A Weekend Guide to Broken Bow

Post Topic: Things to do in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to visit Broken Bow! Seriously, why haven’t I been to this incredible place?

Let’s just say that I was completely blown away by the natural beauty of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. You will be, too!

This past August, I visited Broken Bow for the first time for one of my bestie’s bachelorette party. I knew almost immediately that I needed to come back and bring Randy so we could enjoy this spectacular place together!

So, we made campsite reservations and headed up to Broken Bow this past weekend for a much-needed escape from the city!

First, Where Exactly is Broken Bow?

The town of Broken Bow is located in Southeastern Oklahoma only a three hour drive from Dallas, Texas.

Broken Bow is situated in the Ouachita Mountain range and is a nature lover’s paradise just overflowing with plenty of outdoor activities and adventures.

Here, you will find Beavers Bend State Park which is packed full of awesome hiking options and the Mountain Fork River which is perfect for those of you who love to paddle the river!

If you’re living in North Texas (like me) and itching for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, then check out Broken Bow this fall!

Read Next: Wichita Mountains: Oklahoma’s Best Kept Secret

When to Visit

Broken Bow is worth visiting year-round!

Summer is the most popular time to visit but can also be a bit crowded.

Although, I prefer to visit in the fall or spring when weather conditions are more ideal for camping. I’m not about sleeping outside in 90 degree heat.

Winter in this park of the state is mostly mild with an occasional cold front bringing rain and a freezing temperatures.

Honestly, there’s not a wrong time to head to Broken Bow for an outdoor escape.

Where to Stay in Broken Bow

Two of the most common accommodation options for Broken Bow are camping or renting a cabin. I’ve done both and loved both! You’ll just have to figure out what’s best for you.

Book a Campsite

There are many campsite options in Beavers Bend State Park. A few campgrounds I would recommend are: Eagle, Deer Drive, and Blue Jay.

We chose to stay at the Eagle Campground which was perfectly situated on a peninsula that jetted out into Broken Bow Lake.

Each of the campsites was located right on the lakeshore! Location was definitely a plus of this campsite!

A few downsides were the 3-minute drive to the bathroom and minimal shelter from the chilling wind.

Next time we visit, I want to book a site at either Deer Drive or Blue Jay campgrounds.

Campsite reservations can be made on the Beavers Bend State Park website which can be found here.

Book a Cabin Rental

Cabin rentals are plentiful in the Broken Bow/Hochatown area.

During a previous stay, I stayed at No Concern Cabin which is rented by Broken Bow Vacation Cabins. If you’re looking for a rustic & cozy place to stay then check out this cabin! It’s even got a hot tub for those cool fall nights.

5 Things to do in Broken Bow

You will not run out of things to do in and near Broken Bow. One of my favorite areas to check out is Beavers Bend State Park, there is so much to see and do there!

#1 – Go for a Hike

You’ll find many miles of hiking trails in Beavers Bend State Park and surrounding areas. Here are a few hikes to check out:

Friends Trail Loop

A heavily-trafficked loop trail in Beavers Bend State Park that ascends a steep 282 feet and then curves along the rocky riverside. Friends Trail Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the area and it’s easy to see why.

It’s worth noting that there are many spurs off of this trail that are not clearly marked. It may be worth it to download a map of the trail on All Trails to avoid getting lost.

Lookout Mountain Loop

A 2.9 mile loop that is well-shaded and rocky trail that climbs almost 600 feet in the Ouachita Mountains. Although, there isn’t much of a “lookout” on the trail, the entire trail is beautiful and worth exploring.

Consider the Lookout Mountain Loop Trail if you’re looking for a more “challenging” hike. It’s probably the highest elevation hike you’ll find in the Broken Bow area.

#2 – Paddle the Mountain Fork River

Don’t visit Broken Bow without getting out on the water! Mountain Fork is the river that flows out of Broken Bow Lake and the best was to see the river is to rent a canoe or kayak (or bring your own).

We rented a canoe from Beavers Bend River Floats for only $10 per half hour. Although, this may have been their off-season price as it is lower than the price listed on their website. Beavers Bend River Floats does not take reservations and operates on a first come first serve basis. They’re also located right in Beavers Bend State Park near the park headquarters.

The section of river adjacent to the canoe/kayak rental shop was so peaceful! We thoroughly enjoyed meandering around the still waters in our canoe. This was definitely my favorite activity in Broken Bow.

#3 – Rent a Boat on Broken Bow Lake

If you’re looking for more of a motorized boat experience, consider renting a boat from Beavers Bend Marina and explore over 14,000 acres of Broken Bow Lake.

We didn’t rent a boat from the marina this trip. But, I did visit a couple of months ago with friends and we rented a pontoon Beavers Bend Marina. They rent boats for a minimum of 2 hours but you can also rent for a full day.

The lake is so vast and one of the best ways to see it is definitely by motorized boat.

#4 – Find a Dark Spot for Stargazing

I love a good starry night sky and I was completely shocked at how many stars we were able to see from our campsite on Broken Bow Lake.

We were even able to make out a little bit of the Milky Way! We spent some time playing with the long exposure on my DSLR and tried to capture as many of the stars as we could.

This was my first attempt at night sky photography and now I’m looking up other dark-sky parks to visit later this year!

Not planning to camp on your stay? No worries, just head down to the lake after dark or find a dark country road nearby. Turn off the headlights and don’t forget to look up!

#5 – Check Out One of Hochatown’s Many Great Restaurants

Hochatown is located just adjacent to Broken Bow and Beavers Bend State Park and is where you’ll find most of the best restaurants in the area. The food here is delicious so make sure you check it out!

Blue Rooster

Southern food your thing? Then Blue Rooster is for you! They offer all things fried: chicken, catfish, pickles, frog legs, you name it. All food is served up family-style and I recommend the fried chicken strips and the mac & cheese.

Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room

SO YUM. This pizza was soo good. We were feeling basic and went with a traditional pepperoni pizza but oh it was good. Their crust reminded me of garlic knots and was so flavorful.

Dine in on their open patio and grab a cider or take your pizza to-go and picnic by the lake.

Abendigo’s Grill & Patio

If you’re looking for more of a sit-down dinner, Abendigo’s is about as fancy as it gets in Broken Bow. If you’re visit on a busy weekend night, make sure you make reservations so you don’t have to wait.

Here, you’ll find a variety of traditional American-fare, a full service bar, and live music on their outdoor patio. Although it’s nothing too fancy, you’ll be able to snag a decent meal and a couple of cocktails for a very reasonable price.

What to Pack for Broken Bow

• Merrell Hiking Boots – I don’t ever hike without my favorite Merrell hiking boots. I’ve been wearing them for years and they’ve never let me down. A lot of trails in Beavers Bend State Park can be very rocky and uneven, so good footwear is a must.
• Osprey Pack – Never a bad idea to bring a pack for your water & other supplies. I LOVE my osprey backpack and don’t go anywhere without it.
• Plant-Based Bug Spray – Be prepared and bring bug spray. I prefer this plant-based bug spray that smells more like lemons and less like deet.
• DSLR Camera – Don’t forget your camera! I use the Nikon d3500 and love how it’s compact and easy to pack and takes great pictures.
• Refillable Water Bottle – A must for day-hiking!
• A picnic/snacks
• Eno Hammock – Hammocking is a great way to relax after a long day of hiking & exploring. Don’t forget the straps! And a good book.

More Southwest U.S. Adventures

Wichita Mountains: Oklahoma’s Best Kept Secret

Best State Parks in North Texas for an Outdoor Getaway

Guadalupe Mountains – The Top of Texas

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