Welcome to Kingston, OK!
Looking for small town living near the lake without sacrificing city amenities and attractions? Kingston offers the best of both worlds.
This vibrant town has long been a favorite vacation destination for anglers, thanks to its proximity to the state’s second-largest lake, Lake Texoma, known as the “Striper Capital of the World.” Beyond its identity as a top lakeside retreat, Kingston is also a place that offers an exceptional quality of life bursting with Southern charm. There’s something about its serene vibe and its tight-knit community of residents that makes everything that much sweeter, whether it’s enjoying a relaxing day at the park, hitting the local pubs for some Friday night football, or trying to reel in the “big one” at the lake. Residents also enjoy a short drive to the surrounding communities of Durant and Madill for all the conveniences and services of a larger town. If you’re looking for homes for sale in Kingston, OK, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we take a closer look at the town’s history, homes for sale in Kingston, OK, the lakeside lifestyle, and notable attractions and destinations.
Table of contents
- Get to Know Kingston
- Living in Kingston
- Restaurants in Kingston, Oklahoma
- Kingston Entertainment: Texoma Casino and More
- Kingston, OK Real Estate
- Kingston Real Estate: Buying a Home
Get to Know Kingston
Kingston encompasses roughly 2.2 square miles and is currently home to about 1,600 residents. The town is around eight miles southeast of Madill and less than 20 miles west of Durant. Kingston is located in Marshall County, in the southern section of the state, just north of the border between Oklahoma and Texas.
The town of Kingston has a rich and diverse history. Here are some interesting facts about how the town was established.
- Kingston originated in Pickens County as part of the Chickasaw Nation in 1894. It was named after resident Jeff King. Early establishments in the settlement included a cotton gin, a general store, and a schoolhouse that doubled as a church.
- In the early 1900s, a station along the St. Louis, Oklahoma, and Southern Railway was built around two miles northeast of Kingston. The station was located on property owned by James Hampton Willis, who named it “Helen” after his daughter. Kingston’s post office and business relocated near the area to have better access to the railroad. There were attempts to rename the post office to Helen, although these were unsuccessful as there was already a community named Helena. Due to the conflict of having a post office and station with different designations, railroad officials decided to rename the depot Kingston to avoid further confusion.
- Kingston was officially incorporated as a town on November 2, 1906.
- To help the town’s economy, early residents of Kingston developed several initiatives designed to attract more business. One of the most significant projects was Traders’ Day, a monthly event that promoted community progress and featured entertainment and friendly competitions.
- With statehood and the creation of Marshall County in 1907, an election was held to decide whether Madill or Kingston would serve as the county seat. Although Madill won, Kingston continued to grow and prosper as a town.
- By 1917, Kingston was home to several businesses, including an ice factory, four cotton gins, and two banks. Residents had access to telephone and telegraph services, and the town had two early publications, the Kingston Messenger and the Marshall County Messenger.
- Kingston’s tourism industry benefitted from the formation of Lake Texoma and the completion of the Denison Dam in 1944. The lake attracted millions of visitors every year, bringing more tourists to Kingston and to the Lake Texoma Lodge. The annual Striper Festival, which started in 1990, also boosted Kingston’s tourism.
And the rest, as the saying goes, is history. Today, the town continues to thrive and attract outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the area’s natural beauty and laidback lakeside vibe. Let’s explore what it’s like to live in this special place.
Living in Kingston
Education
Public schools in Kingston are administered by a small school district that serves a student population of over 1,200 in grades PK and K-12. Each school is committed to educating and empowering all students to maximize their potential. Education is a priority here—and so is football. Locals look forward to the longstanding Kingston – Madill High School football rivalry each year in what is known as the “Marshall County Super Bowl.” The two high schools alternate as hosts for the games, and it’s always a crowd pleaser.
