Pick your paddling passion and get out on Oklahoma's waters. Whether you're a hard-core paddler who prefers to navigate the rapids of Oklahoma City's Riversport Rapids in a raft, or just want to float the family through the scenic beauty of the Illinois River, we've got a river ride just right for you.
Float trip outfitters are available in prime floating areas along the Illinois River in Tahlequah and along the Lower Mountain Fork River in southeast Oklahoma's Beavers Bend State Park area. You can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking on many Oklahoma lakes with rentals available in most state parks and many other outdoor recreation areas.
When you take a trip to southeast Oklahoma, you'll find no shortage of adventures and activities. Whether you love floating the river, fishing on the lake or hiking forest trails, you'll find the thrills you're looking for in southeastern Oklahoma.
Featuring more shoreline than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined, Oklahoma wears its Lake Country badge with pride. Glistening lakes in every corner of the state have beckoned swimmers, anglers, outdoors enthusiasts and casual vacationers for generations. Whether you want to take a swim surrounded by rolling hills, reel in the big one among ancient mountains or pilot your watercraft around lush forested shoreline, there’s a lake for every taste in the Sooner State. Here’s our rundown of standout lakes from each region of the state.
Whether you’re looking to polish your fly fishing skills or are searching for a guided excursion in hopes of your next big catch, these seven prime southeastern Oklahoma fishing areas are sure to increase your chances of success.
Northeastern Oklahoma is lake country, pure and simple. There are plenty of reasons to visit this part of the state—the phenomenal cities, tallgrass prairies and wildlife preserves are just a few of them—but lakeside fun and relaxation is far and away the area’s biggest draw. We profiled the popular Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in our overview of Oklahoma's top lakes, but there are so many more fantastic lakes to be found in the region. Since it can be hard to figure out what lake is perfect for your next getaway, we’ve made it easier by overviewing some of the region’s top lakes and highlighting their most unique attractions. If you’re not already planning your next Green Country lakeside getaway, this rundown might be just the inspiration you need.
Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state, Choctaw Country in southeastern Oklahoma is home to stunning vistas and more than a few amazing lakes. Marked by rolling timber, wooded mountains and cypress-lined bayous, this stunning setting creates the perfect backdrop for the area’s sparkling lakes. You read all about gorgeous Broken Bow Lake in our "Big Six" overview of the state's top lakes, but check out our round-up of the area’s other fantastic bodies of water and start planning your next Choctaw Country adventure.
Central Oklahoma’s Frontier Country is home to a number of fantastic lakes that are uniquely connected to their urban surroundings. Here you can explore Oklahoma’s capitol city at lunchtime and be on the water by the afternoon. Whether you’re looking for water sport adventures, leisurely swimming opportunities or excellent fishing spots, you’ll find it at a lake in central Oklahoma. You learned more about beautiful Lake Thunderbird in our "Big Six" lake overview, now read about a few of the region’s top lakes and make plans to come see what makes central Oklahoma a great place to hit the water.
