8 Best Lakeside Towns in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s lakeside towns combine stunning natural beauty with vibrant small-town charm, making them ideal getaways for adventure and relaxation. In Broken Bow, you’ll find crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking and fishing, surrounded by lush forests and cozy cabin retreats. Meanwhile, Grove, nestled along Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, is a hotspot for water sports and bass fishing competitions that draw anglers from far and wide. With over 200 lakes scattered across Oklahoma, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Whether you’re casting a line, kayaking on crystal-clear waters, or enjoying a lakeside barbecue, these towns promise memorable adventures and serene escapes.
Apache
The small town of Apache, home to just 1,000 residents, proudly reflects its Western heritage. Located in southwest Oklahoma, just below the state capital of Oklahoma City, Apache attracts visitors with its proximity to Lake Ellsworth. This serene reservoir, part of a river dam system, offers excellent opportunities for camping, fishing, and relaxation. Anglers can gear up at local bait and tackle shops to try their luck catching saugeye, a hybrid fish regularly stocked by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Beyond the lake, Apache’s rich culture shines through its annual events. The Apache Rattlesnake Festival, held each April, invites visitors to witness local rattlesnakes along guided snake hunts. Similarly, the Apache County Fair in August showcases the town’s community pride with great food, music, and dance.
Broken Bow
Broken Bow is a quaint town in Oklahoma just south of a giant waterway, Broken Bow Lake. This man-made watercourse on Mountain Fork River and upstream from the Broken Bow Dam welcomes fishermen and campers to 180 miles of shoreline. Boating enthusiasts can take advantage of options like the Beavers Bend Marina, which supports motorized pleasurecraft, while kayaking and canoeing are also popular here.
To stay on land, visitors can head to the Cedar Creek Golf Course, which sets its links along the water. Or, adults can opt for some time at the Choctaw Casino Broken Bow, which is open 24 hours a day for a bit of gambling excitement. The business boasts hundreds of slot machines, live events, and the Reel ‘Em In Cafe for a whole day of fun.
Claremore
Claremore blends history with lakeside leisure, making it a delightful stop in northeastern Oklahoma. Just outside the town lies Claremore Lake, a picturesque retreat featuring a scenic walking trail that circles the western shoreline, providing a tranquil spot for hiking, jogging, or simply enjoying the view. The lake also offers fishing opportunities, with its waters stocked with bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a favorite for anglers. The surrounding Claremore Lake Park includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and shaded spots perfect for family outings or quiet afternoons.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the nearby Will Rogers State Park features sprawling green spaces ideal for hiking and horseback riding. End the day with some Mac & Cheese at the lively Main Street Tavern for a lovely lakeside day in Oklahoma.
El Reno
El Reno, located just west of Oklahoma City, is a vibrant town where history meets lakeside fun. Lake El Reno, situated near downtown, is an easily accessible destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. With its large expanse of water, the lake is perfect for jet skiing, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying a quiet day by the shore. Golfers can head to Crimson Creek Golf Course, which borders the lake’s eastern edge, offering picturesque views alongside a challenging course.
The town’s history adds another layer of interest. El Reno takes its name from Fort Reno, established in 1874 during westward expansion. Over the years, the fort transitioned from a cavalry training station to a detention center for German and Italian POWs during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the fort’s historic sites and learn about its storied past.
Eufaula
Tucked along the shores of Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma’s largest lake, the town of Eufaula wears its western pride on its sleeve. The town’s namesake lake boasts over 600 miles of shoreline, providing ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Hummingbird Beach, located in Lake Eufaula State Park, is a favorite spot for families, featuring sandy shores, calm waters, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
In town, the “Our Favorite Place” store highlights local craftsmanship, while summer brings the lively Whole Hawg Days festival, complete with parades, barbecues, car shows, and a poker run on the water. For a bit of excitement, the Creek Nation Casino Eufaula offers gaming and dining options.
Grove
The small town of Grove loves its lake so much that the chamber of commerce put a sailboat in its official logo. People visit (and sometimes move to) Grove for its place on the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, a reservoir of the Neosho River. With plenty of waterfront resorts like the luxurious Shangri-La Resort, hiking, fishing, and boating are popular activities here. The town also hosts a largemouth bass fishing competition along the lake, drawing some of the best anglers in the world to this part of northeast Oklahoma.
Given its popularity as a getaway destination, Grove has abundant accommodations, from RV resorts to fishermen-focused motels like the Angler's Inn. The more upscale Patricia Island Estates and Country Club encourages a true Oklahoma lifestyle, encouraging guests to eat, sleep, golf, and gamble.
Ponca City
Ponca City, located in north-central Oklahoma, combines lakeside recreation with cultural refinement. East and West Lake Ponca, nestled just outside of town, offer visitors the chance to fish, kayak, or swim while enjoying the serene surroundings. Wentz Memorial Golf Course, set against the backdrop of the lakes, provides a scenic and challenging outing for golfers of all skill levels.
Downtown Ponca City is steeped in history and charm. The E.W. Marland Museum, housed in a stately former mansion, shares the story of oil baron E.W. Marland and the wealth that once flowed through the region. Nearby, the Pioneer Woman Museum pays tribute to the resilience of Oklahoma’s early settlers, while the Conoco Museum highlights the local oil industry’s global impact.
Sulphur
Sulphur attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over as the gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Boasting 10,000 acres of wilderness with over 20 miles of hiking trails, it won’t be long until visitors discover the scenic Lake of the Arbuckles. Once known among Native Americans as the "land of rippling waters," that slogan works well to convey the calm blue depths of its Lake of the Arbuckles. Today, the lake is a hub for bass fishing, with 36 miles of shoreline dotted with fishing areas, boat docks, and picnic areas.
South of the town is the Bison Pasture Viewpoint, which offers a different experience with nature. Here, animal lovers can peek at real-life bison in their natural habitat and learn about these majestic mammals. Learn more at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, which welcomes visitors to explore the Native American tribe's heritage and history or witness a celebrated 'stomp dance' celebration.
For Oklahoma's Best, Head for a Lake
Oklahoma’s lakeside towns offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, making them some of the state’s most inviting destinations. From the serene waters of Lake Eufaula and the rugged wilderness of Sulphur’s Lake of the Arbuckles to the vibrant culture surrounding Grove’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, these towns promise unique experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re fishing in Apache, exploring the history of Ponca City, or relaxing in Broken Bow’s cozy cabins, each town provides its own take on lakeside living.
