Arcadia Lake
Where: Northeast of Oklahoma City, Directly east of the north metro suburb of Edmond. See map.
About: Arcadia Lake is one of the best spots in central Oklahoma for outdoor recreation. Unlike some others on this list, it allows swimming and is an extremely popular spot for camping, picnicking, fishing, skiing and hiking. A Corps lake, Arcadia opened in 1987. It serves as a water supply for Edmond as well as flood control for the Deep Fork River Basin.
Features: Boating, Swimming, Fishing (primarily largemouth and striped bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill), Water sports, Over 140 campsites, Picnic pavilions, Hiking and riding trails
Lake Hefner
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Where: Northwest Oklahoma City, West of the Lake Hefner Parkway as far north as Hefner Road and south past Wilshire, Also accessible from Northwest Expressway. See map.
About: Lake Hefner was built in 1947 and is considered the premiere location for sailboating in OKC. In addition to fishing, picnicking and golf, Lake Hefner is well-known for outdoor recreation. Trails trace the entire lake and stretch just over 9 miles in total. They are 12ft wide and asphalt, and the east side of the lake also contains some 6ft wide trails specifically for pedestrians.
Features: Fishing, Sailing (Home to the Oklahoma City Boat Club), Outdoor recreation trails, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, Enclosed and heated fishing dock, Public golf course
Lake Overholser
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Where: Northwest Oklahoma City, just southwest of Lake Hefner, South of Route 66 and north of I-40 between Council and Morgan Roads. See map.
About: Originally constructed in 1919, Oklahoma City's Lake Overholser is the metro's oldest reservoir, built as a water supply to a still-operating water treatment plant at NW 6th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Named after the city's 16th Mayor, has several boat ramps, a covered fishing pier, picnic areas and more.
Features: Boating, Water sports, Fishing (Covered fishing pier), Picnic areas (Covered pavilion), Soccer fields, Tennis courts
Lake Stanley Draper
Where: Southeast Oklahoma City, Near I-240 between Midwest Boulevard and Post Road. See map.
About: Originally constructed in 1962 and named after the prominent, longtime Chamber of Commerce director, Lake Stanley Draper is one of Oklahoma City's urban reservoirs. It is a popular recreational spot with its many fishing piers, marina, picnic areas and large, open water for skiing.
Features: Boating, Marina, Water sports, Fishing (Many covered piers), Off-road ATV and biking, Over 50 campsites
Lake Thunderbird
Where: Thirteen miles east of Norman, just north of Highway 9.
About: Constructed in the early 1960's as a municipal water reservoir, Lake Thunderbird is a popular metro venue for boating, fishing and recreation. It is 6,070 acres and includes over 80 miles of shoreline.
Features: Boating, Fishing (primarily large-mouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, white bass, and saugeye), Picnic areas, Camping areas with change houses, Two marinas, Boathouse, Concession areas, Nature trail, Nature center, Swim beach, Archery range, Horseback riding, Hunting, Eagle watching and guided eagle tours,
