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.
- Keystone Lake
Laura Gilley Walters/Facebook 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. Keystone Lake, Oklahoma, USA
- Eufaula Lake
Charlene Kusich/Facebook 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! Eufaula Lake, Oklahoma, USA
- Broken Bow Lake
Julie Hughes/Facebook 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. Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma, USA
- Kaw Lake
Megan Childers/Facebook 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. Kaw Lake, Oklahoma, USA
- Canton Lake
Janine Bachelor/Facebook 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. Canton Lake, Oklahoma, USA
- Hulah Lake
Seth Baum/Facebook 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! Hulah Lake, Oklahoma, USA
- Lake Hefner
Kim Shearon/Facebook 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! Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Grand Lake
Natalie Foster/Facebook 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. Grand Lake Drive, Grand Lake Dr, Oklahoma 74331, USAGrand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma, USA
- Okmulgee Lake
TJ Nuckolls/Facebook 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. Okmulgee Lake, Okmulgee, OK 74447, USA
- Lake Raymond Gary
Oka Vista Lakeside Apt/Facebook 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. Lake Raymond Gary, Oklahoma 74735, USA
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!
Laura Gilley Walters/Facebook
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.
Keystone Lake, Oklahoma, USA
Charlene Kusich/Facebook
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!
Eufaula Lake, Oklahoma, USA
Julie Hughes/Facebook
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.
Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma, USA
Megan Childers/Facebook
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.
Kaw Lake, Oklahoma, USA
Janine Bachelor/Facebook
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.
Canton Lake, Oklahoma, USA
Seth Baum/Facebook
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!
Hulah Lake, Oklahoma, USA
Kim Shearon/Facebook
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!
Lake Hefner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Natalie Foster/Facebook
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.
Grand Lake Drive, Grand Lake Dr, Oklahoma 74331, USAGrand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma, USA
TJ Nuckolls/Facebook
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.
Okmulgee Lake, Okmulgee, OK 74447, USA
Oka Vista Lakeside Apt/Facebook
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.
Lake Raymond Gary, Oklahoma 74735, USA
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