Things to do in Kingston, OK
It’s true! Kingston is an angler’s paradise, home to some of the best striper fishing in the nation. But the area also boasts other outdoor activities and destinations perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone simply looking to relax, soak in the views, and enjoy some fresh air. Here are some of the top spots near Kingston for spending quality time outdoors with friends and family:
Lake Texoma State Park 11500 Park Office Rd, Kingston, OK 73439
Lake Texoma State Park is the perfect place for camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and different watersports. If you’re looking forward to a quiet evening under the stars, the park has overnight facilities that include tent sites and RV campgrounds with full water, electric, and sewer hook-ups. Known as one of the Southwest’s top striped bass fishing spots, Lake Texoma is the second-largest lake in Oklahoma and one of only a few reservoirs in the US where striped bass reproduce naturally. If striper fishing is not your sport, the lake also boasts a variety of smallmouth and largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, crappie, and more. Novice anglers will be happy to join one of the many guided fishing tours—many local tackle and bait shops are always happy to help beginners too. For hiking, don’t miss Lake Texoma State Park’s well-kept trail located in the southern section of the park. The scenic Texoma Interpretive Trail is a 1.5-mile beginner-friendly trail that offers a relaxing out-and-back hike for outdoor lovers of all ages.
Lake Texoma Lodge and Resort 3263 US 70, Mead, OK 73449
A perfect place to make family memories, Lake Texoma Lodge and Resort is a Kingston landmark. This remodeled institution has been serving travelers since the 1950s. Located just ten minutes east of Kingston, the expansive resort is surrounded by soaring oaks and just minutes from Lake Texoma. Amenities at the resort include a swimming pool, hot tubs, a full-service restaurant and club, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, a small beach area, and a spacious Hawaiian-themed playground.
Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club 12428 Chickasaw Pointe Rd, Kingston, OK 73439
Golf enthusiasts in Kingston can tee up an unforgettable experience at the Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club. Home to a 7,011-yard championship golf course with meticulously manicured Bermuda grass fairways and Champion Ultra Dwarf greens, this course is consistently ranked among the finest golf courses in Oklahoma. The par 72 course features a challenging layout with four sets of tees designed for players of all skill levels. After your game, be sure to drop by the club’s Hilltop Grill, which has some of the best burgers in town!
Catfish Bay Marina 11586 Rooster Creek Dr., Kingston, OK 73439
Nestled inside Lake Texoma Park, Catfish Bay Marina is a full-service marina where you’ll find rental boats, a fuel dock, covered boat slips, an on-site restaurant, and a convenience store. And you’ll also find some of the finest striper guides in all of Lake Texoma here.
Restaurants in Kingston, Oklahoma
Whether you’re dining out with the family, catching up with friends, planning the perfect romantic date, or just out to grab a quick bite, Kingston’s dining venues offer something for everyone. Some of the notable Kingston, OK, restaurants include:
BG’s Catch 605 1/2 East Hwy 70, Kingston, OK 73439
Known for the fresh seafood buffet, BG’s Catch is much loved. Diners from a hundred-mile radius come to enjoy their hand-cut and breaded catfish, fried shrimp, and chicken tenders. Dessert is a delectable peach cobbler and homemade vanilla ice cream.
Alberta Creek Cafe 9040 Clear Lake Drive, Kingston, OK 73439
Located at the Alberta Creek Marina, Alberta Creek Café is a floating café with an enticing menu filled with classic home-style comfort food. It’s one of the best places in Kingston for breakfast, with favorites like omelets, pancakes, French toast, breakfast burritos, and a variety of traditional egg and meat plates.
Ollie’s Juke Joint & Cafe 4030 Enos Rd., Kingston, OK 73439
Drop by Ollie’s Juke & Joint Café for classic Louisiana dishes such as crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. This authentic Cajun eatery serves up bestsellers like crab alfredo, Cajun fried pork chops, fried baloney sandwiches, boiled shrimp, boudin balls, and catfish bites. For first-time diners at Ollie’s, the “Gator Bait” is highly recommended — just sink your teeth into one of these crispy bacon-wrapped jalapenos stuffed with deep-fried boudin, and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
Kingston Entertainment: Texoma Casino and More
Texoma Casino 1795 Highway 70 East Kingston, OK 73439
Kingston is home to the 8,800-square-foot Texoma Casino, open 24/7 and operated by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. In addition to having more than 370 electronic games, the casino also features a bar and an attached convenience store. A proposal for a new casino resort is also underway, set to be located on 50 acres of lakefront property along Lake Texoma. Also from the Chickasaw Nation, the Kingston Casino Resort project will include over 9,600 square feet of gaming space, a 40-room hotel, 10 rental cabins, retail space, and dining venues.
