Oklahoma City Lakes

Lakes Near Oklahoma City

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot by the water. Lucky for you, when you visit Oklahoma City there are quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant motivations to visit a lake in Oklahoma City during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Oklahoma City have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip your next day off to find a brand new number one location on the water!

Lakes Near Oklahoma City

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Oklahoma City you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Oklahoma City lake:

Picnic time. The lakes near Oklahoma City provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes offer you all kinds of choices.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of popular go-to items for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Oklahoma City you’ll probably want to take along some of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • A cooler with water
  • UV protection
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Dry shirt
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Bug spray
  • Something to eat
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Specialty lake stuff

Depending on the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Legal flotation devices
  • Swimming goggles
  • Something to read
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Wine key
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Fishing poles
  • Tackle box
  • Games for the beach
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Oklahoma City, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety tips will make sure that you and your family remains safe at your favorite Oklahoma City lake.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Oklahoma City and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake is going to have their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to review while planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with tourists. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.