Destinations Guide / Oklahoma / United States

A Boating Wonderland in Oklahoma

A Boating Wonderland in Oklahoma

Lake Thunderbird State Park has a great deal to offer its visitors. Situated in northeast Oklahoma just south of Dixie National Forest, this natural lake is a great destination for hiking and camping. The park headquarters is located at milepost 11.6. It’s about two hours east of Norman. There are camping grounds along the banks of Lake Thunderbird as well as lodging facilities for rent.

The majority of visitors to the Lake Thunderbird State Park arrive by way of I-4. Visitors can take their vehicles to the parking lot by the Lake. On the opposite end of the road are the trailheads. From the trailheads, it is approximately one quarter mile to the campgrounds. Camping is allowed on most campsites but not all of them are accessible to wheelchair users or four-wheeled vehicles.

Because the lake is located within a designated state park, there are numerous water activities that are available. The most popular of these activities is boating, but one can also enjoy canoeing, fishing and swimming. Because the lake is situated within a designated recreation area, campfires and fire pits are not allowed. Although the park does have electric-powered lanterns that can be used by campers, you may be asked to remove your lantern long before dark.

There are two lakes in the Lake Thunderbird State Park area; Silver Creek and Fortescue. The first two lakes have over two miles of beautiful wooded trails that lead to the lakes. The trailheads and campsites are available near the outlet of the third lake, which is also called Fortescue Lake. Fortescue Lake is approximately seven miles long. The lakes have beautiful falls that offer swimming, fishing, and water activities such as kayaking.

Fortescue Lake has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and cabins that allow for overnight accommodations. Lake Thunderbird State Park has developed special campgrounds to accommodate the seasonal tourist business. At this time of year the majority of campgrounds will be fully staffed during the summer months and will be busier from June until September. To find a good little axe tent campground in Thunderbird, Mississippi look for the “AQT” symbols located on the map at the base of the lake.

Horseback riding, swimming and boating are among the most popular activities for tourists will be able to participate in while visiting the lake Thunderbird state park. Trail hiking is available throughout the parks, with most of the trails leading to the “AQT” parking areas. Hikers will find many trails throughout the park that will take them to beautiful overlooks, to lakes, river, and even small hill stations.

Fishing is a popular sport at this attraction, and visitors are often wowed by the large variety of fish they can catch. The best season to fish at Lake Thunderbird State Park will be from mid May to mid October. The northern pike are quite plentiful at this time of year. The lake is also known for its rainbow trout.

If fishing and hiking aren’t your sport, Lake Thunderbird State Park offers two marinas. Located at the western end of the lake you will find Lake Wahoo Marina and Lake Reno. These marinas provide great facilities for boating and leisure boating. You can purchase fishing and/or boating equipment, hire fishing guides, or just hang out on the marinas and take in the sights. The marinas also offer boat launches from April through November, and you can even hire a personal pilot to fly you into some of the most remote areas of the lake. There are even picnic areas, gift shops, ATM machines, banks, and small restaurants at the marinas.