Tulsa Lakes

Lakes Around Tulsa

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Tulsa. Fortunately, when you visit Tulsa you have quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are numerous great motivations to visit a lake in Tulsa while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Tulsa have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Take a look at the table below to have a look your options including small lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Tulsa

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip provides a nearly endless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Tulsa will provide tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Tulsa with a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Tulsa’s lakes provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Tulsa so everything goes smoothly!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the vacation, the following list of items should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Bathing suits
  • Backup clothing
  • USB charger
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunblock
  • Something to dry off with

Additional lake items

The following items might prove useful for getaways to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Swimming goggles
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Something to read
  • Your tackle box
  • Toys for the beach
  • Wine key
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend to your favorite body of water can be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Tulsa and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, any body of water is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Tulsa may be packed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. Maximize the best 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 right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.