CLAYTON LAKE STATE PARK
This 500 acre park provides a restful hideaway and offers a quiet getaway. The park features full service RV sites and tent camping areas, along with primitive cabins, one family-style two bedroom cabin, picnic tables, group picnic shelters, comfort stations with showers, and boat ramps. Clayton Lake State Park is an excellent location for fishing, boating, and ATVs. The park also offers an ADA accessible fishing dock, playground, hiking trails, and swimming beach.
Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the park was established in 1955. It spans over 500 acres and includes a man-made lake. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna as well as recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking trails and camping facilities.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the original structures during the Great Depression era. These include cabins that are still used today by visitors to enjoy their stay at this natural retreat.
In addition to outdoor recreation opportunities, it also houses significant archaeological sites with dinosaur tracks from millions of years ago discovered on-site.
Over time improvements have been made including adding more campsites along with modern amenities like restrooms/showers while maintaining environmental sustainability efforts throughout all operations within this state-owned property.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The lake, spanning 80 acres, is open to no-wake boating which ensures peaceful and calm waters at all times. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent them from the on-site marina that provides paddleboats and fishing boats along with life jackets as part of the rental package. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy angling opportunities in these serene settings.
Largemouth Bass ? Crappie ? Sunfish ? Channel Catfish
Clayton Lake State Park is
Clayton Lake State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and restrooms. Some spots overlook the beautiful lake.
1. Clayton Lake Trail: This is a 5-mile loop trail that circles the entire lake, offering panoramic views of the water and surrounding forest.
2. Buzzard's Roost Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike spanning approximately 3 miles, it takes hikers through dense woods with occasional glimpses of wildlife.
3. Lakeside Loop Trail: At just under one mile in length, this easy walk offers beautiful lakeshore scenery perfect for families or those seeking a leisurely stroll.
4. Overlook Nature Trail: Approximately half-a-mile long; this short but steep climb leads to an overlook providing stunning vistas over Clayton Lake and beyond into Oklahoma's wilderness landscape.
5. South Shoreline Fishing Access Pathway: As its name suggests, this pathway provides access points for fishing along south shoreline. Its total distance is about .75 miles.
6. Two Bridges Hiking/Bike Trails: These are two separate trails each measuring around three-quarters of a mile. They offer both hiking & biking opportunities amidst scenic surroundings.
7. Campground Connector Paths: These paths connect various campgrounds within park. Their lengths vary from few hundred feet to quarter-of-a-mile depending on specific location.
8. Beach Area Footpath: This foot path connects main camping area with beach at lake shore. Length unknown as it varies due to changing water levels.
9. Nature Center Walkways: There are several small pathways leading up to nature center. These allow visitors close-up view of local flora/fauna. Total combined length less than half-a-mile.
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 100 species spotted, including waterfowl and songbirds. Bird checklists are available.
Features/Facilities: Handicap Accessible ? Lake/River View ? Pets Allowed ? Senior Discount ? 510 Park Acres ? 95 Lake Acres ? 60 Campsites ? Assigned Campground ? Swimming Beach ? Boating ? Fishing ? Playground
Directions: 5 miles S of Clayton on Hwy 271.