Burning of the Socks
A one-of-a-kind event, The Burning of the Socks festival is Kingston’s unique way to usher in spring. The event invites everyone to gather in various marinas lining the shores of Lake Texoma to enjoy fun-filled activities such as golf cart parades, BBQ smoke outs, chili cook-offs, hotdog roasts, live music performances, yard sales, and more. There’s also a dunk tank (a huge hit with the younger crowd) and the “Polar Bear Plunge” at the lake before sunset. During the evening, guests gather by the bonfire for the traditional burning of socks, donning their flip flops afterward in anticipation of the warmer months ahead.
Kingston, OK Real Estate
When searching for homes for sale in Kingston, OK, you can choose from a wide selection of properties accommodating almost every need and preference. Real estate options in the area include many single-family homes and ample lots for you to farm or build a ranch or custom home. Homes for sale in Kingston, OK are available in architectural styles that include Ranch, Craftsman, Contemporary, Spanish Colonial, and Mission Revival. You’ll find plenty of houses featuring bright and airy open floor plans, spacious living rooms, kitchens with chef-grade appliances, expansive covered patios, and oversized master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. If you dream of the Lake Texoma lifestyle, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful lakefront homes with stunning views. Lakefront homes for sale in Kingston, OK provide privacy, comfort and style with features such as:
- Breathtaking views from nearly every room
- Private boathouses and detached workshops/garages
- Beach/lake/riverfront access
- Wraparound porches and screened terraces
We’ve also got the inside track on how to help you be prepared for a purchase once you do find your perfect fit.
Kingston Real Estate: Buying a Home
Buying a new home is exciting, and it’s essential to make sure you’ve done your homework—that’s where we can help. We’ll help you take stock of the key factors that influence the home you can purchase and your total costs. Most importantly, we can share reliable information about current Kingston real estate market conditions. But first, let’s take a glimpse at the initial steps involved in a successful home purchase:
Get Qualified
Preparations and financial considerations are key to a successful transaction. Clarity around your financial capacity and goals puts you in a more advantageous position during negotiations with the seller. If you’ve already chosen a lender and have secured a commitment on your mortgage, the home buying process will flow more efficiently and seamlessly.
Select a Lender
Searching homes for sale in Kingston, OK means you’ll probably need to begin another search as well: To find the right home, you need to find the right mortgage lender (unless you’re paying with cash). When shopping for a home mortgage, consider these three types of lenders:
- Mortgage banks
- Mortgage brokers
- Traditional banks
Working with a local Oklahoma mortgage lender offers a lot of benefits and can be smoother than working with out-of-state lenders. Most local lenders are more experienced at handling the intricacies, deadlines, and other factors unique to Oklahoma real estate transactions, which helps to expedite the entire process.
Find a Kingston Real Estate Agent
Another time saver? Working alongside a real estate agent. Not only can they help you navigate the home buying process efficiently, but they can also handpick properties that fit your requirements. As a bonus, they’ll be able to recommend services such as lenders, lawyers, home inspectors, landscapers, escrow companies, and more.
Review Property Disclosures
Agents can also help you buy with confidence, ensuring that sure you’ve read the fine print. An Oklahoma home seller is required to inform prospective buyers about any known defects in the property. For this purpose, the state has created an official Residential Property Condition Disclosure Form, which includes sections covering:
- Appliances and home systems
- Repairs, renovations, and additions
- Zoning, water, and floods
- Environmental factors
- Homeowner’s associations, easements, and other legal issues
Find the Finest Selection of Kingston Real Estate
Ready to begin your search for the perfect home? Our team of real estate experts at American Dream Realty is ready to make it happen. As one of the top real estate teams in the Lake Texoma area, American Dream Realty possesses a deep knowledge of how to navigate the Kingston real estate market, superior negotiation skills, and the ability to provide unparalleled customer service to help clients find the best homes for sale in Kingston, OK.
Get in touch with me, Jason Hightower, and the American Dream Realty team today at 580.931.8888, or send an email to redskin120@gmail.com to get started.
