Beavers Bend State Park is one of the best kept secrets in Oklahoma! If you’re looking for a state park that offers breathtaking scenic views, hiking trails, water activities, or all of the above, Beavers Bend State Park is the perfect spot for your next getaway. Located in Oklahoma’s southeastern corner, it’s an easy getaway for couples, girls and guys trips, family reunions or just a family vacation. In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything that makes Beavers Bend State Park worth a visit. Trust us – once you see it for yourself, you’ll fall in love!
Located in McCurtain County in Southeast Oklahoma near the towns of Broken Bow and Hochatown, Beavers Bend State Park is an outdoor wonderland that’s perfect for all types of adventurers. Its piney forest rests in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest along with Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
Beavers Bend State Park is located approximately 9 miles north of the town of Broken Bow just off of Highway 259 and just west of Hochatown. It’s hardly any surprise that it ranks amongst the Sooner State’s most visited attractions due to its spectacular scenic beauty.
Beavers Bend State Park is an easy afternoon drive from surrounding major cities which makes the Broken Bow area a popular destination all year round.
Beavers Bend State Park is a natural wonder nestled in the foothills of southeastern Oklahoma. It has a long and storied history, starting over two centuries ago with Hochatown, the area’s first settlement. Early settlers used Hochatown as a hunting and fishing ground, but it wasn’t until 1922 that the park was officially established.
Governor Martin E. Trapp authorized a dam to be built near Hochatown, which created the man-made lake that still stands today. Soon after its completion, the lake was declared an Oklahoma state park and named by Governor William H. Murray in 1946. Today Beavers Bend State Park offers visitors access to lakeshore cabins, lodges and quaint cottages for guests for overnight stays as well as excursions along the Mountain Fork River making it an ideal getaway for families or groups of friends alike!
On the west side of Broken Bow Lake is Hochatown State Park, which was formerly part of Beavers Bend State Park. It is now considered its own State Park complete with hiking trails, boat ramps and more.
One of the original Oklahoma State Parks, Beavers Bend is an unforgettable experience with plenty of enjoyable activities to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll along nature trails or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s something for everyone.
For those that enjoy hiking, Beaver Bend State Park offers great opportunities for hiking in the beautiful Ouachita Forest. Hit the trails and enjoy the fresh air, hardwood trees and all the best the Sooner State has to offer. Choose from the challenging Skyline Trail with steep inclines or choose an easier scenic route like South Park Trail. The David Boren Hiking Trail, which is named after the former governor of Oklahoma, offers 16 miles of hiking plus a 4 mile multi-purpose mountain bike trail.
Beavers Bend State Park attracts thousands of visitors each year eager to fish The Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake. The cooler water above Broken Bow dam provides a year-round habitat for browns and raccoon trawlers that create ideal conditions. In addition, its rock floors make for crystal clear water which hold a diverse range of fish species.
These include smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass and largemouth bass as well as bluegill, crappie and redear sunfish. Trout fishing is also very popular as rainbow trout are stocked year round. You can also catch walleye and channel catfish at certain times of the year.
And don’t forget fly fishing! The Mountain Fork River is one of the most popular areas for fly fishing in the South/Midwest region of the US.
Our recommendation – consider hiring one of the local fishing guides until you’re comfortable with the area. It will be well worth the cost and you’ll learn alot, too!
If you’re wanting to be out on the water, the Beavers Bend area is the place to be. This mountainous region has both the crystal clear waters of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
Looking to spend a day out on the lake? Beavers Bend Marina has you covered for water sports – boat rentals, tube rentals, jet ski rentals, and all you need for water skiing!
The Lower Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma is a popular destination for fishing and tubing. The cool, clear water provides ideal conditions for year-round fishing. It also is the perfect venue for canoeing, kayaking and cooling off especially in those summer months of Oklahoma. There are areas inside Beavers Bend State Park to rent kayaks, canoes and even paddle boats. Outside the park, there are also a variety of outfitters providing river float trips.
