When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and spend a week or weekend floating down a river with the sound of birds chirping above, choose one of these Oklahoma lakes as your getaway destination. Book one of many Oklahoma vacation rentals with lush views of forests and hills, or opt for lakefront cottages to enjoy the cool breeze stemming from the lakes each morning. With amenities and recreational areas perfect for visitors of all ages, these 10 lakes in the state are unforgettable.
1. Lake Hefner
If you want the big city attractions of Oklahoma City and a lakefront vacation rental, plan your getaway at Lake Hefner. This recreational spot is a haven for sailing enthusiasts and boaters during the summer months. Sign up for a sailing lesson with the Riverport Sailing Center, or spend your days biking the shoreline of the lake. The Lake Hefner Golf Club gives you a chance to perfect your game, too.
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2. Eufaula Lake
Treat the avid fishing enthusiasts to a weeklong adventure at Eufaula Lake, home to crappie, catfish, sand bass, and Kentucky bass. Stretching over three counties and near the town of Eufaula, the lake is a popular spot for boating on the Canadian River when the Oklahoma sun is shining. Explore the 970 kilometers of shoreline during hunting season, or get in a game of golf at the nearby Fountainhead Creek Golf Course.
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3. Keystone Lake
Located along the Cimarron and Arkansas rivers, Keystone Lake is located just west of Tulsa, which is ideal for city dwellers seeking some peace and quiet. Take advantage of the 16 recreational areas, four marinas, and 11 boat ramps of Keystone Lake when planning your weekend getaway. With an abundance of small mouth bass, crappie, and catfish, you can spend a leisurely day fishing in the lake, or get to know the great outdoors when hiking the nearby trails to see geese, beavers, and white-tailed deer.
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4. Broken Bow Lake
Plan your next getaway in McCurtain County to enjoy the scenic views of mountains, hills, and forests that surround Broken Bow Lake that neighbors both Arkansas and Texas. Broken Bow Lake spans across 35 kilometers and offers plenty of opportunities for fly fishing, kayaking, and swimming during the warmer months. Spend an afternoon horseback riding the trails along the lake with Riverman Trail Rides and Stables, or rent canoes from Beavers Bend Marina to float leisurely on the lake.
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5. Lake Murray
A vacation rental in Carter County puts you in close proximity of water-filled attractions on Lake Murray. Nestled in the heart of Lake Murray State Park, this lake offers you the opportunity to make a splash in the water and hike the trails that lead to the historic Tucker Tower on the south shore. Stop in at the Tucker Tower Nature Center to see the blooming flowers in the spring and summer, or rent jet skis and watercrafts at Lake Murray Water Sports. Horse enthusiasts can opt for a guided tour with Lake Murray Riding Stables.
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6. Lake Texoma
Book a vacation rental with a stunning view of Lake Texoma and spend your summer vacation or weekend getaway windsurfing, water skiing, and fishing. Located on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma is a popular vacation destination and is currently the second largest lake in the state. During your stay, get in 18 holes at Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club, and in the evenings, try your luck at the Texoma Casino.
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7. Lake Thunderbird
Head to the college town of Norman to explore Lake Thunderbird that is popular for sailboat races and its annual fishing derby. This reservoir in Cleveland County hosts a nature center that offers trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, as well as an archery range. When the adults need to kick back and relax, enjoy a glass of wine at the nearby Native Spirits Winery, or opt for an entertaining evening at the Thunderbird Casino.
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8. Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees
Nestled right in the slopes of the Ozark Mountain Range, Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees is Oklahoma’s third largest lake, and originated with the creation of the Pensacola Dam. Sailing enthusiasts flock to this lake to leisurely float on the waters and take in the lush scenery along the shoreline. Soak up the sun and then take in the historical attractions in nearby Grove with stops in at the Har-Ber Village History Museum or hop on board the Cherokee Queen Riverboat Ride.
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9. Tenkiller Ferry Lake
Make a splash in this reservoir that was formed in 1952, and offers views of the Cookson Hills of the Ozark Mountains. As one of the deepest lakes in Oklahoma, Tenkiller Ferry Lake attracts scuba divers worldwide. Launch your boat in at one of the 24 launching ramps, or let the kids explore the playgrounds at one of the 14 parks adjacent to the lake. When hunger strikes, treat the family to a feast at Skipper’s Restaurant in Cookson, or Soda Steve’s Restaurant in Gore.
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10. Lake Overholser
Escape the big city of Oklahoma City without traveling very far when you make Lake Overholser your vacation destination. This small lake is perfect for fishing, and is fully stocked with striped bass, bluegill, bream, and catfish. Soak up the sun with a dip in the waters, and then explore the shoreline with a stop in at the nearby Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge that is ideal for biking, hiking, and bird watching.
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