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Oklahoma isn’t all about cowboy boots and tornadoes! Dive deep into its waterways and discover a kayaking paradise, right in America’s heartland.
With four mountain ranges to be found in the state, as well as many forests and the Great Plains, you can expect to discover a variety of different landscapes on your paddling adventures.
We’ve made a list of some of the best spots to check out in the Sooner State.
16 Best Places To Kayak In Oklahoma
1: Mountain Fork River
The Mountain Fork River can be a popular summer paddling spot, with several outfitters located along the banks, including at Beavers Bend State Park. You’ll also find many places to launch.
The river features up to Class II rapids but the conditions are dependent on dam releases and rainfall. Around Beavers Bend, it tends to be calm and can usually be paddled in both directions.
Class of Rapids rating:
Up to Class II (easy to moderate)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
17 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728.
2: Illinois River
The Illinois River is a scenic waterway, with nature and wildlife all around, including resident bald eagles. There are many places to launch and several outfitters, with some located along Highway 10 near Tahlequah.
The river is generally calm, with some mild rapids up to Class II, but it can usually be easily managed by beginners.
Here’s more on the Illinois River, in… Illinois.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/II (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
No Head Hollow, 14624 OK-10, Tahlequah, OK 74464.
3: Lake Hefner
Lake Hefner is located in Oklahoma City, so it’s easily accessible. There are a few places to rent kayaks, including next to the marina on the southern shores of the lake. You can also launch next to the marina.
This flatwater lake can be great for all levels and can also be ideal for kayak fishing. Walleye, catfish and bass can be found. However, you will need an Oklahoma City fishing license as well as a state fishing license.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
4407 S Lake Hefner Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.
4: Lake Eufaula
Lake Eufaula is the largest lake in Oklahoma. It can be a great spot for paddling, swimming and fishing, with many annual fishing tournaments held on the lake.
There are many marinas and boat ramps around the lake, with lots of amenities and lodgings. Some of the marinas and resorts may offer kayak rentals but it can be more convenient to bring your own.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
Peter’s Point, Eufaula, OK 74432.
5: Lake Overholser
Lake Overholser can be found just north of Lake Hefner, in Oklahoma City. This flatwater lake can be great for beginners and families. You can also access the North Canadian River, which can be a quiet spot to kayak on calm water.
Kayaks and canoes can be rented from the boathouse on the eastern shores of the lake. The lake can be a nice spot to watch sunsets and you can also paddle into the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge at the northern end of the lake.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
Boathouse, 3115 E Overholser Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73127.
6: Lake of the Arbuckles
Lake of the Arbuckles is in Chickasaw National Recreation Area and can be great for kayak fishing and wildlife viewing.
There are miles of shoreline to paddle along and the lake is surrounded by forests and the Arbuckle Mountains. There are a few launches, including Buckhorn Ramp. And kayaks can be rented from Shady Oaks near The Point Campground.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
Buckhorn Boat Ramp, Sulphur, OK 73086.
7: Oklahoma River
The Oklahoma River can offer fantastic views of the Oklahoma City skyline. This can generally be a quiet place to paddle despite being urban and flowing through the center of the city.
Outfitters with kayak rentals can be found at Chesapeake Boathouse. A good place to launch is at the Oklahoma River Trails Access. There’s also a launch on the southside of the river opposite Chesapeake Boathouse.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
SW 15th St. & S Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73108.
8: Watonga Lake
Watonga Lake features clear blue water and is surrounded by picturesque scenery, including a canyon, cliffs and natural springs. This can be a scenic place to kayak on flatwater, so it’s ideal for families and beginners. It also offers good fishing for bass and catfish.
Roman Nose State Park can be a good place to launch, with campsites and restrooms on-site. The park also offers canoe and kayak rentals.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
2738 Lot 301, OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772.
9: Kiamichi River
The Kiamichi River can be a scenic trip through the Kiamichi Mountains, on the western edge of the Ouachita Range. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this could be the place for you.
There is very little in the way of development so it has a natural appearance, making it great for spotting wildlife on the banks and above your head. K River Campground is the only outfitter on the river, offering rentals, shuttles and a place to launch.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/II+ (easy to moderate)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
415209 E 1842 Road, Moyers, OK 74557.
10: Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma lies on the Oklahoma/Texas border and is one of the largest reservoirs in the US. This large lake is known for its excellent fishing, with naturally reproducing striped bass, as well as largemouth and smallmouth bass, and catfish.
The lake can be ideal for a few hours or several days, with plenty of paddling miles and campgrounds. Lake Texoma State Park can be a good place to begin, with kayak rentals available at the marina and a boat ramp.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
Catfish Bay Boat Ramp, Park Ramp 200, Kingston, OK 73439.
