One of the best parts of living in the Tulsa Metro is having some of Oklahoma's most beautiful lakes within an easy drive. Whether you're looking for a relaxing pontoon cruise, water sports, fishing, or a weekend adventure, these lakes offer excellent opportunities to get out on the water.
Fun Fact: Oklahoma has over 200 man-made lakes, more than almost any other state in the country. That means no matter where you live in the Tulsa Metro, a lake day is always within reach.
Keystone Lake
About 30 minutes west of Tulsa
Keystone Lake is one of the closest and most popular boating destinations for Tulsa residents. Multiple marinas offer pontoon and tritoon rentals, making it easy to spend a day on the water without owning a boat. The lake features more than 300 miles of shoreline, scenic coves, sandy beaches, and excellent fishing opportunities. (Pier 51 Marina)
Skiatook Lake
About 30 minutes north of Tulsa
Known for having some of the clearest water in northeastern Oklahoma, Skiatook Lake is a favorite for boating, swimming, and water sports. CrossTimbers Marina offers boat rentals including pontoons, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. The lake features more than 10,000 acres of water and 168 miles of shoreline. (CrossTimbers Marina)
Oologah Lake
About 40 minutes north of Tulsa
Oologah Lake offers a quieter atmosphere with beautiful wooded shorelines and excellent fishing. Blue Creek Marina and other lake facilities provide access to boat rentals during the summer season. It's a great option for families looking to avoid some of the heavier lake traffic found elsewhere.
Fort Gibson Lake
About 1 hour east of Tulsa
Fort Gibson Lake is one of Oklahoma's oldest reservoirs and is known for fishing, boating, and wide-open water. While rental options are more limited than Keystone or Skiatook, seasonal rentals can sometimes be found through area marinas and private operators. This lake tends to be less crowded than some of the larger destinations.
Lake Eufaula
About 1 hour 20 minutes south of Tulsa
As Oklahoma's largest lake, Lake Eufaula offers endless opportunities for boating adventures. Visitors can find pontoon rentals, jet skis, fishing boats, and water sports equipment throughout the lake's many marina communities. With more than 600 miles of shoreline, there's plenty of room to explore.
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
About 1 hour 30 minutes northeast of Tulsa
If you're willing to drive a little farther, Grand Lake offers some of the best boating in Oklahoma. Numerous marinas provide boat rentals, and the lake is known for waterfront restaurants, clear water, luxury homes, and weekend lake-life activities. It's one of the state's premier boating destinations.
Living in the Tulsa area means a lake day is never far away. Whether you're fishing at sunrise, cruising on a pontoon with friends, or spending the afternoon tubing with the kids, these lakes make it easy to enjoy Oklahoma's outdoor lifestyle.