Oklahoma's Kaw Lake attracts many visitors each year for the recreational activities and attractions it has to offer. The dam was created primarily for flood control, though water supply, wildlife, and recreation were in mind for the project as well. Construction of the lake began in 1966, and the lake was filled in 1976. Construction on the project continued until 1980 with the completion of the recreational facilities.
The lake has a surface area of about 17,000 acres, making it a popular destination for boating and other watersports. Two designated swimming areas have sandy beaches for those looking to cool off from the hot summer sun. The area's wildlife, including a large white-tailed deer population, attracts many for wildlife viewing and hunting.
There are nine public use areas located at Kaw Lake. Five of these have campgrounds for those that are looking to stay overnight. The campgrounds offer electric hookups and are spacious enough to easily park a large RV or trailer. Many amenities at each campground, such as a boat ramp and drinking water, make the camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. Pets are permitted at the lake and campgrounds but must remain on a leash.
Kaw Lake is located in north-central Oklahoma along the Arkansas River. About eight miles east of Ponca City there are many other nearby cities and towns. If in need of gas, food, or other services, visitors won’t need to venture far from the lake.
There are nine public use areas around Kaw Lake, some of which have campgrounds for those looking to stay overnight. Though the campgrounds each have amenities, such as boat ramps, visitors may need to drive to the other recreation areas for some activities.
The campgrounds have spacious campsites, most of which can accommodate large rigs. The parking pads at each campsite are gravel, though most of the roads within the recreation areas are paved.
Bear Creek Cove is the smaller of the campgrounds at Kaw Lake. With only 22 campsites, it doesn’t disappoint. The campsites are spacious with electric and water hookups. Those with boats can easily access the lake with the campground’s boat ramp. Drinking water and restrooms are located around the campground.
Coon Creek is a wooded campground that offers shaded and sunny campsites. The 54 campsites have electric and water hookups. A boat ramp at the campground provides quick and easy lake access. The campground also has drinking water and flush toilets to make overnight stays more comfortable.
There are 97 campsites at Osage Cove Campground. Many of the campsites are shaded by the surrounding trees and vegetation. An electric hookup is at each campsite. Campground amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, three group campsites, and a boat ramp. Osage Cove is said to have the area’s best fishing and hiking.
Sarge Creek Campground has 53 campsites with water and electric hookups. There are seven equestrian campsites that have horse pens. Additionally, there is one group campsite for gatherings as large as 60 people. The campsites are mostly shaded and provide access to Kaw Lakes Five Fingers Equestrian Trail. Amenities at Sarge Creek include a boat ramp, flush toilets, and drinking water.
Washunga Bay has 24 reservable campsites. Large RVs and trailers can easily fit into the spacious campsites that are equipped with water and electric hookups. Additional amenities of this campground include drinking water, flush toilets, and a boat ramp.
Boating is a popular activity on the 17,000-acre Kaw Lake. With over a hundred miles of shoreline, there is plenty of room for water skiing, jet skiing, or simply spending a leisurely day relaxing or fishing. There are ten boat ramps around the lake, including at the public use areas. Once on the water, there are two full-service marinas located on the lake.
There are two designated swimming areas at Kaw Lake. Sandy Beach and Pioneer Beach both have sandy beaches. Both beaches are within public day-use areas. Swimmers are encouraged to use these two swimming areas though swimming is permitted throughout the lake with the exception of dam operations and boat ramps.
Anglers aren’t likely to leave Kaw Lake disappointed. Various species of catfish, crappie, bass, and walleye thrive at Kaw Lake. The lake is said to be one of the best fishing spots for blue catfish in the United States. For anglers looking for a challenging and unique experience, spoonbill catfish and paddlefish are known in the Arkansas River. These two types of fish have been around for millions of years.
Kaw Lake has many different types of wildlife that live or migrate through the area. There are many white-tailed deer that you may see near the lake or woods. During the fall, ducks and geese migrate through the area. The bald eagle settles at Kaw Lake during the wintertime. Kaw Lake has one of Oklahoma’s largest populations of bald eagles during the winter months. The month of January is the best time to visit to view the bald eagles.
There are several miles of multi-use trails to explore at Kaw Lake. Eagle View Trail and Five Fingers Trail consist of several interconnecting loops allowing visitors to customize the length and difficulty based on time constraints and their skill level. The two trails total about 12 miles in length. Those who hike, bike, or go horseback riding on these trails will enjoy scenic prairie, forest, and lake views.
The abundant wildlife at Kaw Lake attracts many hunters during hunting season. White-tailed deer, quail, dove, and turkey are commonly sought after. Kaw Lake is known to have the highest harvest rate of white-tailed deer in Oklahoma. If planning to hunt, be sure to become familiar with limits and other hunting regulations. Hunting laws and regulations are enforced by the Oklahoma Game Wardens.
