It’s that time of year again, summer is coming to a close and the kids are preparing for the first day of schools. Please use caution while driving our streets, as children walk our roads to and from school each day.

With temperatures soaring we are all looking for a little reprieve from the summer heat. OKC has several metro area waterways and we wanted to make sure you have the proper information to go out and enjoy them.

Permits are required for all watercraft and boating regulations must be followed to use these local waters. The permits are available in a daily or yearly option and are found on the OKC.gov site here.

What kind of crafts are allowed?

• Authorized motorboats, ski boats & fishing boats (including those with an electric motor)
• Personal watercraft such as Jet Ski
• Sailboats
• Kayaks, canoes & paddle boats

Oklahoma boat registration is also required for all watercraft, except for kayaks, canoes and paddle boats. USCG-approved safety equipment (including life-preservers) must be in use at all times while boating. 

Permit stickers should be adhered to each side of the boat near the stern. Boat owners should also carry a copy of their paper permit on their person when in the water.

Where can I boat in OKC area?

Local Reservoir

Lake Hefner

• All watercraft are permitted, except for engine-propelled personal watercraft under 12′
• Wakes allowed in open areas only, and not within 150′ of other watercraft, 150′ from any boat ramps or docks, or 100′ from shorelines
• No swimming or water skiing allowed
• Boat ramps are located at the City Boat Harbor and the Lake Patrol Station near the southwest side of the lake

Lake Overholser

• All watercraft permitted, including personal watercraft (jet skis)
• No swimming or water skiing allowed
• Boat ramps are located on the east side of the lake behind the boat house and on the south end of the lake by the dam

Lake Stanley Draper

• All watercraft permitted, including personal watercraft (jet skis)
• Water skiing is allowed except in lake coves
• Skiers are allowed in water only to get ready to ski or immediately after they finish
• Boat ramps are located at the Lake Draper Marina near SE and 104th and Lake Stanley Draper Drive

Oklahoma River

Oklahoma River, between I-35 and Portland Ave south of I-40 in downtown Oklahoma City

• All watercraft permitted, including personal watercraft (jet skis)
• The Oklahoma River is a no-wake zone
• Watercraft must stay at least 100 feet away from dams and locks
• Boat ramps located near the Lincoln Avenue Bridge, on the Exchange Avenue Bridge and at SW 15 and Portland.
• Fishing floats are authorized for use (must be USCG certified) in the wetland ponds. Floats may be used only during daylight hours, and only in coves, necks, and areas within 100 feet of the shoreline. 

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, located at NW 51 and Stinchcomb

• No wake zone
• No boat ramps inside gated area
• No unauthorized vehicles inside gated area
• Water access to refuge only from Lake Overholser