The Happiness Function

Whether looking for lazy rivers, whitewater rapids, or peaceful lakes, Oklahoma has many spots to get out on the water.

We call Oklahoma home, and if you like kayaking, you’ll want to check out the places below.

Our Favorite Places To Paddle in Oklahoma

1. The Illinois River

Location: Tahlequah, OK, in Cherokee County

Paddling the Illinois River near Tahlequah is a fun adventure. The river has various features that make for an enjoyable float trip. From the rocky bluffs of the Cookson Hills to the long stretches of calm water, this 60-mile-plus scenic river is a summer hot spot.

Make sure to bring your waterproof camera and a dry bag to keep your valuables dry. Certain sections have rapids.

Where to launch: There are a few sections to float. The main areas to launch from are off State Highway 10 northeast of Tahlequah.

If you have your own gear, you can call local outfitters for recommendations and tips on the best sections to float at the time of year you plan to visit. You can also rent gear from All American Floats, Arrowhead Resort, Diamondhead Resort, Eagle Bluff Resort, Payton’s Place, and the War Eagle Resort.

2. The Mountain Fork River

Location: Broken Bow, OK, in McCurtain County

Kayaking the lower section of the Mountain Fork River is an exciting adventure in southeast Oklahoma (and my favorite place to kayak). Depending on the time of year visiting and the water levels being released from Broken Bow Lake, the section of river below the dam has Class I and II rapids. The float trip is beautiful; the river runs through the Ouachita Mountains.

Be sure to ‘say cheese’ when you go over the class II rapids. A professional photographer from Broken Bow Adventure Photos takes photos of everyone hoping to catch fun river carnage.

Where to launch: Launch from the Mountain Fork Park outside of Broken Bow.

Here are more details on how to float the Mountain Fork. You can easily rent a sit-on-top kayak for this paddling adventure.

Don’t forget to bring your dry bag.

3. Boathouse District in OKC

Location: Oklahoma City

Did you know the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site for paddling is in Oklahoma City? You can enjoy the whitewater rafting and whitewater kayaking facility, too.

Visit Riversports OKC to plan your next trip and make reservations.

4. Lake Skiatook

Location: Skiatook, OK, in Osage County

Located less than a half hour from downtown Tulsa, Lake Skiatook is a fantastic place to paddle on the weekends or after work. However, it can get windy, so paddle earlier in the day to beat the wind.

Where to launch: Tall Chief Cove is the best place to launch, as it is near the bluffs. There is also a campground and a swimming beach nearby.

You do need to pay a small fee to park here.

5. Lake Tenkiller

Location: Cherokee and Sequoyah Counties

Lake Tenkiller is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, making it a scenic place to paddle. Kayakers can tour around the lake to bluffs and cliffs that jet out over the water.

The best way to see dramatic cliffs is by paddling from the Burnt Cabin Marina around the peninsula. The cliff area here also makes for a great swimming hole.

Where to launch: Launch from the Burnt Cabin Marina in Park Hill, OK. After paddling, hike to the cliffs or have a nice lunch at the marina.

6. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokee

Location: northeast Oklahoma in Delaware, Ottawa, Homes, and Craig County

Also nested in the foothills of the Ozark Plateau in northeast Oklahoma, Grand Lake is a popular spot to escape the summer heat and get out on the water. Encompassing over 46,500 acres, there are many coves and places to find solitude kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddle boarding.

There are many motorboats on this lake, so it is best to paddle earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Where to launch: Boat ramps and marinas are all around the lake near the towns of Grove, Disney, Afton, Vinita, Eucha, and Bernice.

You can rent kayaks from the Duck Creek Boat Club and Lee’s Resort.

7. Lake Murray

Location: Ardmore, OK, in Love and Carter County

Lake Murray State Park is the largest state park in Oklahoma. You can paddle around Tucker Tower, which is close to the marina and Buzzard Roost Campground.

Where to launch: There are a few boat ramps around the lake; however, if you plan a weekend at the state park, you can launch near where you’re camping.

8. Lake Hefner

Location: northwest of downtown Oklahoma City

Lake Hefner is a good place to kayak on weekends or after work if you live near Oklahoma City. Bring your own paddling gear or rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks from Riversport OKC. You can also learn to sail here.

Where to launch: There is a boat launch on the south side of the lake and the east side of the lake near the Oklahoma City Boat Club.

9. Lake Bixhoma

Location: Jenks, OK

Lake Bixhoma is a small lake south of Tulsa. It is a tucked-away gem perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing. Paddling is free here, and due to its size, there typically isn’t much traffic in the area. It’s the perfect size lake to paddle on the weekends or after work.

Where to launch: You can launch your boat from a few places along the lake — it is a small lake. There is only one access road to Lake Bixhoma, so you can’t miss seeing areas where you can launch your vessel.

10. Lake of the Arbuckles

Location: Sulfur, OK

Paddling on Lake of the Arbuckles is a relaxing adventure. The serene surroundings and abundance of wildlife make it the perfect place to explore.

Where to launch: Launch your boat from The Point, Buckhorn, and Guy Sandy boat ramps within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

11. Greenleaf State Park

Location: Braggs, OK

Greenleaf State Park is roughly an hour from Tulsa, making it a nice place to kayak for a weekend getaway.

The lake is surrounded by the Boston Mountains, which tend to keep the waters calm. This is why we love kayaking here. There are also nice places to camp if you want to make a weekend out of paddling, hiking, and fishing.

Where to launch: Launch your kayak at the state park boat ramp. Kayaking gear is available to rent if you don’t have your own.

12. Robbers Cave State Park

Location: Wilburton, OK

Nestled in the Sans Bois Mountains of the Ouachitas, at Robbers Cave State Park, you can rent kayaks or paddleboats to complement your outdoor adventure. Surrounded by gorgeous mountain views, float serenely along as you cool off or relax after exploring Robbers Cave State Park.

Where to launch: Kayak gear rental area at Robbers Cave State Park. Gear rentals are seasonal.

Have Fun Out There

Oklahoma is a beautiful state with wonderful places to kayak, SUP, and canoe.

If you’re in the market for your next kayak, check out our Jackson Riviera kayak review. It is one of the most popular boats on the market.

We hope you find inspiration to plan your next adventure outside.

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