🌤 Weather at Hochatown State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–81 °F | 65–93 °F | 39–87 °F | 28–58 °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 Broken Bow 1 N, 8 mi away, elevation 475 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Hochatown State Park — Oklahoma’s premier mountain lake destination, now part of Beavers Bend State Park, centered on crystal-clear Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River trout fishery in the Ouachita Mountains.
Hochatown State Park was a separate state park in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, located approximately 9 miles north of Broken Bow on Highway 259. In 2017, Hochatown was merged into Beavers Bend State Park, creating one unified park encompassing the Broken Bow Lake area. The “Hochatown” name remains widely used for the lake-side portion and the booming resort community that has grown up around it.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | McCurtain County, Oklahoma (9 mi north of Broken Bow) |
| Current Status | Part of Beavers Bend State Park (merged 2017) |
| Reservoir | Broken Bow Lake — 14,220 acres |
| River | Lower Mountain Fork River (year-round trout) |
| Entry Fee | Day-use fees apply |
| Park Cabins | 47 state park cabins + hundreds of private rentals |
Broken Bow Lake
Broken Bow Lake is a 14,220-acre reservoir with some of the clearest water in Oklahoma — visibility often exceeds 15 feet. The lake is fed by cold mountain streams from the Ouachita Mountains, creating water quality unusual for Oklahoma.
Water Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Boating & Jet Skiing | Full-service marina with rentals at Beavers Bend Marina |
| Kayaking/Paddleboarding | Calm coves ideal for paddling |
| Swimming | Designated swim areas at day-use beaches |
| Bass Fishing | Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass |
| Scuba Diving | Exceptional water clarity for an inland lake |
Mountain Fork River Trout Fishing
The Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow Dam is one of Oklahoma’s only year-round cold-water trout fisheries. The cold water released from the bottom of the dam maintains temperatures suitable for rainbow and brown trout year-round — a rarity in Oklahoma.
Land Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Multiple trails including the Skyline Trail and David Boren Trail (26 mi) |
| Ziplining | Rugaru Adventures canopy tour through the forest |
| ATV Riding | Rentals available, trails in Ouachita National Forest |
| Horseback Riding | Beavers Bend Depot & Trail Rides |
| Golf | Cedar Creek Golf Course — 18 holes in the forest |
| Mountain Biking | Singletrack through Ouachita terrain |
Cabins & Lodging
The Hochatown/Beavers Bend area has become Oklahoma’s cabin capital. Beyond the 47 state park cabins and the Lakeview Lodge, hundreds of privately owned luxury cabins dot the surrounding forest — ranging from cozy one-bedrooms to large group lodges with hot tubs, game rooms, and wrap-around decks.
Family Attractions
| Attraction | Type |
|---|---|
| Forest Heritage Center | Museum — regional history and timber heritage |
| Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum | Taxidermy and natural history exhibits |
| The Maze of Hochatown | Family-friendly outdoor maze |
| Mining Company | Gem panning and mini-golf |
| Rescue Center & Petting Zoo | Wildlife encounters |
Insider Tips
Oklahoma’s best water: Broken Bow Lake has water clarity that rivals Ozark lakes — exceptional for Oklahoma. Pro tip: The Lower Mountain Fork River trout fishery is year-round, fed by cold dam releases. Cabin booking: Weekends sell out months in advance, especially fall foliage season. Book early.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Ouachita Mountain foliage — Oklahoma’s best fall color. Summer: Lake season, cabin escapes. Spring: Dogwood blooms, trout fishing. Winter: Cozy cabin retreats, uncrowded trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hochatown State Park the same as Beavers Bend?
Yes. Hochatown State Park was merged into Beavers Bend State Park in 2017. The combined park encompasses both the river/forest area (traditional Beavers Bend) and the lake/cabin area (Hochatown). The Hochatown name is still widely used, especially for the resort community and luxury cabin rentals on the lake side.
Can I fish for trout year-round?
Yes. The Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow Dam maintains cold-water temperatures year-round, supporting a rainbow and brown trout fishery that operates 12 months a year — one of the only year-round trout streams in Oklahoma. Guided trips are available through local outfitters.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Beavers Bend State Park is a short drive away, and Raymond Gary State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hochatown State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after.
- 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
Are dogs allowed at Hochatown State Park?
Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via travelok.com. More: Oklahoma state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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