Whether you choose The Lower Mountain Fork River, the Kiamichi River, the Glover River, The Washita River or the Spring River in the far northeast, plan for great fun paddling the Oklahoma outdoors. Despite the cold winters here in Oklahoma, Dianne and I manage to find decent weather for kayaking about 11 months out of the year.  

Oklahoma Lake Kayaking

During times when the water conditions on Oklahoma's rivers seems less than perfect for paddling, try paddling some Oklahoma lakes or heading South.  Our  Oklahoma Kayaking Blog just did a post on Southern kayaking destinations for Okie Paddlers.

Oklahoma Road Trips site has added a couple new pages that offer some paddling alternatives for Ozark area kayak and canoe enthusiasts.  The photo to the left was taken on Dripping Springs Lake in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The state park there offers great camping for both tents and RV's.  You can't beat Okmulgee's Two Lakes and State park for chasing sunsets!

Another great Oklahoma spot for lake kayakers to explore is Broken Bow Lake.

Beavers Bend & Hochatown State Park and Lodge
Hwy 259A
Broken Bow, OK 74728
Toll Free: 800-435-5514
information@beaversbend.com

Oklahoma is known as “America’s Frontier Lake State” because it is covered with scenic lake resorts, fishing spots, and tourist destinations.

Get a Copy of the Lakes Of Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) have teamed up to offer, free of charge, a new 178-page publication, "Lakes of Oklahoma." This comprehensive source of information contains maps and related data for 146 reservoirs, including 58 state and federal lakes and an additional 88 public lakes.

Free copies are available for pickup:

• OWRB Oklahoma City, OK office (3800 North Classen Boulevard),
• ODWC headquarters in Oklahoma City, OK (1801 North Lincoln Boulevard)
• ODWC Jenks, Oklahoma office (300 South Aquarium Drive)

Get the Oklahoma Water Atlas by Mail:  The OWRB will mail individual copies for $10 to cover postage and handling.

For more information or to obtain a copy of "Lakes of Oklahoma," visit the OWRB at 3800 North Classen Blvd. in Oklahoma City or call (405) 530-8800.

Lower Mountain Fork River June 2006

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting (AKA Paddlesports) are clearly flourishing in Oklahoma. Since my wife and I started kayaking last summer we have spoken to hundreds of Oklahoma folks who are trying their hand at this exciting and healthy sport.

Since Oklahoma doesn't offer much in the way of elevation, many Oklahomans are flatwater kayakers. Although, there are a few outstanding whitewater holes in the state, like the Tulsa Wave, recreational kayakers have a wealth of lakes, rivers and reservoirs to paddle throughout the year. In fact, the newly named Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City is quickly becoming a favored venue for competitive rowing championships!

OKC Kayak Rental - Paddle the Oklahoma River

Kayak Rental is now available in Oklahoma City at the new Chesapeake Boathouse.  It's open to everyone ages 8 and older. Boathouse members have access to their fleet of kayaks during open rowing times, and even if you're not a member, you can rent a kayak through a program sponsored by Oklahoma City University. Also, check out OKC Kayak to buy or rent kayaks in Oklahoma City.

Boathouse kayak rentals are available March through October during daylight hours, Monday– Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. The last rental of the day is one hour before boathouse closing check the calendar for current hours at the Chesapeake Boathouse. Cost is $10 per hour for a single, $15 for a double. No reservation is required for kayak rental on the Oklahoma River.

The Chesapeake Boathouse in OKC also offers a full complement of kayaking lessons and trips.   To learn about more Oklahoma kayaking spots visit OklahomaRoadTrips.com. You can read about some of the kayaking my wife and I have enjoyed by visiting our Kayak Oklahoma blog you can see some pictures of our Oklahoma area adventures on our Flickr pages. We are also members of the Oklahoma Flatwater Paddlers Group. Join up and maybe we can go kayaking together someday.
 

Blue Hole Park near Salina, Oklahoma

Blue Hole Canoe Floats in Quapaw, Oklahoma is not to be confused with The Blue Hole Park near Salina, OK. The Blue Hole Park, 7 miles east of  Salina, is an old-fashioned swimming hole fed by a natural spring. For more information call Blue Hole Park at 918-434-5507.

The water at Blue Hole Park is crystal clear and very cold!

There is a concession stand and bathrooms available at Blue Hole Park but no showers. Swimming costs $5 per car per day. Camping is $10 and for $15 a night you get to camp with access to electricity for the night. There are also cabins to rent starting at $25 per night.

If the kayaking the Lower Mountain Fork River, sounds to heavy for you, Oklahoma Water Parks are a no-brainer for summertime Oklahoma fun. 

Tulsa Water Park

Big Splash Water Park
4707 East 21st Street
Tulsa, OK 74159
918-749-7385
http://www.bigsplashwaterpark.com
Open until September

Enid Water Park

Splash Zone
1122 Trails West
Enid, OK 73703
http://www.splashz.com

Ponca City Water Park

Sun' n Fun Water Park
8900 Lake Road
Ponca City, Ok
(580) 762-3152
1-888-768-0106

Oklahoma City Water Park

Whitewater Bay Water Park
Located just off I-40 in OKC. Take the Meridian Avenue exit, then go north to Reno. Turn right on Reno and travel 1/2 mile. Call 405-943-9687 for more information.

Ardmore Community Water Park

506 3rd St. NE
580-223-2147
www.ardmorecity.com

Once a fifty year old swimming pool, the Ardmore Water Park is now the city's newest recreational attraction with all the elements of a major water theme park. The new Water Park features twisting slides, water basketball, and a zero-depth entry pool for young children.

Some Area River Map Links