Oklahoma may be land-locked, but we have over 200 lakes and bodies of water for plenty of play and exploring! The lakes in Oklahoma offer more than just fishing and boating. Depending on the lake, families can enjoy kayaking, water skiing, canoeing, and swimming.
We share a few of our favorites and would love to hear yours!
Best Oklahoma Lakes to Visit with Kids Less Than 3 Hours From OKC
Hefner Lake | Oklahoma City
Of course, we had to include our very own Hefner Lake! Though swimming is not permitted in this lake, you can boat or sail (with a permit) and engage in water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding thanks to Riversport. And with over 18 miles of beautiful shoreline and over 10 miles of paved trails for hiking, it’s best known for being an escape from city life (in the middle of the city!) and its little New-Englad-esque lighthouse.
*no swimming
Lake Eufaula | Eufala, OK | 2 Hours from OKC
Two hours east of OKC, Lake Eufaula is Oklahoma’s largest lake with 800 miles of shoreline. Activities for families to enjoy include hiking, swimming, horseback riding, biking, ATV riding, kayaking, and rafting. And be sure to check out the beautiful Carlton Landing, a resort-style community located on the shores of Lake Eufaula.
*includes swimming beach
Lake Murray | Ardmore, OK | 2 Hours from OKC
Located within wooded rolling hills, Lake Murray is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Families can enjoy fishing, boating, and a variety of water sports and outdoor activities like golf, picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, and paddle boating. Best of all, there are over 30 miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking.
*includes swimming beach
Get updates on the Lake Murray Facebook Page.
Skiatook Lake | Skiatook, OK | 2 Hours from OKC
Pack a picnic lunch and visit the onsite playground for kids or go hiking along the nature trails. Fishing is popular in this area, and the best part is there is a swimming beach for families! The shoreline is accentuated by steep picturesque bluffs, which offer spectacular views for visitors.
*includes swimming beach
Lake Texoma | Kingston, OK | 2.75 Hours from OKC
On the border of Oklahoma and Texas, Lake Texoma is Oklahoma’s second largest lake. It includes activities for families like swimming, camping, picnic areas, wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking, and recently added equestrian trails for horseback riding. Offering more of a full destination, Lake Texoma also has surrounding shopping and dining.
*includes swimming beach
Lake Tenkiller | Vian, OK | 3 Hours from OKC
Known as Oklahoma’s “Heaven in the Hills”, this lake has beautiful emerald-tinted water and offers water sports, hiking, swimming, and exploring. All in all, it’s a great destination for families. With high wooded shorelines, swimming beaches, a nature center, hiking & nature trails, this is a must-visit for the summer!
*includes swimming beach
Follow their Facebook Page for up-to-date info.
Grand Lake | Grove, OK | 3 Hours from OKC
Located in northeastern Oklahoma at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Grand Lake provides all the traditional water activities like boating, swimming, tubing, water skiing, and more! This is a popular lake-life destination with scenic lodging, dining experiences, events, and nightlife.
*includes swimming beach
Broken Bow Lake | Broken Bow, OK | 3.5 Hours from OKC
This lake is a little more than 3 hours from OKC. But we had to include Broken Bow Lake because it’s one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful lakes. With cabin rentals, restaurants, Beavers Bend State Park, and the lake, Broken Bow is a popular travel destination in Oklahoma. The best part? Broken Bow Lake’s rock-covered bottom creates a crystal-clear lake. You can see to the bottom!
*includes swimming beach
