Hochatown State Park
🏆 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.
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