Did you know that Lake Texoma is one of the biggest lakes in the United States? Known to locals as Texomaland or simply Texoma, this vast lake lies on the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma. It covers 89,000 acres, with an average depth of 39.9 feet and a maximum depth of 110 feet. In terms of surface area, it is the second-largest lake in Oklahoma and the largest in Texas. Two-thirds of Lake Texoma lies in Oklahoma, occupying areas of Bryan, Marshall, Johnston, and Love Counties. The Texas lakefront lies in Grayson County, the state’s northernmost region.
If you’re looking for homes for sale near the lake, you can find gorgeous properties with easy lake access in surrounding towns and cities, such as Durant, Cartwright, Kingston, and Cumberland in Oklahoma.
Want to learn more about the area communities and the exciting things to do at Lake Texoma? Read on to get an in-depth look at this fantastic natural destination.
A Brief History of Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma was created between 1938 and 1944 with the construction of Denison Dam to manage the waters of the Red River. The dam was designed to generate 70,000 kilowatts of hydropower and is estimated to prevent the loss of $90 million worth of properties from flood damage. The serpentine shape of the lake adds to its unique landscape.
The shoreline is a property of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and as such, the waterfront is not available for private ownership. This arrangement has helped keep the zone pristine, making it exceptionally safe and inviting for recreational activities.
An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Playground
The lake is a major tourism destination in Oklahoma and Texas, welcoming around six to nine million visitors annually. Open for recreation year-round, Lake Texoma offers a variety of things to do for both tourists and residents who enjoy living the lakefront lifestyle.
Lake Texoma Hiking Trails
Texomaland is a paradise for hikers of all levels. Lake Texoma hiking trails will take you along the scenic shoreland, through lush woodlands, and across open prairies. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or an afternoon activity for the kids, you’ll find the perfect hike.
Equestrian Trails
Lake Texoma is a truly horse-friendly region. Check out the 15 miles of trails at Big Mineral Equestrian Camp, which takes you along the Lake Texoma shoreline. Or, for a multi-day adventure, book a site at the Platter Flats Campground. Platter Flats has 37 equestrian sites with hookups and 20 without, plus horseback riding trails and 26 family campsites.
Explore Massive Wildlife Refuges
If you’re a nature lover looking for things to do at Lake Texoma, look no further than its wildlife refuges. Spanning tens of thousands of acres, these unique places let you experience nature close up.
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
The Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge opened in 1946 as a habitat for native plants, wildlife, and migratory birds. It covers 11,320 acres overlaying the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma and contains a wide variety of habitats — marshes, creeks, grasslands and managed farm fields, to name a few.
Hagerman is a birdwatcher’s paradise. More than 300 bird species live in or pass through the habitat, including thousands of migratory shorebirds who stop there in spring and fall. With nine miles of easy to moderate-level hiking trails, you’ll never run out of viewing opportunities.
Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge
Also established in 1946, the Tishomingo Wildlife Refuge covers 16,464 wildlife habitat areas. The refuge is home to more than 500 unique species, including 41 species of mammals and 284 species of birds.
Birdwatchers will delight in observing open-water and forest birds in their natural habitats. Visitors enjoy seeing herons, egrets, pelicans, meadowlarks, scissortail flycatchers, and more.
Enjoy Second-to-None Lake Texoma Camping
Camping is one of the best things to do at Lake Texoma with the family. Campers can choose between tent, cabin, or RV accommodations. Most campsites also offer amenities for grilling and bonfires.
Paradise on Lake Texoma
This popular camping destination offers something for everyone. Paradise on Lake Texoma has traditional RV sites plus “glamping” and cabin setups for those who want to spend time by the lake without roughing it. Accommodations include:
- 10 “glamping” sites, including Kabanas for two guests and Kasitas for up to two adults and two children.
- Several full cabins, including a converted 1920s train car, each with its own kitchen, porch, and satellite TV
- 40 RV sites with accommodations for smaller and larger vehicles, each site featuring a waterfront view, its own picnic table and a grill or firepit
Take time to relax or join one of the many activities and outings available. Wander to the hammock garden and community bar, or rent a kayak or paddleboard and head out on the lake. And don’t forget to take the kids to the playground!
