Between Tulsa And Wichita Lies A Scenic Artificial Lake For Swimming And Waterfront Camping

Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Wichita, Kansas, aren't usually known as gateways to the great outdoors. However, just a couple of hours away from both cities lies Kaw Lake, a pretty reservoir well suited for a weekend of splashing or relaxing on the water. Kaw Lake was formed in 1976 after the Kaw Dam was constructed on the Arkansas River and has a shoreline stretching for 168 miles across three outstretched arms. It may not be a glistening, picturesque mountain lake in the Sierras like California's Huntington Lake; however, it is an artificial gem with plenty of outdoor fun, including summertime swims and boat rides along the lake's two beaches, afternoon picnics, and evenings spent toasting marshmallows under the stars.

Over the past few decades, Kaw Lake has become a popular Oklahoma camping and fishing spot for both first-time campers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Campers have access to over 200 campsites scattered across multiple areas on the lake and can dial in the type of outdoor experience they're after. Sites range from simple primitive sites for a hunting or fishing camp to large RV campgrounds with the comforts of home. Most camping and recreation sites on the lake are managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and are reservable on Recreation.gov.

For motorists traveling on I-35 to Kaw Lake, it's about 30 minutes from exit 214 to the dam and Sandy Beach at the south end of the lake. Both Tulsa International Airport (TUL) to the south and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to the north are less than a two-hour drive to the lake.

Even though you're in landlocked Oklahoma, you can kick back and wiggle your toes in the sand on Kaw Lake's two main beaches. Sandy Beach is just past the eastern end of the dam and has a designated swimming area for visitors to cool off on a hot summer day. If you've worked up an appetite after swimming or need a boost of energy before hopping in the water, the beach has a reservable covered picnic area with access to water and grills, as well as a beach volleyball area. A day-use pass is $5 per vehicle. The other main swimming beach on Kaw Lake is at Pioneer Park (also called Pioneer Cove) on the western shore of the lake in Kaw City. Pioneer Park is free for day-use visitors and has similar amenities to those at Sandy Beach; however, you'll also find the nearby Pioneer Cove Marina grilling up burgers and hot dogs on summer days. Travelers eager to explore farther away from shore can rent a pontoon boat from the Hideaway Marina. Note that the water can get choppy, and the Army Corps of Engineers recommends visitors wear life jackets and not dive into the water.

If you are planning to swim or take a boat on the lake, don't forget your fishing pole (and maybe a frying pan and some cornmeal). Kaw Lake is well known as a local hotspot for reeling in monster catfish, as well as walleye and bass. Anglers are required to have a fishing license, and out-of-state anglers and hikers exploring the two northern arms of Kaw Lake are required to "check in" and "check out" on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma website or on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma app before and after their adventure.

Major campgrounds on Kaw Lake are RV-friendly and have fire pits, water, showers, boat ramps, and restroom facilities. However, there are small differences between them to tailor your camping trip to your needs. Campers seeking a quieter weekend away for fishing and hiking should check out the Bear Creek Cove Campground on the lake's northern arm. Note that the campground has only 22 campsites in total – if you're looking to stay closest to the water, sites 17, 19, and 20 are the closest. Hikers and anglers can also consider staying around Osage Cove or Sarge Creek, where local trails lead to scenic views of prairies meeting with woody areas. In the fall and winter months, bald eagles are a common sight along trails near both campgrounds. Campers looking for easy beach access can set up camp at Sandy Park beside Sandy Beach; the camping area has 12 campsites suitable for cars, tents, or RVs.

If you are planning a camping trip, you'll find supermarkets in Ponca City on the way to the lake to grab some of these camping essentials, as well as a handful of local restaurants serving Mexican, Greek, and American food, including freshly baked cinnamon rolls at the Garrett Wrangler Restaurant and steaks with all the fixin's at the Rusty Barrell Supper Club. Once you visit, you may be surprised by the quiet charm of this part of the country. Travelers looking for another local gem in the area should check out Lehigh Portland State Park in Kansas, a popular spot for camping and hiking.