Lakes & Camping

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With three lake reservoirs, eight "Close to Home" fishing waters, and the Oklahoma River, Oklahoma City residents can reel in boating and fishing fun throughout the metro.

Boating

All boats on city waters (including kayaks, canoes and paddleboats) are required to have a city boating permit and follow boating regulations for each body of water. Oklahoma boat registration is also required, except for kayaks, canoes and paddleboats. Boating permits can be purchased at one of our authorized vendors.

ALERT: Zebra Mussels have been found in Lake Hefner. This invasive species will not harm our drinking water but it CAN cause significant damage to our water infrastructure as well as damage boats, fishing piers and boat docks. You can help stop the spread of Zebra Mussels by following these easy tips.

Camping

Rustic campsites are available April 1 through November 15 at Lake Stanley Draper. You can stay up to two weeks.

A parent or guardian must accompany campers younger than 21 years (18 years if head of a household).
Two tent maximum (or RV and one tent)
8 campers per site maximum
Two vehicles (properly marked) maximum per campsite
No visitors after 9:00 p.m.

A daily permit for camping is $8 and is valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase. To purchase, call Lake Stanley Draper Marina at (405) 799-0870.

Fishing

Staff with the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery are responsible for raising and stocking fish for Oklahoma City fishing waters, and managing fish populations. They also offer a Summer Youth Fishing program with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Police Athletic League, and oversee the City's annual rainbow trout season at Dolese Youth Park Pond. The fisheries program is supported by revenue generated from fishing permit sales. For more information about the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery and the City's fisheries management program click here.

For fishing questions, call (405) 297-1426.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Fish Hatchery Below!

Accessible Fishing Areas

Fishing docks and piers for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can be found at the following locations:

- - Lake Hefner is located between NW Grand Boulevard and Hefner Road and Hefner Parkway and Macarthur Avenue in Oklahoma City. It is 2,500 acres with an average depth of 29 feet and a max depth of 94 feet.
  - Lake Hefner features include boat docks, boat slips, dry storage, fishing docks, enclosed heated fishing dock, picnic areas, grills, restrooms, playgrounds, group shelters, nature trail, running track, softball field, golf course with pro shop and cart rental, model airplane field, and soccer field. There is also a 9 mile walking/jogging trail.
  - Boats and watercraft are permitted with proper state registration and an Oklahoma City Boat Permit. Walleye, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and white crappie have been stocked in the past.
- Southwest corner of lake - covered fishing pier
- East side of lake (near patrol station) - boat ramp with tending dock
- South end by dam - boat ramp with tending dock
- City Marina - boat ramp with tending dock
- North Pointe (Recreation Area #1) - boat ramp with tending dock and fishing pier
- Pt. 1 - boat ramp with tending dock
- Pt. 4 - covered fishing pier
- Pt. 6 - covered fishing pier
- Pt. 9 - covered fishing pier
- Pt. 19 - covered fishing pier
- Pt. 21 - boat ramp with tending dock
- Pt. 23 - covered fishing pier
- South side of lake - uncovered fishing dock
- West side of pond - 3 wheelchair-accessible concrete fishing pads
- Southeast and east side of lake - uncovered fishing docks
- Kitchen Lake located at 5501 SE119^th St. and covers 24.7 acres with an average depth of 6.2 feet, and a max depth of 14 feet. The lake features a fishing dock. Fisherman floats (tubes), boats, and miniboats with electric trolling motors are allowed with an OKC Boating Permit. There is one paved parking lot and four gravel parking lots on the south side of the lake Hybrid sunfish are stocked periodically throughout the year for supplemental stockings and youth fishing classes. Channel catfish are stocked annually.

For more information, call the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 297-1426.

Lake Safety

Pets are welcome at all lakes. However, they must

Be on a leash at all times
Not be allowed to swim or wade in the lakes

Drive and park only on lake roads and parking lots

Obey parking and traffic signs
Don’t park where traffic or parked could be blocked
Illegally parked cars may be impounded

Extinguish fires before leaving

Fires are only allowed in permanent fire pits and grills or portable charcoal grills
No hanging propane lanterns or other flammables allowed
Never leave a fire unattended

Alcohol Consumption

Allowed only for visitors 21 years old or older
Consumption of all alcoholic beverages is prohibited, unless an establishment has received a state license
to sell alcoholic beverages or an individual has received a permit from the General Manager.
Intoxicated persons are not permitted to drive boats.
Cans only at lakes or in park lands; no glass allowed.
Do not operate a boat or other vehicle while consuming alcohol.

Water Skiing

Lake Stanley Draper is the City's only skiing lake. All watercraft, including ski boats, must have a City Boating Permit and be registered with the State of Oklahoma. Skiers and boaters must abide by the following:

Ski Boats must have a rearview mirror or on-board observer, tow ropes must be at least 75 feet long and skiers must be pulled in a counterclockwise direction.

Skier Safety

No more than two skiers pulled at a time
No skiing near docks or covers with buoys
No skiing after dark
Skiers may be in the water to begin or end their turn skiing, but swimming in the lake is prohibited.

For skiing or boating questions, call (405) 297-2422.

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