Juniper Point Park and Campgrounds
The Army Corps of Engineers operates the Juniper Point Campgrounds, located close to Gordonville on the Texas side of Lake Texoma. It includes 44 standard electric hook-up sites and three non-electric tent-only sites. Campers can access flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water and picnic areas.
The campground features multiple trails and trailheads, including entry points to the 14-mile Cross Timbers trail. The scenic trail winds around the lake through blackjack woods and over rocky ledges. It’s the perfect trail to take in Texoma’s scenic vistas.
Explore Texoma’s Renowned State Parks
Lake Texoma features two state parks — Lake Texoma State Park in Oklahoma and Eisenhower State Park in Texas. These parks preserve the area’s beauty and invite connection with nature.
Lake Texoma State Park
Lake Texoma State Park makes the area’s natural beauty available to everyone. Day visitors can enjoy the park at no cost, with picnic tables and fire rings available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
For those looking to stay the night, Lake Texoma State Park offers 200 tent sites, 88 full-hookup RV sites, and 41 RV sites with electricity and water. Enjoy swimming, camping, wildlife viewing, and hiking along the Two Rivers Nature Center trail.
Eisenhower State Park
Southwest of the lake on the Texas side lies Eisenhower State Park, a favorite site for Lake Texoma camping. It encompasses 423.1 acres and features a grassy landscape, woodlands, and rocky lakeside bluffs.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike more than four miles of trails, search for native wildflowers, and look for fossils deposited when ancient oceans receded. The park headquarters has some of these fossils on display, as well as resources for exploring the park.
The park is home to wildlife of all kinds, including armadillos, rabbits, foxes and mink. Nature buffs will love identifying local flowers and trees — elm, oak, ash, cheddar, and persimmon, to name only a few.
At Eisenhower State Park, kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge and complete an Activity Book to take home. Visitors of all ages are welcome to join in ranger-led activities, from stargazing to Dutch oven cooking. Welcoming a group? Reserve one of the park’s gathering areas and spend quality time together.
Choose Your Favorite Lake Texoma Golf Course
Golfers never run out of things to do at Lake Texoma. With breathtaking views of the lake and the lush surroundings, Texomaland offers a relaxing visual feast and one of the most satisfying games you’ll ever play.
Buncombe Creek Golf Course
Family-owned for three generations, Buncombe Creek Golf Course began as a cattle ranch and peanut farm. In 2001, the family transformed the land into a nine-hole golf getaway designed for beginner and experienced golfers alike to enjoy.
This par-36 Lake Texoma golf course features 3,024 playable yards with strategically placed elevation changes and water hazards. The scenery is one of the course’s most attractive aspects, with tree-lined fairways and rolling hills extending into the distance.
Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course
Located in the Pointe Vista development in Kingston, OK, this par-72 course features a 7,011-yard Championship layout with Bermuda grass fairways and Champion Ultra Dwarf greens. It’s currently ranked the second-best public access course in Oklahoma.
Visitors also enjoy a fully stocked Pro Shop and a country-style clubhouse with a restaurant serving classic American favorites.
Tanglewood Resort Golf Course
The Tanglewood Resort Golf Course is the brainchild of course design legend Arnold Palmer and leading architect Ralph Plummer. This 7,000-yard, 18-hole course is available to members and the general public. Private and group lessons are available.
Tanglewood is the first regulated golf course in the country to use the ecologically friendly Diamond Zoyisa hybrid on its greens. The Zoyisa hybrid thrives in Texas’s dry summer heat, making this a great course to play in any season. There’s also an on-site simulator with real-time visual feedback for golfers looking to improve their game between rounds.
Enjoy Lake Texoma Year-Round: Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Home
With so many things to do at Lake Texoma, moving here is one of the best decisions you can make. We at American Dream Realty know the area like our own backyard and can help you find your dream home.
We are a multi-broker company specializing in lakefront property, including luxury and modest single-family homes. We bring years of experience in the Lake Texoma real estate market and utilize cutting-edge digital technology to give you a smooth and seamless home-buying experience.
Contact us today or book a meeting to get started.
