The 12 Best Oklahoma Lakes for Swimming

Oklahoma lakes with swimming beaches make you feel like you own your own ocean-front property when you are there swimming amongst the waves! Did you realize that some of Oklahoma’s magnificent lakes have sandy beaches?

Today, we’ve got several fantastic lake beach locations in OK just for you. Dozens of lakes all around the state provide you with a relaxing swim, but we have whittled it down to the 12 best Oklahoma lakes for swimming!

1. Cedar Lake

There are two sandy beaches on Cedar Lake, which is 86 acres in size. The north coast of this lake is unique because the Ouachita National Forest borders it on three sides. It’s a gorgeous spot where one can observe the coastal redwoods and mountains whilst bathing in its warm waters. Tourists mainly swim from May through October.

Fishing, camping, and boating are all popular activities here. This Oklahoma beach is perfect for families because of the camping facilities that include outdoor grills, pavilions, playgrounds, and picnic spots.

2. Lake Arcadia

Located in Edmond, Oklahoma, to the northeast of Oklahoma City, Lake Arcadia is also known as Arcadia Lake. You can go for a swim or try out some water sports with ease.

If you prefer to camp right by the water, you can pick from several locations along the lake’s 26 miles of shoreline. At many of these campgrounds, you can go waterskiing or jet skiing in a specially designated location. There are a lot of options for swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating.

3. Lake Murray

Lake Murray includes a portion of the Lake Murray State Park, the biggest park in Oklahoma. There is a vast selection of beaches on this lake, which is one of the largest in the world at 5,700 acres. One of the nicest is Sunset Beach. Despite its lack of camping facilities, this beach rarely experiences high visitor volumes. Another option is Marina Beach. The area is sandy and conveniently located near playgrounds and picnic areas. You can relax in the shade here while watching the kids swim.

4. Lake Eufaula

The largest lake fully within Oklahoma is Lake Eufaula. It covers 102 square miles and boasts 373 miles of coastline. There are many different beach alternatives at this lake, as you might anticipate. Beautiful sandy beaches may be found in Arrowhead State Park, Porum Landing, Lake Eufaula State Park, and Crowder Point East and West. The waters of this lake are also renowned for their clarity. Because of this, the area is ideal for scuba divers.

5. Tom Steed Reservoir

Kiowa County in Oklahoma is home to the enormous 6,000-acre Tom Steed Reservoir. The area is well-known among birdwatchers for its beach and rich variety of waterfowl. Many varieties of ducks and birds can be observed in this area. It’s also a fantastic fishing spot. There are a lot of fish in there, including catfish, crappies, and largemouth bass.

In addition, there is a plethora of amenities at this lake. Group shelters, playgrounds, paths, washrooms, and more are all available.

6. Canton Lake

There are a total of five parks surrounding Canton Lake. The Sandy Cove Recreation Area is the only place in town where you may go to the beach. This beach hosts Oklahoma’s oldest fishing contest, known as the Canton Lake Walleye Rodeo, on an annual basis. Many people visit this area not just to fish, but also to swim, sunbathe, ski, and boat.

Canton Lake is surrounded by a 17,000-acre hunting area, which is sure to please hunters. Deer, turkey, quail, and even wild hogs can all be found here.

7. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

Located in the Ozark Mountains of northeastern Oklahoma is the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, often shortened to Grand Lake. The Pensacola Dam formed this lake, making it Oklahoma’s third largest. It is among the most visited places in the state due to its 808 miles of shoreline.

8. Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is located on the Texas–Oklahoma state line. It is one of the biggest reservoirs in the United States, with an area of 89,000 acres, and approximately six million people visit it every year. That’s because the white sands of its beaches are almost identical to those of the Gulf of Mexico, making it difficult to tell the two apart.

Lake Texoma has been dubbed the “Striper Capitol of the World” by many. That’s because you won’t locate striped bass in very many other reservoirs in the U.S. A wide variety of crappies, bass, and catfish can also be caught here.

9. Broken Bow Lake

Of Oklahoma’s many lakes, Broken Bow Lake is among the biggest and most visited. This beautiful lake found in the state’s southeastern corner has breathtaking views of the nearby Ouachita Mountains.

Here, you can pick between two state parks: Beavers Bend and Hocatown. This lake is popular among scuba divers because of its transparent waters. In addition, it is a prime location for anglers at any time of the year.

10. Lake Tenkiller

South of Tahlequah, you’ll find a reservoir known as Lake Tenkiller. It was built by damming the Illinois River. Camping options abound in this area, and they include Cherokee Landing State Park. The park is home to an attractive rocky beach that extends out into the lake on the tip of a peninsula.

This lake is often deemed a paradise for scuba divers. The water around Skunk Island is crystal clear, making it ideal for scuba divers and snorkelers. Submerged automobiles, boats, and other items await discovery.

11. Great Salt Plains Lake

Located in Alfalfa County lies the Great Salt Plains Lake, a large reservoir in Oklahoma. It’s truly one-of-a-kind since the water there is a relic from when an ocean blanketed the area. Because of this, hourglass-shaped selenite crystals can only be found in this location. You can discover these when wandering along the coastline. Moreover, the water is about 50% as saline as ocean water. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are some more classic outdoor pursuits that may be enjoyed here.

12. Fort Gibson Lake

A sandy beach that is great for fishing, swimming, and boating makes up a portion of Fort Gibson Lake. This lake features an incredible 19,000 acres of land area and 225 miles of coastline. It is unique since it’s possible to visit at practically any time of the year. The hills in the area are particularly picturesque in the early fall and late spring. The nearby hunting region is also a plus for some. You’ll find anything from rabbits, deer, quails, and squirrels.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © JohnDSmith/Shutterstock.com