| Kaw Lake is located in north central Oklahoma, approximately eight miles east of Ponca City, Oklahoma, on the Arkansas River. Project land extends northward into Kansas, ending near Arkansas City. The lake covers 17,000 surface acres & has 168 miles of shoreline at the normal elevation of 1010.00 feet above sea level. Ground breaking ceremonies were held in May 1966 & impoundment of the reservoir occurred in 1976. Construction on the recreation facilities concluded in July of 1980 with the completion of the Osage Cove Public Use Area.
There are nine public use areas & two lake access points located around the lake for visitors to enjoy. Campers can select from over 300 family campsites, many of which are equipped with H2O & electric hookups. Groups of all types enjoy four group camping areas, three of which are located at the Osage Cove Public Use Area & one located at the Sarge Creek Cove Area. Use of the group camping areas is by reservation only. Interested parties can contact the Kaw Lake Office for reservations. Ten boat launching ramps provide boaters with easy access to Kaw Lake. Once on the H2O, boaters can find two full service marinas located at McFadden Cove & Pioneer Park. Swimmers are invited to enjoy designated swimming areas at Pioneer Park & Sandy Park.
Kaw Lake & the Arkansas River have long been known for producing some of Oklahoma's largest catfish. Kaw Lake also offers anglers excellent opportunities to catch crappie, sand (white) bass & walleye. Hunters' skills are tested with excellent populations of whitetail deer, turkey, quail, rabbit & squirrel. During the fall waterfowl seasons Kaw Lake often attracts large numbers of migrating ducks & geese.
One of Kaw Lake's most popular winter attractions is the American Bald Eagle. Traditionally, Kaw Lake has one of the states largest populations of wintering bald eagles. Numerous sites around the lake offer visitors excellent opportunities to view our nation's symbol. Peak viewing usually occurs shortly after the first of the year & lasts through January.
Hikers & horseback riders are attracted to the beautiful trails along Kaw Lakes eastern shore. The Eagle View Hiking Trail is approximately 12 miles long & runs between Osage Cove & Burbank Landing. The Five Fingers Equestrian Trail extends from Burbank Landing to the Sarge Creek Cove Public Use Area. Users should be aware that both trails are closed during Oklahoma's deer rifle & primitive firearms seasons.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kaw Lake invites you to visit this beautiful facility. We hope that you will make safety a priority with each & every visit. Whether you are on the H2O or in your car, please obey the rules & regulations that are in place to protect you & the resources at Kaw Lake. Please contact us if you would like further information about Kaw Lake. |
KAW LAKE Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
36.700404, -96.934818
|
Campground: KAW LAKE in Ponca City Oklahoma *