Boat Ramps At Broken Bow Lake: Open Or Closed?

Broken Bow Lake, surrounded by the Kiamichi Mountains, is a popular destination for boating, water sports, and fishing. The lake features two public boat ramps, which are accessible for powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes. One of the boat ramps is located at Carsons Creek Area. For those who don't have their own boat, the Beavers Bend Marina offers rentals, including houseboats and jet skis.

Boat ramp access

Broken Bow Lake is the perfect summer vacation destination, with its picturesque shoreline and long-range views of the Kiamichi Mountains. The lake offers a great setting for boating, water sports, swimming, fishing, and other outdoor adventures. For those looking to explore the lake by boat, there are two public boat ramps that provide easy access for powerboats, sailboats, and smaller boats like kayaks and canoes.

The first boat ramp option is located at the Carsons Creek Area. This ramp allows easy access to the lake for powerboats, sailboats, and smaller boats. If you plan to bring your own boat, this is a great option. Alternatively, if you're looking to rent a boat, the Beavers Bend Marina offers a wide variety of vessels, including house boats and jet skis.

The Beavers Bend Marina is a full-service marina located on the southern shore of Broken Bow Lake. It provides convenient access to the lake and offers a range of rental options for visitors. In addition to house boats and jet skis, the marina also rents out powerboats, pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable vessel for their needs.

For those with their own boats, the Carsons Creek Area Boat Ramp provides a great alternative to the marina. This public boat ramp is easily accessible and allows you to launch your own powerboat, sailboat, or smaller boat. With these options, visitors have the flexibility to choose between renting a boat or bringing their own, making it convenient for all types of travellers.

In addition to the boating facilities, Broken Bow Lake also offers a range of other attractions. The lake is known for its pure and clean water, allowing swimmers to see their toes while treading water. The surrounding Kiamichi Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for hiking trails that feature waterfalls, tall trees, rock formations, and diverse animal life. The Friends Trail is a hidden gem that remains uncrowded and offers a peaceful nature adventure.

Types of boats allowed

Broken Bow Lake is a boat lover's paradise. The lake accommodates boats of all kinds, from power boats to kayaks, and even sailboats. The two public boat ramps at the lake offer easy access for all types of boats, making it a convenient spot for boating enthusiasts.

For those who enjoy the thrill of speed and the feel of the wind in their hair, power boats are a popular choice. These boats can be launched from either of the two public boat ramps, providing easy access to the open waters of the lake. Speed demons can really get going here, as the lake has a maximum depth of 185 feet, with a 52-foot maximum depth in the lake itself.

Sailboats are also a common sight on Broken Bow Lake. The north-to-south orientation of the lake and the favourable wind patterns make it an ideal spot for sailing. You can truly set sail here without having to venture out to the ocean. Imagine gliding across the pristine waters with the backdrop of the majestic Kiamichi Mountains—it's a sailor's dream come true!

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, Broken Bow Lake also welcomes smaller boats like canoes and kayaks. The southern section of the lake, with its small islands and secluded coves, is perfect for a tranquil paddle. You can explore the lush forests, serene rivers, and stunning waterfalls of Beavers Bend State Park from the comfort of your own kayak or canoe. It's the ultimate way to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

For those who want to make a day of it on the lake, party barges and houseboats are also an option. You can rent these larger vessels from Beavers Bend Marina, along with jet skis for those who crave a little more adrenaline.

Boat rental options

Broken Bow Lake is a picturesque summer vacation destination, offering 180 miles of shoreline and views of the Kiamichi Mountains. The lake provides the perfect setting for boating, water sports, swimming, and fishing. There are two public boat ramps that offer access for powerboats, sailboats, and smaller boats such as kayaks and canoes.

If you're looking to rent a boat, Beavers Bend Marina has a wide variety of vessels, including house boats and jet skis. They offer several rental options, with a large fleet of boats to choose from, as well as slips for rent. Their pontoon boats can accommodate 7-13 passengers, with their largest having a capacity of 14 people and featuring a top deck for sunbathing and a slide. All pontoons are equipped with shade covers, a boarding ladder, and Honda outboard motors, making them suitable for various activities like tubing, fishing, or cruising.

