Spavinaw State Park
Ozark Spillway Swimming Hole — Turquoise Creek, Family Camping & Bald Eagle Watching in Oklahoma’s Green Country
Spavinaw State Park (officially the Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park) is a compact but beloved park located below the spillway of Spavinaw Lake in northeastern Oklahoma’s Green Country region. The park is centered on a remarkable natural feature: a stream of turquoise-tinted water flowing from the spillway, creating a shallow, family-friendly swimming hole that has drawn generations of Oklahoma families to this quiet corner of the Ozark foothills.
Beyond the swimming, Spavinaw offers camping (tent and RV), fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye, shaded picnic areas, a playground, and seasonal bald eagle watching. The nearby Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area provides additional opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting. It’s a park defined by simplicity and natural beauty — the turquoise swimming creek and the covered group shelter under mature shade trees are the kind of genuine outdoor experiences that don’t need embellishment.
Things to Do
Swimming
The park’s signature attraction — a natural swimming area in the creek below the spillway:
- Clear, turquoise-tinted water flowing from Spavinaw Lake’s spillway
- Shallow sections ideal for children — one of the safest natural swimming spots in Oklahoma
- No lifeguards: Swim at your own risk
Fishing
- Species: Channel catfish, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, sunfish, spotted bass, and walleye
- Access: Creek fishing below the spillway and lake access via public boat ramps on Spavinaw Lake’s northwest side
- Note: Spavinaw Lake is managed by the City of Tulsa — check for any additional permit requirements
Wildlife & Birding
- Bald eagles: The Spavinaw area is one of Oklahoma’s best wintering bald eagle viewing locations — peak season December through February
- Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area: Adjacent public land offering hiking, wildlife observation, and seasonal hunting
Picnicking & Family Recreation
- Shaded picnic areas with tables and grills
- Large covered group shelter — ideal for family gatherings
- Playground
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | Tent and RV sites available |
| Facilities | Comfort station with restrooms and showers |
| Reservations | Required — online only; no on-site check-in |
| Pets | Allowed, leashed |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Spillway swimming; warm creek water; family camping; fishing; full facilities | Hot (90°F+); thunderstorms; reserve online early |
| Spring (Mar–May) | ⭐ Wildflowers; spring bass fishing; comfortable camping; greening Ozark foothills | Flooding risk — check conditions before visiting; variable weather |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Cool camping; fall foliage in Ozarks; quiet; catfish active | Park may begin winterizing; shorter days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 🦅 BALD EAGLE season; wintering eagles at Spavinaw Lake; solitude | Park winterized — limited/no facilities; cold; check status before visiting |
Visitor Tips
- Online reservations only: There is no on-site check-in — all camping must be reserved online in advance. Don’t show up expecting walk-in sites.
- Flooding risk: The park sits below a spillway and is subject to flooding during heavy spring rains. Check current conditions with Oklahoma State Parks before planning a trip, especially March–May.
- Turquoise water: The creek’s distinctive turquoise color comes from dissolved minerals in the water flowing over the spillway — it’s natural, not artificial, and creates one of the most photogenic swimming holes in Oklahoma.
- Bald eagles: December through February is prime bald eagle viewing season at Spavinaw Lake. Bring binoculars and look for eagles perching in tall trees near the lake and spillway.
- Supplies: The nearest stores are in the town of Spavinaw — stock up on firewood, ice, and supplies before arriving at the park.
- Grand Lake area: Spavinaw is part of the broader Grand Lake region of northeast Oklahoma — combine with visits to Grand Lake State Park, Natural Falls State Park, or the charming Ozark town of Grove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Spavinaw State Park?
Yes — Spavinaw State Park features a natural swimming area in the creek below the Spavinaw Lake spillway. The water has a distinctive turquoise tint from dissolved minerals and includes shallow sections ideal for young children. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk. The swimming area is most popular during summer months (June through August). The park is subject to flooding during heavy rains, so check conditions before visiting.
Are there bald eagles at Spavinaw?
Yes — the Spavinaw Lake area is one of northeastern Oklahoma’s best locations for observing wintering bald eagles. Peak viewing season is December through February, when eagles congregate near the lake and spillway to fish. Bring binoculars and look for eagles perched in tall trees along the lake shore. The nearby Spavinaw Wildlife Management Area also provides wildlife viewing opportunities year-round.
Last updated: April 2026
