The Complete Guide to Oklahoma's Beavers Bend State Park

With trees as far as the eye can see, this park also has mountainous terrain.

In Oklahoma, for good ole' family fun in the outdoors, it doesn’t get much better than Beavers Bend State Park, a 3,482-acre park. With tall pines and hardwood trees as far as the eye can see, this park, established in 1937, also has mountainous terrain.

Whether your family loves to hike on rugged trails, bike along a path, float down the river, horseback ride, waterski, or spend the day on a boat, you can be sure that a visit here will offer not only fun in the sun, but also, relaxation amidst beautiful landscapes. For folks who are giddy to fish, this state park has stocked streams packed with trout. With Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River, the choices are endless and it’s easy to see why this park is one of the most popular in the state.

What also really makes this state park special is the year-round naturalist and the Nature Center's programming, which includes campfire fun, guided nature hikes, arts and crafts classes, nature films, and interesting astronomy outings.

Ready to plan a trip? Here's a quick guide to visiting Oklahoma’s Beavers Bend State Park.

Things to Do

While water sports are the main draw at this state park, recreational activities abound. If you love to go biking or hiking, there are multiple trails for enjoying the natural beauty of the area. In fact, families can also experience a round of golf, tennis, or volleyball while on vacation. You’ll find that it’s easy to be as active as you like while visiting Beavers Bend State Park and the surrounding area.

Go Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity at this park, and it can be enjoyed in the Mountain Fork River or at Broken Bow Lake. The streams are stocked year-round with rainbow and brown trout by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and there are two catch-and-release trophy areas inside the park. Unlimited access to the banks as well as the boat ramps are available for outdoor recreation. Beavers Bend Fly Shop, a full-service fly shop and guiding service, can help you with anything you might need in terms of supplies and guiding experiences.

For fishing on the lake, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish like crappie, catfish, walleye, white or largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and spotted bass.

Rent a Canoe or Boat

Rent a canoe, kayak, or inner tube and float down the lower Mountain Fork River. River trips can be enjoyed at Broken Bow. There are multiple rental companies that can assist like Ambush Adventures, outfitters for kayaking trips on the Mountain Fork and Little Rivers of southeastern Oklahoma and Wild Goose Canoe & Kayak Rentals, a privately owned and operated guiding service.

Go Horseback Riding

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, horseback riding is a great way to spend time in the outdoors without having to sweat up and down hilly terrain by hiking or biking—let the horse do the work! Located in Broken Bow, Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides caters to families, beginner riders, and children. Look for wildlife and scan the trees for birds on the 2.5-mile ride.

Beyond the riding stables, train rides and hayrides are also available. This is a great outing for family-friendly fun and it's easy to whittle away the day here.

Hit a Few Balls

If golfing is your sport of choice, visit Idabel Country Club for a lively round with your friends or family in tow. This club is open to the public and there’s a clubhouse, lounge, and pro shop.

Cedar Creek Golf Course, located north of Broken Bow in Hochatown, is also open to the public. This course, flanked by pine trees in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains, is one of the most beautiful courses in Oklahoma.

How to Get There

Located in southeast Oklahoma, near Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, Beavers Bend State Park is a water devotee’s paradise. The park is located eight miles north of Broken Bow on Highway 259 and four miles east on Highway 259A in McCurtain County, within easy driving distance from multiple cities like Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Little Rock.

Beavers Bend Lodge may be found 10 miles north of Broken Bow on Highway 259 and two miles east on Steven’s Gap Road.

Accessibility

For travelers who are concerned about accessibility, or for those who have limited mobility, the Deer Creek Cabin at Beavers Bend in Broken Bow is ADA compliant and wheelchair friendly.

For larger families, the Timber Rock Lodge at Broken Bow Lake Cabin Rentals, sleeps up to 12 people in four bedrooms and is also ADA compliant and wheelchair friendly.

Campgrounds

Near Mountain Fork River you’ll find plenty of RV sites and tent campsites. And, if you’re traveling with your multigenerational family in tow and need a bigger space, there are two group camps that can accommodate your needs. 393 campsites and over 50 tent sites, all spread out over eight different camping areas, are available but you’ll need to book early online to ensure you have a spot, especially in the summer months when the park is at its busiest.

Lodging

Book one of the many cabins, complete with kitchenettes. Or, stay at the Beavers Bend Lodge, ideally located along the shores of Broken Bow Lake. Choose from one of the forty rooms with water views, or one of the four suites, and enjoy the great room, complete with a lovely stone fireplace. Complimentary continental breakfast is included at the lodge, which really helps to cushion the overall costs for families.

Have a pet in tow? Leashed pets are more than welcome in the park and there are designated cabins that allow for furry friends.

Best Hikes and Trails

Setting out on a trail is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural landscapes, flora, and fauna. Bird lovers, including eagle watchers, will find that there’s much to see in this state park. Ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging, choose the trail that is right for your family and spend the day exploring. Pets on a leash can enjoy these hikes as well. Before hiking, however, register at either Forest Heritage Center or the Nature Center and make sure someone knows where you're hiking and when you plan on returning.

• The Lookout Mountain Trail begins at the Forest Heritage Tree Trail, Beaver Creek, or South Park trails. Considered moderately challenging, this 1.5-mile trail has one steep climb that you should be aware of before setting out. Bring your camera and capture the special moments along the way.

• Pine Ridge Nature Trail is perfect for the novice hikers in your group as it’s only .75 miles long and it’s an easy figure eight loop trail. The first loop begins across from the tennis courts, then it travels right. You’ll see the pine and hardwood forest, plus the lagoon (not for swimming), before you hike across the top of a ridge. Enjoy the views—you've earned it!

• The Beaver Creek Nature Trail is another great hike that is moderately challenging due to the creek crossing near the Nature Center. Begin near the Nature Center or from the Forest Heritage Tree Trail for this out-and-back two-mile trail that follows the creek until it intersects with the South Park Trail. This trail is popular with nature enthusiasts who love to spot wildlife.

Tips for Your Visit

• There are plenty of picnicking sites throughout the park; take advantage to enjoy dining in the outdoors.

• Visitors can take advantage of useful amenities like restrooms, showers, waste dump stations, a restaurant, a grocery store, a gift shop, and an amphitheater.

• Pets on a leash are welcome throughout the park—please remember to clean up after your pets.

• Nearby parks include Hockatown State Park and Little River National Wildlife Area.

• Visit the Forest Heritage Center's museum to learn about the history of the area.