Lake of the Arbuckles
Lake · Oklahoma
About this swimming hole
The Lake of the Arbuckles is the Chickasaw NRA's big reservoir, with swim beaches on clear, spring-fed water. The lake sits in the Arbuckle Mountains with a scenic, hilly shoreline. It is free, uncrowded, and a completely different scene from the creek crowds.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | Designated swim beaches |
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | Free (no NPS entrance fee) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Daylight hours |
| Parking | NPS day-use parking |
| Amenities | restrooms, swim beaches, boat ramps, camping, trails |
| County | Murray County |
| Nearest town | Sulphur |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard. Swim in designated beach areas; boat traffic on the lake. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Does Lake of the Arbuckles require reservations?
No reservations are required at Lake of the Arbuckles based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Lake of the Arbuckles?
Reported fee info: Free (no NPS entrance fee). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Lake of the Arbuckles?
The best season is typically May-September.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026