Oklahoma, often overlooked for its beach destinations, offers a surprising array of scenic lakes and reservoirs perfect for beach lovers. Here are the top 10 must-visit beaches in the Sooner State:
- Lake Arcadia: Nestled in Edmond, northeast of Oklahoma City, Lake Arcadia boasts 26 miles of shoreline, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake’s beauty makes it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
- Cedar Lake: This 86-acre lake features two sandy beaches and is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Its north shore offers stunning views, making it a popular destination for camping, fishing, and boating.
- Lake Eufaula: The largest lake entirely within Oklahoma, Lake Eufaula covers 102,000 acres with 600 miles of shoreline. Known for its crystal-clear waters, it’s a hotspot for scuba diving and has multiple sandy beaches.
- Lake Murray: Part of the largest state park in Oklahoma, Lake Murray has a 5,700-acre surface area. Sunset Beach, one of the lake’s highlights, is ideal for less crowded beach experiences, while Marina Beach offers picnic tables and playgrounds nearby.
- Broken Bow Lake: Providing views of the Ouachita Mountains, Broken Bow Lake is one of the largest lakes in the state. It’s excellent for scuba diving and is a renowned year-round fishing spot.
- Tom Steed Reservoir: A 6,000-acre reservoir in Kiowa County, this lake is a paradise for birdwatchers and fishermen alike. It offers facilities like group shelters, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
- Lake Tenkiller: South of Tahlequah, this reservoir is a dream for scuba divers. Its clear waters near Skunk Island are home to sunken artifacts waiting to be explored.
- Canton Lake: Known for hosting Oklahoma’s oldest fishing contest, the Canton Lake Walleye Rodeo, this lake is excellent for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and skiing. It also borders a 17,000-acre hunting area.
- Great Salt Plains Lake: Unique for its prehistoric ocean water, this lake allows you to find hourglass-shaped selenite crystals along its shoreline. It also offers traditional activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
- Lake Texoma: Straddling the Oklahoma-Texas border, Lake Texoma is one of the country’s largest reservoirs. Its beaches, reminiscent of oceanic shores, attract over six million visitors annually.
Other notable mentions include Fort Gibson Lake, known for its sandy beaches and year-round accessibility, and Grand Lake, located in the Ozark Mountain Range and offering scenic views and water activities. Foss Lake, with its tropical-like Sunset Beach, and Arcadia Lake, featuring multiple beaches and recreational activities, are also worth visiting.
These beaches in Oklahoma offer a variety of experiences, from tranquil retreats to adventurous water sports, catering to every type of beach enthusiast. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these destinations promise memorable moments by the water.