Situated in the plains of western Oklahoma, Canton Lake features about 36 sq. miles of land and water open to a wide range of recreational opportunities and camping options. This US Army Corps of Engineers park, located approximately 13 miles southwest of Fairview in Oklahoma, is a cool destination for refreshing getaways, popular among campers as a “home away from home.”
Recreational opportunities available in this lake park include boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and swimming. Water-based recreation enthusiasts always enjoy using their watercraft and boats on the park’s 12 sq. miles of water. The park is also a popular walleye fishing destination, in addition to the many other fish species that are available in its waters. Public hunting lands that feature waterfowl, deer, squirrel, wild turkey, and bobwhite quail attract hunting enthusiasts to the park. Every nature lover that visits the park will enjoy watching the landscapes, flora, and fauna in the park.
Nearby attractions to Canton Lake include Boiling Springs State Park and Roman Nose State Park.
When coming to Canton Lake in your recreational vehicle, trailer, or car, you’ll find that the park is easy to drive to as it is located about 13 miles southwest of Fairview, Oklahoma, off Highway 58. A number of roads lead to the park making the park easy to locate and access. Several options for RV rentals are also available around the park at Roman Nose State Park, Fairview, and in Oklahoma City.
There are parking spaces available for campers and visitors at Canton Lake. The campgrounds and recreation areas have parking lots open for use, and vehicle and RV/trailer parking is only allowed in designated parking spaces. Overnight parking is also available.
Big Bend Campground is a pet-friendly campground that lies on the shore of Canton Lake with campsites available by reservation and on first-come, first-served depending on the time of year. Peak season is from April to October, and the campground is closed to camping between November and March.
There are 114 campsites in this campground, with 102 campsites equipped with electric and water hookups for RVs. Twelve campsites do not have RV hookup options. Motorhomes up to 48 feet can fit in this campground. Many amenities are available, including boat ramps, disc golf course, and a day-use group picnic shelter.
Canadian Campground is centrally located on the shore of Canton Lake and consists of pet-friendly campsites that are available by reservations and on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground’s peak season is between April and October and features a variety of trees that provide shade for campers.
There are 120 campsites in this campground, as well as a day-use group picnic shelter. All the sites are equipped with electric hookups for RVs and trailers. Campground amenities include pit and flush toilets, dump station, showers, boat ramps, and potable water. A playground is also present.
The RV length limit at the campground is 45 feet.
Longdale Campground consists of 35 pet-friendly campsites on the shore of Canton Lake. The campground is open between April and October and offers a variety of activities such as picnicking, fishing, hunting, and boating. Reservations are accepted, and campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All the campsites in this campground do not have electric, water, or sewer hookups. However, the day-use group picnic shelter available has electrical outlets. Water hydrants are available in the campground.
The maximum RV/trailer length within the campground is 40 feet.
Sandy Cove Campground, located on the northern end of Canton Dam, is a 35-site campground that offers camping opportunities by reservation and on first-come, first-served basis. Peak season is between April and October. The campground is closed between November and March.
Electric and water hookups are available in the campground, in addition to amenities such as flush and pit toilets, potable water, showers, and a large swim beach.
RV length limit is 40 feet.
A host of water-based recreational opportunities are available at Canton Lake for the pleasure of visitors and campers. Water skiing, for example, is a popular activity when winds are subdued on the broad expanse of water parallel to the dam. Boating is also a popular sport among vacationers who visit the park with their powerboats, sailboats, or personal watercraft. It's a recreational activity encouraged by the abundant open water at the park. All boaters and water skiers are required to abide by the state and federal regulations governing watercraft usage. Safety is paramount.
This US Army Corps of Engineers park that sits within the high plains of western Oklahoma is a fisherman’s paradise. Home to several fish species, Canton Lake is an attractive destination for anglers and fishing enthusiasts. The lake contains largemouth bass, white bass, white bass hybrids, crappie, and channel catfish. The park is also very well-known for the abundant walleye in its waters. The lake is, in fact, a primary source for walleye eggs, taken by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for incubation and stocking in other lakes.
There are several hiking trails at Canton Lake located in different areas for use by visitors and vacationers who wish to explore this COE park on foot. A 1.6-mile interpretive trail, Frank Raab Nature Trail, which consists of three loops, is one of the hiking attractions in the park. The loops on the trail feature interpretive markers that guide hikers along its entire length. As hikers walk along the park’s trails, they enjoy the various outdoor landscapes that the park feature. Be prepared for a challenging hike through the park.
There are no direct public transportation services to Canton Lake.
Fairview Campground has a group campsite at Canton Lake available by reservations and on first-come, first-served basis for group activities and family reunions between April and September. Up to four RVs can be accommodated in the campground, as well as several tents. RVs longer than 40 feet cannot fit in the campground.
Amenities available include pit toilets, potable water, and a large picnic shelter.
Hunting enthusiasts often visit Canton Lake for exploration and camping due to the exciting hunting opportunities that are available in the public hunting area managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. This hunting area is just beside the park and offers game species such as waterfowl, deer, squirrel, and dove. Wild turkey and bobwhite quail are also present within the wildlife management area. State and Federal laws guide hunting in the park, and licenses are required for hunting.
All parts of Canton Lake are open to swimming, except around boat ramps, courtesy docks, or places buoyed off. The swimming beach, which is located by the north end of the dam at Sandy Cove, is one of the largest beaches in all the COE parks in Tulsa. If you would like to take a dip in the park’s waters, it is recommended that you use this swimming beach because it is more controlled, and boats are prohibited from using that space. Pets, glass containers, and alcohol are prohibited too.
Canton Lake offers exciting sightseeing opportunities for explorers, nature lovers, and vacationers. From scenic shorelines to gently sloping landscapes and beautiful recreation areas, there are plenty of sights to behold in this Army COE park. An overlook area offers the chance to see the Canton Dam Spillway, Auxiliary Spillway, the North Canadian River Valley, and the surrounding lake area. In addition, the northern and eastern ends of the lake feature a densely wooded vegetative cover of cottonwood, post oak, American elm, hackberry, and many other types of splendid vegetation.
