Between Tulsa And Oklahoma City Is A Peaceful Artificial Lake With A Swim Beach, Fishing, And Boating

Oklahoma may be landlocked, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy getting out on the water while in the Sooner State. The Sooner State actually has more than 200 lakes, and "more miles of shoreline than the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts combined," according to Travel Oklahoma. You'll find 13 miles of shoreline at Stroud Lake near historic Route 66. This 600-acre lake was created by the construction of a dam on Salt Camp Creek in 1970, and it's a little over an hour southwest of Tulsa and roughly the same distance northeast of Oklahoma City. With its location within easy driving distance from Oklahoma's two biggest cities, it is a convenient lake destination where you can swim, fish, and boat.

The lake has small coves and inlets to explore, and it's a fun destination for just about every type of boater. It's open to motorized and non-motorized boats, with three boat ramps, including one that is ADA-accessible. For those who like speed, it's a popular spot for water skiing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. Bring your own boat, or rent one from the Whenever Watersports self-serve kiosk near the shore.

Stroud Lake gets busy on summer weekends as people look to beat the heat, but if you go during the week or early in the morning (even in summer), you'll find it quieter and more peaceful. Drive the Nation suggests that there is typically more motorized boat traffic on the central and western sections of the lake, so for a more relaxed experience, head to the east side.

When it comes to fishing at Stroud Lake, it's home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white crappie, and anglers can fish from the shore, the dock, or a boat. Wherever you cast your line, make sure you have a valid Oklahoma fishing license, and double-check the regulations for what can be caught and kept or thrown back.

Of course, you don't have to have a boat to have a good time here. Stroud Lake has a sandy, swimming beach that is off-limits to boats, and this protected area is particularly great for families. One Google Maps reviewer commented, "the swimming area is largely shallow so it's wonderful for kids especially as they learn to swim!" There are also picnic tables and a playground near the beach, so you can really make a day of it.

Along with enjoying the water at Stroud Lake, you can play disc golf at the two 18-hole courses. There's also a 1.5-mile nature trail (according to AllTrails) along the east side that takes you along the lake and through the woods, as well as several miles of equestrian trails. No matter what you get up to at Stroud Lake, the views of the open water and vast Oklahoma sky make for a beautiful backdrop.

Stroud Lake is close enough to Tulsa or Oklahoma City for a day trip, but you can also spend the night here. The lake has 26 campsites with electricity, showers, water, and grills (there's nothing like cooking up a fish that you just caught, and there are also 50 primitive sites where you can set up a tent. All the sites are first-come, first-served, but it makes for a gorgeous place to rest your head. As one person wrote on Google Maps, "beautiful lake, great recreation area and beach, the campground is excellent — especially the tent camping sites with spectacular views out across the water."

While Stroud Lake is largely a peaceful place, there are some annual events where the lake gets particularly busy. Drag boat races are held in May and September, and there are also occasional motorcycle and ATV races, hosted by the Oklahoma Cross Country Racing Association. Check the lake's Facebook page for upcoming events.

The lake is less than 10 miles from the town of Stroud, Oklahoma's "winery and grape capital" and a fun stop on the original Route 66 that stretches from Chicago to California. If you're undertaking that bucket list "Mother Road" trip in summer, make time for Stroud Lake. And while you're in this part of Oklahoma, Bristow is a friendly little city with restaurants and parks, located about 25 minutes east of Stroud Lake.