Saddle up partner! It’s time to hit the trails and do some horseback riding! Head on an adventure along over 500,000 acres of wooded trails that offer beautiful views of mountains and rivers. Beavers Bend Depot & Ride takes a 2-1/2 mile hike through Beavers Bend State Park.
Known for its narrow, pine-lined fairways, Cedar Creek Golf Course is one of the most pristine courses in Oklahoma. Several holes even have views Broken Bow Lake. There is also a pro shop, carts and club rentals. Be sure to call ahead as tee times are required!
In the heart of Beavers Bend State Park you’ll find mini golf – yes, mini golf! It’s the perfect activity to do while munching on your snow cone in between dips in the swimming area.
The Forest Heritage Center is located in the Visitors center along with the Hochatime gift shop in Beavers Bend State Park and contains 14 large dioramas by Harry Rossoll in this museum-in-the-round. Visitors learn forest appreciation by learning the story of prehistoric times through today.
Beavers Bend State Park is a great place for observing wild animals in their natural environment. Depending on the location and time of year, you may find deer and bear grazing serenely in the meadows or deer staring inquisitively as they cross paths with hikers.
Bird watchers will marvel at the variety of feathered creatures such as ducks, geese, and woodpeckers while enjoying a leisurely stroll. Brown bats flutter through the evening sky hunting for insects, while porcupines and skunks are more likely to be spotted near nightfall. Wherever you go in the park, keep your eyes open – daily surprises are often made by the fluttering of butterflies against sunlit skies or the presence of wild pheasants blending into their surroundings.
The Lower Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma is a popular destination for fishing and tubing. The cool, clear water provides ideal conditions for year-round fishing. It also is the perfect venue for canoeing, kayaking and cooling off especially in those summer months of Oklahoma. There are areas inside Beavers Bend State Park to rent kayaks, canoes and even paddle boats. Outside the park, there are also a variety of outfitters providing river float trips.
Nestled on the shore of Broken Bow Lake, The Lodge offers 40 rooms with stunning lake views. Guests have a free continental breakfast every morning in the great hall.
Beaver Bend has a number of accommodations that can be found for those looking for a short stay. There is a plethora of camping areas for tent camping as well as RV camping throughout the park.
Beaver Bend has a number of accommodations that can be found for those looking for a short stay. There is a plethora of camping areas for tent camping as well as RV camping throughout the park.
Acorn – 50-amp electric
Cypress – 30-amp electric
Fern – semi-modern sites with water & 30-amp electric
Dogwood, Elm, Grapevine and Hickory
Armadillo – semi-modern with water & 50-amp electric
Quail – semi-modern with water and 30-amp electric
Turkey – modern with water, 30-amp electric & sewer
Bluejay, Coyote, Deer, and Eagle
As a first order of business, we encourage you to visit the Visitors Center where you’ll find restrooms, park and trail guides and brochures so you can easily access any additional information you may need. Before heading off on a hike or any other outdoor activity, always make sure to bring enough water and snacks along with sun protection and insect repellent, if needed. Last but not least, be sure to leave the park in better condition than how you found it by bringing back all your waste and properly disposing of whatever trash was left behind before your arrival.
You’ll want to make sure you have a parking pass. In 2020, Beavers Bend State Park along with many other Oklahoma state parks began charging for parking passes. This helps fund our state parks and keep them in good condition for all to enjoy. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry – you can buy parking passes in several ways.
Text: When you arrive to the park, signage will direct you to text the Beavers Bend State Park specific code (P4602) to 504504, which will take you to a website to purchase the appropriate pass.
Online : You can use to pre-purchase passes in advance here.
Mobile App: download the Premium Parking app from the app store or at https://www.premiumparking.com/text-pay
Pay Machines: located at park offices and within the park.
Purchase an Annual Pass: good at all Oklahoma State Parks; Oklahoma residents receive a 20% discount
Families and groups of all sizes will find plenty to do at Beavers Bend State Park. With cabin rentals, camping sites, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, there is something for everyone at this beautiful Oklahoma state park. So what are you waiting for? Book your cabin today and start planning your trip to Beavers Bend State Park!
