Tucked into the rolling Kiamichi Mountains of Pushmataha County, Clayton Lake State Park offers 510 acres of southeastern Oklahoma’s most underrated landscape. Established in 1947, this quiet park sits at the edge of Clayton Lake, a spring-fed reservoir surrounded by pine-covered hills that feel more like the Ozarks than the Great Plains.

The lake itself is the main draw — clear water set against a backdrop of shortleaf pine and hardwood forest. Fishing is solid here, with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish holding along the brushy shoreline. A small swimming beach gives families a place to cool off in the summer heat, and paddlers will find the calm, compact lake ideal for canoes and kayaks.

Hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest, where white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the occasional armadillo are common sights. The terrain is gentle enough for casual walkers but interesting enough to hold your attention, with sandstone outcroppings and seasonal wildflower displays in spring.

The park’s campground offers both RV hookups and tent sites nestled among the trees, many with direct views of the lake. Picnic pavilions and a playground round out the amenities.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit — mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s make for comfortable days on the water or trail, and autumn color in the Kiamichis rivals anything in the region. Summer brings warm swimming weather but also humidity, so plan accordingly.

Clayton Lake rewards visitors who appreciate a slower pace and genuine solitude.

Explore Nearby

• Clayton Lake State Park — Dark Sky Site in New Mexico
• Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Talimena Scenic Drive — Scenic Byway in Arkansas
• Ouachita National Forest — National Forest in Arkansas, Oklahoma