Kaw Lake

CAMPING | FESTIVALS | KAW LAKE MAP | KAW LAKE TRAILS | KAW LAKE VIEW | LAKE LEVEL

Kaw Lake is the best Recreation paradise awaiting your discovery. The 11,000-foot long dam and spillway rise 121 feet above the riverbed, creating a 38-mile long lake with more than 170 miles of shoreline encompassing over 16,000 acres. Located in north-central Oklahoma, Kaw Lake reckons you with boating, skiing, hunting and fishing, picnicking, and camping opportunities. A Corps of Engineers lake, Kaw Lake’s beauty is like a beacon urging you to romp and play in nature’s playground.

You’ll find well-designed public campgrounds tucked into the many coves and inlets; trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking; clean, fresh air, sparkling water; the earth beneath your feet and a clear sky – give or take a cloud or two – above your head. It’s an ideal vantage point to view nesting eagles in winter, enjoy fishing in the spring and summer, and take in the crisp, cool air while hunting in the fall.

Kaw Lake and the Arkansas River have long been known for great hauls of catfish. Kaw Lake also has bass, crappie, walleye, stripers and even a spoonbill or two. There are seven public use areas and 13 boat ramps located around the lake for visitors to enjoy. Campers can select from 268 family campsites, many of which are equipped with water and electric hookups. Groups of all types can enjoy two group areas at the Osage Cove Public Use Area.
 

Are spectacular sights something you savor? Whether you are drawn to the breathtaking majesty of the soaring bald eagles that make their winter home on Kaw Lake or the bounteous array of color offered by the assortment of dazzling wildflowers of spring, whether your special pleasure lies in basking on the shoreline amidst an awe-inspiring sunset on a summer's evening or in observing the incomparable, ever-changing colors proudly worn by numerous varieties of trees in fall--Kaw Lake has these vistas and more! You say you want action? Try the breezy waters for sailing or hone your skills in water-skiing and jet-skiing. Motor along the shoreline in a speedboat, discovering the many coves and inlets around the lake. Hike, bike, or horseback ride the various trails that surround the 168 miles of shoreline. Bait a hook and catch a variety of species; Kaw Lake offers some of the best catfishing in the state. Hunt the vast acreage set aside for the various game and wildlife seasons. Venture out into the surrounding area to discover the refreshing fun of a waterpark; shoot a round of golf on one of the area's fine courses; visit the museums and antique shops; attend one of the many area festivals; learn about native American customs. No matter what the season, there's something to see or do at or around Kaw Lake.

We have just scratched the surface about what awaits you upon your arrival at Kaw Lake. Check other parts of this site for specific information about these and other events and activities. Most of all, allow yourself to discover why season after season, there's always a reason to visit Kaw Lake.

A Little More History--Native American Style

Kaw Lake gets its name from the Kaws, a tribe of Native Americans that live around the north end of the lake. Other Native American tribes can be found in the area, including the Ponca, Osage, Tonkawa, Otoe Missouria, and the Pawnee tribes.

Powwows and other celebrations take place throughout the year and are open to the public. (Consult the Calendar of Events for specific dates.) Adherence to age-old traditions and respect for the sacred nature of the events are expected.

Kaw Lake Association
PO Box 1933
Ponca City, OK 74602
580-762-9494 or
Toll free 1-877-671-6985
kawlake@cableone.net

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