The Small Oklahoma Park where Big Adventures Await

Nestled in the hidden hills of the Great Plains is a secret oasis, teeming with adventure and activities. Tucked away in southwestern Oklahoma is a park that deserves the love.

Crowder Lake University Park has been operated by Southwestern Oklahoma State University since 1997. Over the years, the activities just keep getting added on to provide fun for everyone. Crowder offers kayak and canoe rentals, axe throwing, disc golf, a one-mile walking trail, a climbing and repelling tower, and a ropes course with a zipline. A brand new addition to the lake as of this summer are two paddle boats. Not to be forgotten either, there are camping spots for both primitive and RV camping, as well as an A-frame cabin available for rentals.

Beautiful Crowder Lake is even more stunning from inside a kayak. Photo by Kiersten Stone

I can recommend the park because I know it well. As a former park attendant myself, I can assure all you readers that Crowder is most definitely one of Oklahoma’s hidden gems. I spent many nights after my shift ended hopping on a kayak and paddling around the lake or grabbing a fishing pole and catching some bass. I also spent numerous days with my friends swimming and grilling out under one of the pavilions.

The park even hosts special events on a regular basis including sunrise and full moon paddles. The next sunrise paddle, also dubbed Coffee and Kayaks, is set for August 17, and the next full moon paddle will be August 19. Watercraft, paddles, and life vests are provided by the park, but guests are always welcome to bring their own.

There’s no better time than now though to head out to Crowder Lake and enjoy the sunshine and outdoors. You can cool off and beat the brutal heat before the summer ends—or even after. Park offices and rentals stay open March through October, but camping and general park access is available year-round.

Kayaks and canoes are available for rent March through October. Photo by Kiersten Stone

Park guests can also test themselves on the ropes course. Photo by Kiersten Stone

Other Crowder Lake fun facts:

• The park features 158 acres of water and 159 acres of land.
• The lake is designated as a Trophy Bass Lake.
• Visitors can get their dive on as scuba diving is permitted in the lake.
• The park is animal-friendly and swimming in the lake might just become your dog’s favorite past-time.

Written By

Kiersten Stone

Just a small town girl living out her city dreams, Kiersten Stone is the Research Editor for Oklahoma Today. Stone previously worked at a local newspaper and at her university’s student news organization before coming to work at the magazine. She loves the Sooner State and all it offers, from the city to the outdoors and the wildlife.