Beavers Bend State Park

Oklahoma (McCurtain County)

Tucked into the forested hills of McCurtain County, Beavers Bend State Park spans 3,482 acres along the Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma. Established in 1935, the park sits in a region that feels more like the Ozarks than the Great Plains — towering pines, clear-flowing water, and rugged terrain that sets it apart from most Oklahoma landscapes.

The Mountain Fork River is the main draw. Its cold, clear waters support year-round trout fishing, rare for this part of the country, thanks to releases from nearby Broken Bow Lake. The Lower Mountain Fork earned its reputation as one of the best trout streams in the southern United States, attracting fly fishers from across the region. Broken Bow Lake itself offers bass fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

Beyond the water, the park features miles of hiking and mountain biking trails winding through old-growth forest, including the David Boren Trail and the Forest Heritage Center nature trail. Horseback riding is available seasonally, and the Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum provides a quick education on the Ouachita Mountain ecosystem.

Camping options range from tent sites along the river to RV hookups and rustic cabins. The park’s cabin rentals are among the most popular in the Oklahoma state park system — book well in advance, especially for fall.

Fall is the prime season. The hardwood canopy turns vivid in late October, and cooler temperatures make hiking and fishing comfortable. Spring brings wildflowers and excellent river conditions. Summer weekends draw crowds, so midweek visits are worth considering.