For those seeking a speedier option, Beavers Bend Marina also provides Sea Doo brand jet skis, which can accommodate two riders each. Life vests are mandatory for all riders. Additionally, their boats are fully fuelled at the start of the rental, and you only pay for the fuel you use. They also provide a map of the lake and recommend dropping a pin on your phone to easily locate the marina.

Another boat rental option at Broken Bow Lake is Economy Boat Rentals, which offers pontoon boats, fishing boat tours, and inner tube rentals. They have over 25 years of experience and provide free gas, all required safety equipment, and competitive pricing with no hidden fees. Their guided boat rentals are led by state-licensed fishing guides, who can take you to secret fishing spots and teach you local fishing techniques.

With these rental options, visitors to Broken Bow Lake can enjoy a range of water activities and create memorable experiences on this scenic lake.

Lake activities

Broken Bow Lake is the perfect summer vacation destination, with a plethora of activities on offer. The lake provides over 180 miles of picturesque shoreline with long-range views of the Kiamichi Mountains. The lake is surrounded by and sits within the Kiamichi Mountains, meaning it is naturally deep at 185 feet. The pure and clean water allows swimmers to see their toes while treading water.

There are two public boat ramps, which offer access for powerboats, sailboats, and smaller boats like kayaks and canoes. If you don't have your own boat, the Beavers Bend Marina offers a wide range of rental options, including houseboats and jet skis. Due to the wind patterns and the north-south orientation of the lake, it is possible to properly set sail in a sailboat without having to go to the ocean.

For fishing enthusiasts, Broken Bow Lake is the place to be. The record Largemouth Bass, weighing in at 14.7 pounds, was caught here. The lake is also an ideal spot for water sports and swimming.

In addition to water-based activities, there are numerous hiking trails surrounding the lake that showcase waterfalls, tall trees, rock formations, and diverse animal life. Beavers Bend State Park, encompassing 3,482 acres of scenic beauty, is also nearby and offers additional hiking opportunities and nature adventures.

Local attractions

Broken Bow Lake is surrounded by a plethora of local attractions, nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The lake itself spans an impressive 14,000 acres, adorned with 180 miles of lush, tree-covered shoreline. This makes it a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, and a range of water sports. The forested expanse surrounding the lake is a sanctuary for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with surrounding trails featuring waterfalls, tall trees, rock formations, and wildlife.

Beavers Bend State Park, spread across 3,400 acres, is a popular destination for outdoor adventures. It offers fishing, boating, scenic hiking trails, and water sports. The park also has charming rustic cabins and the Beavers Bend Lodge, which offers enchanting water views. The Cedar Creek Golf Course is also located within the park, providing a challenging round of golf in stunning natural surroundings.

For those seeking a more leisurely adventure, there is a scenic train ride through the heart of Beavers Bend and a captivating Broken Bow Lake Duck Tour. Horseback riding through the picturesque trails of the park is another popular activity.

The Lower Mountain Fork River is another nearby attraction, flowing through the scenic Ouachita Mountains. It is renowned for its trout fishing, with both rainbow and brown trout thriving in its cool, oxygen-rich waters. The river also offers a picturesque route for kayaking and canoeing, with a mix of calm stretches and exhilarating rapids.

Broken Bow also boasts a vibrant dining scene, with options ranging from comfort food to gourmet delights. Donut Crossing is a great choice for a satisfying breakfast, while Grateful Head Pizza & Tap Room offers mouthwatering BBQ and creative pizzas. Abendigo’s Grill & Patio provides a refined dining experience with inventive dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Papa Poblanos is the place to go for Mexican cuisine, and The Blue Rooster serves up a savoury spread of fried chicken, catfish, and shrimp, along with refreshing drinks and cold beer.

For wine enthusiasts, there are several wineries in the area, including Girls Gone Wine, Knotted Rope Winery, and FishTales Winery & Vineyard, each offering unique tasting experiences and charming settings.

Other notable attractions in the area include the Hochatown Petting Zoo, the Forest Heritage Center Museum, the Hochatown Saloon, and the Beavers Bend Mining Company, making Broken Bow Lake and its surroundings a diverse and captivating destination for visitors.

Frequently asked questions