11: Lake Lawtonka
Lake Lawtonka is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including fantastic views of Mount Scott and the Wichita Mountains. The lake has beaches and campgrounds dotted around its 21-mile shoreline.
There’s a boat ramp just off of Highway 58 and kayak rentals are available on the northern shores of the lake, at Robinson’s Landing. You can also kayak in Elmer Thomas Lake, which is just south of Lake Lawtonka.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to Launch & How to get there:
Lawton, OK 73507.
12: Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees
Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, or just Grand Lake, is a large body of water on the Neosho River in northeastern Oklahoma. It lies at the foothills of the Ozarks.
The lake offers 1,300 miles of shoreline, so it can be an ideal spot for an extended kayaking vacation. There are several state parks and public access points around the lake. And you’ll also find plenty of campgrounds and resorts for accommodation.
This can be busy during the summer, especially with motorized boat traffic.
Class of rapids rating:
N/A – flatwater lake, easy
Where to launch & how to get there:
31501 OK-125, Afton, OK 74331
13: Broken Bow Lake
This is a 22-mile long lake in southeastern Oklahoma that can be one of the most scenic places to kayak in the state.
The waters are crystal clear, making it a good spot for scuba diving. And there are numerous islands, coves, and creeks to explore. The lake is surrounded by forests, with beaches that make for easy landing and launching.
You’ll find plenty of campgrounds if you want to make the most of your kayaking trip.
Class of rapids rating:
N/A – easy, flatwater lake
Where to launch & how to get there:
Deer Drive Boat Ramp, E1965, Broken Bow, OK 74728
14: Pine Creek Lake
Pine Creek Lake is situated on the Little River, just north of Valliant. The lake can be a good place for kayak fishing, with white bass, crappie, and catfish among the species to be found.
The lake has an unusual shoreline, with lots of creeks and coves. The shoreline covers 74 miles, so there’s plenty to see. You’ll also find several campgrounds, parks, and picnic sites around the lake, which are ideal for a rest stop.
Wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and raccoons, can often be seen on the shoreline if you’re quiet.
Class of rapids rating:
N/A – flatwater reservoir, easy
Where to launch & how to get there:
Pine Creek Cove Recreation Area, Unnamed Road, Valliant, OK 74764
15: Lower Mountain Fork River
The Lower Mountain Fork River flows into the Little River before heading west into Arkansas.
The Lower Mountain Fork River is a generally slow-moving river that can make for a relaxing paddle. Launching at Mountain Fork Park, a few miles south of Beavers Bend State Park, experienced kayakers can paddle roughly 18 miles to the Ashalintubbi take-out on the Little River.
This lets you paddle through Little River National Wildlife Refuge, home to one of the largest bottomland hardwood forests in the state.
Class of rapids rating:
Class I/II – easy to moderate, mostly slow-moving water
Where to launch & how to get there:
Mountain Fork Park, Eagletown, OK 74734
16: Lake Tenkiller
Lake Tenkiller is a scenic lake in the Cookson Hills. It has very clear water and can be an excellent place to paddle for all skill levels. The size of the lake and the interesting geology make it ideal for day tours.
There are numerous coves and creeks to explore, as well as a wooded shoreline. But one of the highlights is paddling alongside the rocky bluffs and cliffs near the launch at Burnt Cabin Marina.
Class of rapids rating:
N/A – flatwater lake
Where to launch & how to get there:
Burnt Cabin Marina, 35190 S. 497 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451
Oklahoma Kayak Laws & Rentals
You’re required to have a PFD on board for each person in your kayak. All children under 13 must wear theirs at all times. Remember, boating under the influence is illegal in OK.
Check out our in-depth guide: Oklahoma kayaking laws.
- Beavers Bend State Park (Mountain Fork River – rentals)
- Illinois River Outfitters (Illinois River – rentals)
- Riversport Lake Hefner Boathouse (Lake Hefner – rentals)
- Lake Overholser Boathouse (Lake Overholser – rentals)
- Shady Oaks Boat Rental (Lake of the Arbuckles – rentals)
- Chesapeake Boathouse (Oklahoma River – rentals)
- Roman Nose State Park (Lake Watonga – rentals)
- K River Campground (Kiamichi River – rentals)
- Catfish Bay Marina (Lake Texoma – rentals)
- Robinson’s Landing (Lake Lawtonka – rentals)
Good info. Surprised not to see Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge/Norh Canadian River at Lake Overholser on the list. I drive by Lake Hefner going there weekly. Much better place. Lots of kayaks, saw over 30 a week ago on the water. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Thanks for all the information. One correction to #5 Lake Overholser. It is actually SW of Lake Hefner, not “just North.”
Is this a book I can buy?