Hochatown State Park

Oklahoma’s Mountain Getaway — Where Beavers Bend Meets Broken Bow

Hochatown State Park — now merged with Beavers Bend State Park since 2017 — sits in the forested hills of the Ouachita Mountains in McCurtain County, southeastern Oklahoma. Together, the combined park complex has become one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the South-Central United States, drawing visitors from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana to the crystal-clear waters of Broken Bow Lake and the trout-rich Mountain Fork River.

The Hochatown area specifically occupies the northern portion of the complex, where dense pine and hardwood forest covers rolling mountain terrain. The name “Hochatown” comes from the Choctaw word meaning “above the river” — and that elevated setting above the Mountain Fork River valley defines the area’s character.

Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River

Broken Bow Lake covers 14,200 acres of emerald-green water backed by forested mountains — an unusual sight in a state most people associate with flat prairies. The lake offers boating, waterskiing, swimming, and excellent fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish.

Below the dam, the Mountain Fork River runs cold and clear — maintained by bottom-release water from the reservoir — creating one of Oklahoma’s premier trout fishing destinations. The river is stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout, and the cold-water fishery extends for several miles downstream, offering both bank fishing and wade fishing in a mountain stream environment that feels more like the Ozarks than the Southern Plains.

Cabins, Lodging, and the Hochatown Phenomenon

The Hochatown area has experienced explosive growth as a cabin rental destination. Hundreds of privately owned luxury log cabins surround the state park, offering hot tubs, game rooms, and mountain views at a range of price points. The state park itself offers:

• Rustic and modern cabins within the park boundaries
• Yurts for a unique camping alternative
• Lakeview Lodge directly on Broken Bow Lake’s shore
• Full campground with tent and RV sites

Trails, Golf, and Year-Round Recreation

The park complex features hiking and mountain biking trails through the Ouachita forest, a nature center with interpretive programs, and even a miniature train that runs through the woods. The Cedar Creek Golf Course — an 18-hole course set among towering pines — adds resort-style recreation to the wilderness setting.

Fall foliage season (late October through mid-November) transforms the Ouachita hardwoods into a spectacular display of color, making this one of the best autumn destinations in the region.