Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Oklahoma has long been known for its rugged landscapes. From far-reaching prairie to jagged cliff formations to nearly everything in between, it’s a treasure trove of diverse land types. One of its best treasures is Broken Bow Lake, OK, a large recreational area in its southeastern corner, near its borders with Arkansas and Texas.
Given its proximity to these two other states, it’s a very popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. And of its biggest draws is its clarity. It runs quite deep, and because it has a rocky bottom instead of a muddy one, you can see incredibly far down. Fun for swimming, fishing, and loads of other recreational opportunities, Broken Bow Lake can be a simple stop or a vacation all in its own right.
The crystal clear waters of Broken Bow Lake are going to beckon to you. No, they’re going to practically beg you to jump in. And you absolutely should. There are over 180 miles of shoreline, and many designated swim beaches are scattered all throughout them.
You’ll find many small islands inside Broken Bow Lake, and these can make for fun swimming and beach excursions as well. Unless you’re a semi-pro swimmer, it’s a good idea to stick to the designated swim areas. The rocky bottom, while offering great water clarity, can also get dangerous at times—but you won’t have any trouble finding a fun spot.
There are two primary trails surrounding Broken Bow Lake: Big Oak Nature Trail and Beaver Lodge Nature Trail. These two trails vary vastly in terrain and difficulty. Big Oak is smooth and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. Beaver Lodge Nature Trail is rugged and runs you along a stream in the pine forest surrounding the lake.
Beavers Bend State Park, which is very nearby, also offers several other trails to take advantage of. Many of these are also reachable from the lake. There are a total of 15 miles of trails between the two areas, including the 12-mile David Boren trail. (It doesn’t loop, so if you take off, plan ahead to be picked up...or to hike back.)
How can you not want to be on this crystal clear water? Boaters of all kinds—from motor to kayak—love this lake for its clarity and size. Even SCUBA divers enjoy getting beneath the water thanks to the ability to see everything so clearly.
You can easily rent a canoe or motorboat and take it out on the water for a fun excursion. Go visit some of the islands, or just paddle to your heart’s content. The fishing (see below) is also fantastic in the lake. Have the need for speed? Rent a jet ski and really hit the water, or try your hand at water skiing.
The fishing at Broken Bow Lake is well-known for its year-round opportunities. A nice climate keeps the water temperature friendly to fishermen and women. Largemouth bass and lake trout are popular, but there are several species of fish for the taking.
Alongside fishing in Broken Bow Lake, you can also try out the fly fishing opportunities on the various rivers and streams that run around it. If you really want to catch some fish, hire any of the local guide services around. There are plenty, and they’re all pros that know the lake and all of the fish inside of it supremely well.
If water isn’t necessarily your thing, that’s ok (though this area works better for a vacation if you like it). There’s also plenty of land-dwelling types of activities to enjoy. One of those, specifically, is golf.
Closest to Broken Bow Lake is Cedar Creek Golf Course. It’s an 18 hole course that overlooks the lake on several occasions. There’s also Idabel, another 18 hole course that’s often called the best-kept secret in Oklahoma.
The Beavers Bend RV Park is a large space with a lot of camping options. In fact, there are eight total areas with semi-modern and modern hookups available. (Six are electric and water; two have full hookups.) This makes it great for getting some serious rest and relaxation while you’re traveling for vacation and gives you plenty of variety when you’re trying to find your space.
Carson Creek Recreation Area has two primary loops that it recommends for RV camping. There’s Quail Loop and Turkey Loop. Both sites are $16 a night. The sites include water, sewer, and electricity. There’s a picnic table, grill, and fire ring at each site as well. The pads are gravel, but level and some include pull-through options for those of you who aren’t very experienced at backing in.
If you’re looking for a big RV park type experience, Hochatown RV Park has it for you. Still a family-owned park, it offers plenty of sites with full hookups and many other amenities. It sits on Broken Bow Lake for easy swimming opportunities. Many of the sites are also covered, giving you some reprieve from the hot Oklahoma sun and helping to keep your rig cool in the middle of the day. Best of all? Firewood is free to all of their guests, so you can tell all the campfire stories you want.
Looking for a quaint little home away from home? Tiny Town OK has it for you. There are 17 total spaces in three sizes, so they can fit almost any rig you come along in. There are free showers, plus laundry facilities. Full hookups include free wifi throughout the park. And for added safety, there’s common lighting throughout the park. It’s very communal, and there are open grills and fire pits encouraging everyone to come out and get to know each other.
Right near Broken Bow (the town), you’ll find Creekside RV Park. There are full hookups at each site, and wifi reaches most of them. They’re also plenty spacious, so you can stretch out and make yourselves at home. There are clean restrooms and shower facilities, plus laundry onsite as well. And there are also fire pits and picnic tables at each site.
There aren’t many restaurants around Broken Bow Lake itself. Don’t you worry, though, because you’re in an RV with a kitchen. Plan on stocking your pantry and refrigerator full of delicious things that you can easily make after a long day of recreation. You can even do a little meal planning ahead of time to make sure you’ve got plenty of time and everything you need.
The nearby resort town of Broken Bow has you taken care of when it comes to food. All along Route 259, you’ll come across restaurants of all kinds. There are sandwich shops, quick serve-style breakfast diners, and even some finer dining meals. You’ll find taverns aplenty, serving up griddled burgers and fries. You’ll find something for everyone around here—even your picky eaters.
A quick trip south of the lake to Broken Bow and all along the highway will net you plenty of delicious dining options. There’ll be something there to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, and you’ll definitely not go hungry.