Lake Eufaula
Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma's largest lake covering 102,000 acres and 600 miles of shoreline, is located between Muskogee and McAlester and to the south of I-40. Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, hunting, golfing, horseback riding, and picnicking. Nature/interpretive trails not only offer hiking, but provide a setting for watch-able wildlife. Facilities include marinas, boat ramps, picnic areas, sandy swimming beaches, tent and RV campsites, cabins, group shelters, restrooms, showers, drinking water, and an enclosed fishing dock. A well-known tournament lake, Lake Eufaula draws anglers from across the US to test their skills at catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Kentucky bass, crappie, catfish, sandbass, stripers (below the dam), and other species. Public hunting areas consist of more than 31,800 acres offering deer, bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, duck, goose and mourning dove. Two state parks--Arrowhead and Lake Eufaula--provide recreational activities and camping facilities. Although water recreation is the focus in the Lake Eufaula area today, the area still maintains its historic aura--from the pre-1900 downtown Eufaula business district and the Katy Railroad, which played a role in the colorful history surrounding such notorious characters as Belle Starr, the Younger's and the James brothers, to Standing Rock, a landmark rock which stood 63 feet above the Canadian River and was regarded by early explorers and residents as a prime fishing spot (today it lies beneath the waters of the lake). General Info: Fishing Boat Rental, Horse Rental, Houseboat Rental, Pontoon Rental, Ski Boat Rental Directions: Lake Eufaula is located in eastern Oklahoma, along US-69, and primarily S of I-40. Eufaula, Oklahoma, the county seat of McIntosh County, is located 12 miles south of Interstate 40 at the junction of US Highway 69 and Oklahoma State Highway 9. Just one-half mile east of Eufaula was the site of North Fork Town, settled by the Creek Indians shortly after their arrival in this area in 1836. This important tribal community played host to the treaty made between the Confederates and the Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Nations in 1861. Lake Eufaula now covers North Fork Town. Much of the colorful history of this area - Indian life, outlaw gangs, and Civil War battles--still remains for visitors to see. Belle Starr, "Queen of the Bandits" and probably the most famous female outlaw, lived and is buried about 15 miles east of Eufaula. Belle made her home in this region from 1873 to 1888. Here also was also the hideout of her gang, and at times of the Youngers and Jessie and Frank James. Belle's grave is located in a bend of the Canadian River, just downstream and northeast of the Eufaula Dam. A cave, a canyon, and other historical sites are named for her around the area. Lake Eufaula is the largest lake located entirely within the state of Oklahoma. With over 600 miles of shoreline and 102,000 surface acres, Eufaula offers a variety of recreational opportunities for everyone. The shoreline ranges from vast expanses of sandy beaches to rocky bluffs. The city is situated around beautiful Eufaula Cove, and is the gateway to many outdoor activities such as camping, boating, water skiing, and of course fishing. The lake is full of large-mouth bass, sand bass, crappie, and catfish and is host to many fishing tournaments throughout the year. If you are looking for wildlife and scenery, look no further. The area has an abundance of whitetail deer and wild turkey, and is a bird watcher's paradise. Our city is definitely on the move. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, unique one-of-a-kind restaurants, antique shops, or craft stores, we think you will find it here. And don't miss the best feature of our community - no matter where you go in town, you will be greeted with warm, friendly, and genuine hometown hospitality not found in many places!
