Oklahoma's Big Lake With A Sandy Beach, Fishing, Boating, And Camping Is Just An Hour From Tulsa

Images of bland landscapes and tumbleweeds may come to mind when thinking of Oklahoma. Yet, while it is home to flat plains and prairie lands, the state is also rich in hills, mountains, and riverlands. There are 15 major rivers in the Sooner State, not to mention eight major lakes. Oologah Lake is one such big lake, completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1950 and surrounded by green, wooded hills. Oologah Lake is quite sizable, spanning just shy of 217 miles of shoreline.

The lake has 11 public use areas, including areas to bike, ride horses, and enjoy the views. Folks also flock to the lake to swim, boat, and fish. As it is home to four campsites, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the lake at a slower pace. Recreation.gov lists sailing as a particularly attractive activity to enjoy at the lake. What's more, anglers can bait their hooks for a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, paddlefish, channel catfish, and walleye. As a note, visitors are required to check in online before visiting. Oologah Lake is about an hour north of Tulsa, stretching between the small towns of Oologah and Nowata.

Oologah Lake is full of fish to catch. The lake is regularly stocked with hybrid striped bass and walleye, while blue catfish and paddlefish have performed well in the past. One reviewer on Google mentions that there's "great fishing from the bank or the boat." If you want to stock up on supplies before going on your fishing excursion, there are several bait and tackle shops in the area. A few examples are The Tackle Box, JD's TackleBox, and Nabatak Outdoors.

Another great way to explore Oologah Lake is by boat. Redbud Marina offers 200-plus boat slips, while boat ramps are dotted around the lake. If you don't have your own, Redbud Marina rents pontoons, sailboats, and various paddlecraft. The marina is about a 15-minute drive north of Claremore, a charming retirement town off Route 66, if you need a jumping-off point. If you're into sailing in particular, Spindrift Sailing Club welcomes both experienced and novice sailors to get out on the water, learn new skills, and have races. You can become a member at reasonable rates, such as a $100 annual fee per family.

Recreation.gov lists four campgrounds at the lake. Blue Creek Campground is tucked on the southeastern shore of the lake and has standard electric and non-electric campsites, each with picnic tables. It has showers, a playground, and access to a boat ramp and equestrian trails. Hawthorn Bluff sits on the southwestern tip of the lake. It has standard electric and non-electric sites, as well as tent-only. There is a boat ramp and fishing dock, along with fun amenities such as a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. Alternatively, you can also check out Redbud Bay Campground and Spencer Creek, which both feature electric hookups, toilets, showers, and dump stations.

There is a swim beach at Hawthorne Bluff campsite, adjacent to the Oologah Lake Office. Another lies at Spencer Creek Cove. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sponsors life jacket loaner stations at the lake. You can simply grab one, check to see that it is in good condition, and return it once you are done. 

You can also explore the trails at Oologah Lake. Skull Hollow Nature Trail is an easy, 1.2-mile loop trail that takes you into a forested area by the southwestern shore. Native foliage thrives there, along with wildlife such as waterfowl and white-tailed deer. Will Rogers Centennial Trail is a continuous, 12-mile trek originally designed for equestrians. The trail follows the eastern shore of the lake and leads you through oak and hickory trees and open fields. AllTrails also states that it is popular with hikers and mountain bikers.

If you're a birder, bring your binoculars with you to the lake. A variety of waterbirds reside there, including Canada geese, common terns, and great egrets. Many smaller birds have also been spotted, such as dark-eyed juncos, savannah sparrows, and Northern cardinals. Oologah Lake is in "Green Country," a lush, lake-filled region. You can find Greenleaf Lake there too, about a 2-hour journey southeast of Oologah Lake. Another lovely lake in the region is Hulah Lake, where you can also boat, fish, and swim.