LAKE EUFAULA STATE PARK
Lake Eufaula State Park is surrounded on three sides by the largest manmade lake in Oklahoma, Lake Eufaula. Visitors can enjoy RV and tent camping, an 18-hole golf course with putting green and pro shop, indoor and outdoor fishing dock, picnic areas, group facilities, swimming beaches, playgrounds, kid's fishing pond, hiking trails, nature trails, nature center, watersports, naturalist activities, and naturalist programs. They also offer special events at Halloween, Christmas, and Labor Day. This park was previously known as Fountainhead State Park.
Established in 1962, it's located on the shores of Eufaula Lake. The park was initially named Fountainhead State Park. In 1971, its name changed to reflect its location by Oklahoma's largest lake surface area - Eufaula Lake.
The park features a variety of recreational activities and amenities such as camping sites, hiking trails and fishing spots. It also houses an 18-hole golf course which opened in the late '60s.
In recent years there have been various improvements including renovated cabins and updated campgrounds for visitors' convenience.
Golf: 18-hole course. Also: Putting Green ? Driving Range ? Pro Shop ? Golf Carts
1. Lake Eufaula State Park offers a designated swimming area for visitors.
2. The lake's sandy beaches provide an ideal spot for sunbathing and picnics after swimming.
3. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
4. Swimming is allowed during daylight hours only to ensure safety of the swimmers.
5. There are no fees or permits required specifically for swimming in the park's waters.
6. The water quality is regularly monitored by state officials ensuring it safe for public use.
7. Children under 14 must be accompanied by adults while using the beach facilities including when they're in water.
8. Swimming outside marked areas can lead to encounters with boats and other recreational vehicles on busy days.
9. Beach amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, grills making it convenient post-swim relaxation.
10. Alcohol consumption within beach premises isn't permitted as per Oklahoma law regulations.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It features two marinas, Belle Starr and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Marina which provide boat rentals including pontoon boats, ski boats and paddle boards. There are also numerous boat ramps available throughout the area to launch personal watercrafts into the lake. Fishing is popular with anglers having access to crappie, catfish or bass from their boats.
Fishing: Largemouth Bass ? Crappie ? Sunfish ? White Bass ? Channel Catfish ? Blue Catfish
Lake Eufaula State Park is located near Muskogee
Lake Eufaula State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and stunning lake views. Shelters are available for rent.
Cycling enthusiasts can explore various trails, suitable for different skill levels. Be aware of potential hazards like uneven terrain.
The park offers a 12-mile trail named 'Badger Lick Nature Trail', ideal for mountain biking. It's moderately challenging though.
For beginners or casual cyclists, the paved roads within the park provide safer and easier options to enjoy cycling while observing nature closely.
Remember that safety gear is essential when bicycling in any natural setting; helmets are strongly recommended at all times on these routes.
Extreme caution should be exercised during wet conditions as paths may become slippery and more difficult to navigate safely.
Always respect wildlife you might encounter along your ride - maintain distance and do not disturb them under any circumstances.
Lastly, always stay hydrated especially during hot summer months where temperatures could soar high causing dehydration quickly if unprepared.
1. Deep Fork Nature Trail: This is a 0.75-mile trail that takes hikers through the dense forest, offering opportunities to spot various wildlife species and learn about local plants.
2. Bluebird Trail: A short but scenic route of approximately half a mile long; it's perfect for bird watchers as bluebirds are commonly seen here.
3. Hummingbird Beach Trail: An easy one-mile hike along Lake Eufaula shoreline with beautiful views over the lake and chances to see hummingbirds during certain seasons.
4. Lady Bird Landing Hiking Trails: These trails cover around five miles in total, winding through diverse landscapes including woodlands, wetlands and prairies near Lady Bird landing area on Lake Eufaula.
5. Beech Ridge Interpretive Loop: It's an educational looped path spanning just under two miles where visitors can explore native flora while learning from interpretive signs placed throughout this self-guided tour.
6. Outlaw Nature Trial: At three-quarters of a mile long, this nature walk provides ample opportunity for spotting deer, turkey, and other Oklahoma wildlife amid towering trees.
7. Coyote Run Horseback Riding Trials: A series of interconnected horse riding trials stretching across roughly twenty-five miles within park boundaries, frequented by equestrians seeking varied terrain amidst natural beauty.
8. Badger Lighthouse Point Walking Path: a quarter-of-a -mile paved walking path leading up-to Badger lighthouse point providing panoramic views of surrounding waterscape ideal for leisurely strolls or sunset viewing sessions.
Birdwatchers can explore diverse habitats, including forests and wetlands. Over 360 bird species have been identified here. The park offers guided tours for avid bird watchers. Birding trails are well-maintained throughout the area.
Features/Facilities: 2,853 Park Acres ? 102,400-Acre Lake Eufaula ? 235 Campsites ? Indoor/Outdoor Fishing Dock ? Assigned Campground ? Nature Center ? Naturalist ? Hiking & Nature Trails ? Swimming Beach ? Boating ? Water Skiing ? Indoor Fishing ? Fishing ? Marina ? Restaurant ? Grocery ? Gift Shop
Directions: From I-40, go 4 miles SW on Hwy 150.