As a nature lover, you’ve probably taken several trips, both local and farther away, to enjoy the peace and quiet of lakes, mountains, and other natural settings. When most of us think of a nature-lover’s paradise, the first settings to come to mind might be a rugged mountain hiking trip on the West Coast or the Great Lakes towards the eastern part of the country.
From hiking to boating to camping and fishing, there are plenty of outdoor settings to explore in these areas. You might be surprised to find that you Oklahoma boasts numerous lakes and mountains, especially in the scenic and history-rich Chickasaw Country.
Whether you find yourself planning a vacation to this area or are passing through and want to take a break, some of the state’s most captivating natural wonders are on full display here.
Whether you prefer to relax on the sandy shoreline, go for a swim, or hop into a boat to explore your surroundings, Oklahoma’s bodies of water are a great place to start. You’ll find well-known and lesser-known Oklahoma lakes here, ranging from the expansive Lake of the Arbuckles to the smaller Ardmore City Lake.
There are opportunities for fishing and boating as well as exploring the nearby parks and the area’s history. Let’s take a closer look at some of the area’s most famous lakes, including their location and overall size.
Lake of the Arbuckles, voted “Best Lake Finalist” in The Best of Chickasaw Country 2014 awards, is situated just south of Sulphur. There are many reasons why this lake is considered one of the state’s finest, starting with its expansive size.
The lake boasts 36 miles of shoreline along with 2,300 acres of open water. A combination of clear water and deep rock cliffs makes this a particularly desirable location for fishing and scuba diving, although you can enjoy plenty of other activities as well. When you’re not on the water, enjoy lunch in one of the many scenic picnic areas that dot the lake.
It’s not nearly as big as Lake of the Arbuckles, but Clear Creek Lake stands out among nature lovers as a well-rounded destination. Here you’ll find 11 miles of shoreline and 600 acres of water complete with an array of fish, which is great if you enjoy fishing.
Camping out is quite simple, whether you want to set up your RV or pitch a tent in one of the designated tent sites. Outdoor grills are available if you prefer to cook your own meals while experiencing the great outdoors.
Although there’s plenty of room to explore Duncan Lake’s 550 surface acres of water, a myriad of outdoor activities promise entertainment and a chance to connect with the area’s natural beauty. For example, you can take a hike or ride along the equestrian trails. Other options include playing a game or two of disc golf or enjoying a relaxing lunch in one of the serene picnic areas.
