: This popular lake attracts over 6 million visitors a year and offers all the fun activities a large lake has to offer. Texoma is a favorite fishing spot for Striped Bass, big Catfish, and over 70 other species. Rent a 58-foot houseboat for the family or friends and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets on Lake Texoma. Learn more about Lake Texoma in our previous article.
Lake Texoma, United States
flickr/john purget
8.) Grand Lake o' the Cherokees- Northeast OK: Known as just Grand Lake to most, this lake offers exceptional amenities, scenery, and resorts. If you are looking for one of the top lakes in the state, this is it. Take a boat ride along the 1,300 miles of shoreline or choose from over 100 other activities offered around Grand. Learn more about Grand Lake in our previous article.
best lakes in oklahoma
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, Oklahoma, USA
Google/Samuel Ogden
9.) Broken Bow Lake- Broken Bow, OK: Known for the most pristine water in Oklahoma, Broken Bow is a hidden gem in the Ouachchita Mountains. Pack your scuba diving gear and enjoy the deep blue water in southeastern Oklahoma. Learn more about Broken Bow Lake in our previous article.
Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma, USA
flickr/robert nunnally
10.) Skiatook Lake- Skiatook, OK: Swimming, hiking, boating, fishing and camping are on the top of the list of things to do. The picturesque views of steep bluffs and tall-grass prairies make Skiatook a lake to remember. Learn more about Skiatook Lake in our previous article.
Skiatook Lake, Oklahoma, USA
flickr/april moore-harris

Here’s an informative YouTube video by Wiki Peaks highlighting some more of the best lakes in Oklahoma:

As you can see, there are plenty of stunning OK lakes to keep us cool in the summer. And before you hit the road this summer to explore these incredible lakes, be sure to check the OIYS ultimate road trip guide for some really cool packing tips.  

What are some of your favorite places to swim in OK? Tell us about them on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestions featured in an upcoming article.

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More to Explore

Lakes in OK

Katie Lawrence | June 14, 2022

Where can I find the best lakes in OK?

When it comes to finding the best lakes in OK, Broken Bow Lake is definitely a top contender. Known for its striking, deep blue waters, this pristine oasis is among the deepest lakes in the state. It's tucked away in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, surrounded by dense forests and scenic hills. Oklahomans and Texans alike flock to this lake in the warmer months to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing, as well as hiking and birdwatching. Aside from Broken Bow Lake, here are some more of the best lakes in Oklahoma that we recommend you visit during the Summer.

  • Kay Lake, Osage Counties
  • Canton Lake, Blaine/Dewey Counties
  • Lake Tenkiller, Cookson
  • Fort Gibson Lake, Gibson
  • Okmulgee and Dripping Springs Lake, Okmulgee
  • Lake Oologah, Oologah
  • Arcadia Lake, Edmond
  • Lake Wayne Wallace, Wilburton
  • Lake Altus-Lugert, Lone Wolf
  • Lake Carlton, Wilburton


Be sure to read our previous article to discover more about these lakes in Oklahoma.

What are some of the best places to swim in OK?

In search of the best places to swim in OK? Look no further than Blue Hole Park in Salina. A family favorite for decades, this gorgeous swimming hole boasts clear, crisp water, concession stands, and both RV and tent camping sites. It's a popular destination for catching crawdads, and there's even a shallow swimming area for younger children.

What are the best waterparks in OK?

If you're looking for the best waterparks in OK, it's hard to beat Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City. Situated on 25 acres, the park offers a vast array of rides, slides, and other attractions that kids and kids at heart are sure to love. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing lazy river float or a heart-pounding speed slide, this one-stop destination for fun in the sun truly has it all. Traveling with kids? Don't miss the zero-depth activity pools filled with interactive elements to keep them entertained all day long.

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