🌤 Weather at Clayton Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–79 °F | 66–93 °F | 39–86 °F | 28–57 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Tuskahoma, 5 mi away, elevation 600 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Getting There
Clayton Lake State Park is located within the Choctaw Nation part of Oklahoma and can easily be reached from several major nearby cities. From Oklahoma City, the state capital, it will take you about 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive to the park. While from Tulsa it will take closer to 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there. This means that you can probably visit the park as a day trip destination. Though it is recommended that you camp there for a few nights. Further afield, it will take you about 3 hours to drive to the park from Dallas, in Texas, and 3 hours and 45 minutes to get there from Little Rock.
Activities
For those wanting a relaxed getaway in nature, the park provides plenty of recreational opportunities. Many of them take place around the 80-acre lake which is a haven for fishermen and boating enthusiasts. As well as an ADA accessible fishing dock and lighted boat dock, Clayton Lake State Park also has a scenic beach for swimming and sunbathing. If you are into walking or hiking, you can also stroll through the lake’s shoreline and explore several trails.
Boating at Clayton Lake State Park
Overall, Clayton Lake has 2 miles of shoreline and 66 surface acres. This makes it a haven for those who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and boating. Unfortunately water sports are not allowed on it though.
Swimming At Clayton Lake State Park
Near the campgrounds, you’ll find a small, yet well-maintained beach that has specially designated areas that are good for swimming. During the heat of the summer this is a lovely spot to cool off while paddling.
Hiking At Clayton Lake State Park
For those who enjoy hiking, the park boasts a 2-mile hiking trail that showcases magnificent views of the Kiamichi Mountains, surrounding wilderness and, of course, the lake. The trail is rated as easy to moderate and has plenty of ups and downs. It should take you between one and two hours to complete. In addition to this trail, there are several others which will take you into the nearby wilderness. Collectively they are great for hikers, mountain bikers, and off-road use. Particularly for those operating ATVs, jeeps, dirtbikes, dune buggys and pickups.
Fishing at Clayton Lake State Park
During the spring, summer, and fall, Clayton Lake State Park is a popular destination for fishing. Despite this, it remains a quiet area, where you can enjoy plenty of solitude whilst catching crappie, sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. During the winter months fishing is unfortunately not permitted here.
Birding At Clayton Lake State Park
The reason the lake is closed to fishing in the winter is because it serves as an important stopover for a number of species of waterfowl. In addition, during this period you can also spot the likes of teals, mergansers, mallards, pin tails and geese. While other predatory birds like harrier hawks, blue herons, bad eagles and several species of owls can also be seen.
Wildlife at Clayton Lake State Park
As well as numerous species of birdlife, you can also spot a wide range of other wildlife in the park. This includes the likes of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and squirrels. As well as elk, black bear or bobcat on occasion.
Pets At Clayton Lake State Park
Pets are allowed in both the park and some of the cabins, however not on the designated swimming beaches. Other restrictions do apply too. So it’s worth contacting the park for clarification if you want to bring your dog with you.
Camping at Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park offers a wide range of accommodation options for those who want to stay a few nights. This includes 30 reserveable RV sites – some of which come with 30 and 50 amp electricity – as well as 60 tent sites that are available on a first come first served basis. These tent sites are set across three camping areas, and all offer grills and picnic tables. They are also just a short walk from some of the park’s best fishing spots.
Cabin at Clayton Lake State Park
2 Bedroom Cabins As well as the RV and tent sites, there are also 26 cabins available to hire including those with two furnished bedrooms and other primitive cabins. The furnished cabins are climate controlled and come with an in-room fireplace, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, cable/satellite TV and either a balcony or deck.
Amenities at Clayton Lake State Park
As well as an ADA compliant fishing dock, amenities at Clayton Lake State Park include four comfort stations with hot showers. There are also five picnic pavilions, two boat ramps, WI-FI and playground equipment for children to enjoy as well.
Park Location
Clayton Lake State Park 170591 US Hwy 271 Clayton, OK 74536 Phone: 918.569.7981 Website Reservations The park office is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
Map
Video
Below is a brief YouTube video showcasing different things to do at Clayton Lake State Park:
Explore More Oklahoma State Parks
Clayton Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oklahoma. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oklahoma guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Talimena State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Robbers Cave State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Clayton Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 20 reservable RV sites with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups; 60 first-come/first-served tent sites spread across three camping areas. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 3 primitive cabins with bathrooms; 1 two-bedroom family-style cabin. |
| Pets | Pets allowed in the cabin. |
| Reservations | Online booking through the ReservationKey system; park phone (918) 569-7981; email [email protected]. |
| Special sites | Dump station; five picnic pavilions; two boat ramps; three comfort stations; lighted, ADA-accessible fishing dock. |
Camping questions about Clayton Lake State Park
Can you camp at Clayton Lake State Park?
20 reservable RV sites with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups; 60 first-come/first-served tent sites spread across three camping areas.
How do you reserve a campsite at Clayton Lake State Park?
Online booking through the ReservationKey system; park phone (918) 569-7981; email [email protected].
Are there cabins at Clayton Lake State Park?
3 primitive cabins with bathrooms; 1 two-bedroom family-style cabin.
Are pets allowed at the Clayton Lake State Park campground?
Pets allowed in the cabin.
Source: travelok.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Clayton Lake State Park
Park policy: Oklahoma State Parks lists Clayton Lake under the facility amenity 'Pets Allowed in Cabin', so at least part of the park's cabin stock - three primitive cabins with bathrooms plus one two-bedroom family cabin - takes dogs. The official listing does not name which individual units are designated pet-friendly, so confirm the unit when you book.
- Pets allowed?
- Cabins at Clayton Lake are listed as pet-friendly
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet required; pets must be under direct physical control unless in a designated fenced pet area
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins for $40 per night per pet; pets are prohibited in lodge rooms ($300 fee assessed if a pet is found in a lodge room)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $40 per night per pet for pet-friendly cabins; no fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required and must be readily available; pets running at large may be impounded
- Dogs & wildlife
- Never leave pet food outside at your campsite — ODWC names unsecured garbage and pet food as the main black bear attractants.
Are dogs allowed at Clayton Lake State Park?
Cabins at Clayton Lake are listed as pet-friendly.
Beyond that, Oklahoma’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via travelok.com. More: Oklahoma state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Clayton Lake State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Oklahoma's official travel site lists watchable wildlife among the park's on-site activities, set in the forested Kiamichi Mountains of the state's Ouachita region. The 80-acre lake is open to anglers and boaters, with no watersports allowed.
Watch out for: Clayton Lake sits in Pushmataha County — one of three counties where the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's DNA research has documented the state's established black bear population. Follow ODWC's bear-country guidance in camp: keep garbage in sealed containers, store or clean grills of food residue after use, and never feed bears. If you encounter a bear, ODWC says the best response is to remain calm and leave the area.
Are there bears at Clayton Lake State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via travelok.com.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Clayton Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
