Do you love kayaking on beautiful lakes? Are you wondering where Oklahoma’s best kayaking lakes are?
If you answered yes to any of those two questions, then you are in the right place!
In this article, I will introduce you to 5 Kayaking Lakes in Oklahoma that you have to try out.
Not only are these lakes packed with beauty and elite bass fishing, but they are great beginner kayak lakes as well.
From the secluded lakes tucked away in the Wichita Mountains to the majestic waterways in Northeastern Oklahoma, the Sooner state is hard to beat when it comes to the best kayaking lakes.
Without further ado, Let’s go find our lakes.
5 Kayaking Lakes in Oklahoma That You Have to Try
Kayaking in Southeastern Oklahoma
Cedar Lake
This tiny 90-acre lake just 12 miles south of Heavner is the ideal kayaking lake in Oklahoma.
Cedar Lake is remotely located near the Winding Stair Campground in the Ouachita National Forest, and it will give any kayaker the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous views of Southeastern Oklahoma combined with big-time bass fishing.
Cedar Lake is also a great kayaking lake for beginners. With its small size and convenient access points, this lake is perfect for an afternoon on the water. I’m being honest here; this is my favorite kayaking lake in the State of Oklahoma.
Cedar Lake is also known for the largest large-mouth bass caught in Oklahoma. Enough said.
One of my favorite trails in Southeastern Oklahoma, the Heavner Runestone Nature Trail will show off the beauty that the Ouachita Forest provides. It takes about 20 minutes to complete and its dog-friendly too.
The area features clean and kept campsites combined with some of the best hiking trails in Oklahoma. Whether you are into kayaking or hiking, Cedar Lake will keep you plenty of busy for your trip. For more information on Cedar Lake please check them out at https://www.recreation.gov
Kayaking in Oklahoma’s Green Country
Greenleaf Lake
This sparkling 930-acre waterway in Oklahoma’s green country, boasts some of the best fishing in Northeastern Oklahoma.
This is one of my favorite kayaking lakes in Northeastern Oklahoma. The fishing is incredible and so are the views.
The calm water on this lake keeps me coming back. Even though Fishing boats with motors are allowed on Greenleaf Lake, this lake is great to break your kayak in.
In addition to the gorgeous lake, the state park features excellent campsites, a seasonal marina with a grill and fishing dock, and scenic hiking trails.
I recommend going in the middle of the week so you can have it all to yourself.
For more information on Greenleaf please check them out at https://www.travelok.com
Kayaking lakes in Southwestern Oklahoma
Lake Altus-Lugert
I love Lake Altus-Lugert, and this is why.
It’s because of Quartz Mountain State Park. This state park cradles the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert and always seems to deliver on a great kayaking experience.
This gateway to the Wichita Mountains is beautifully located on the North Fork Red River about 17 miles north of Altus.
The beautiful, rugged granite hills and fascinating geologic history promise a unique hiking experience as well if you’re a hiking enthusiast.
Once you are done kayaking this mountainous lake, more than likely you will be rewarded an opportunity to catch one of the best sunsets in Oklahoma.
My favorite hiking trail at this park is the Baldy Trail. Take this one in the morning if you’re an early riser for an incredible sunrise.
All in all, you cannot go wrong with this kayaking lake.
For more information on Lake Altus-Lugert please check them out at https://www.travelok.com
Lake Lawtonka
If you’re into kayak fishing, then this lake is for you.
Lake Lawtonka is known for the best place in Oklahoma to catch small-mouth bass. I love taking my kayak out there to fish no matter the time of day.
This lake offers you over 20 miles of shoreline for outstanding bass fishing combined with stunning views of the Wichita’s. That’s a win-win.
When I camp, I always stay at Robinson’s Landing. The campgrounds here are fantastic and you also have a marina with grocery and a gas station close by for any of the extras.
I love coming to Lake Lawtonka in the fall, that is when I have had the best luck catching small-mouth bass.
If you haven’t kayaked this lake before, it needs to be added to your list of lakes in Oklahoma to try.
For more information on Lake Lawtonka please check them out at https://www.lawtonok.gov
Mountain Lake
This lake in Southern Oklahoma is hard to find but its outstanding to fish in.
Mountain Lake is the place to go in Southern Oklahoma for hefty largemouth bass. This 255-acre beauty is hidden in the Arbuckle Mountains northeast of Ardmore, Oklahoma.
I love camping here too. The camping fees are very reasonable, and you will feel safe knowing that no one gets in or out after dark.
The area also has some really good hiking trails that are close by when you’re ready to get off the water.
Mountain Lake with its superb fishing and well managed campground, is a place worth checking out.
For directions to this hidden kayaking lake, take Exit 53 off of Interstate 35 and head east about 5 miles. At the intersection past the town of Woodford, turn right which leads to a winding road that dead ends into this gorgeous place.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And there you have it. These are 5 of my favorite kayaking lakes in the State of Oklahoma. I hope you get to go out and try a few of these beautiful lakes out sometime. Please let me know what your favorite kayaking lakes in Oklahoma are in the comment section below.
-CT