Spavinaw State Park
River Swimming and Camping Below Spavinaw Dam — Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park, Swimming Beach in the Shallow Spavinaw River Below the Spillway, RV and Tent Campsites With Comfort Stations and Showers, Electric and Water Hookups Available, Fishing for Bass Crappie Catfish and Walleye, Group Pavilion and Picnic Areas, Playground, Seasonal Operation (Closed in Winter), Near Spavinaw Mayes County Northeastern Oklahoma
Spavinaw State Park (officially the Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park) is a state park along the Spavinaw River below the spillway of Spavinaw Lake near Spavinaw, Mayes County, northeastern Oklahoma, managed by Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. The park features a swimming beach area in the river with shallow, family-friendly water below the Spavinaw Dam spillway, RV and tent campsites with comfort stations including restrooms and hot showers, electric and water hookup sites, fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and walleye in the river and nearby lake areas, a group pavilion for reunions and gatherings, picnic areas with grills and tables, a playground, and a peaceful Ozarks setting in the hills of northeastern Oklahoma.
The river swimming below the spillway is the main draw — the shallow, clear water flowing over rocky bottom creates a natural swimming hole experience that’s perfect for families with young children. It’s a refreshing alternative to lake swimming.
Note: The park operates seasonally and is typically closed or winterized from November through March. Spring flooding can occasionally delay the opening — check the Oklahoma State Parks website for current status.
Things to Do
- River swimming — shallow, clear, family-friendly
- Camping — RV/tent, E/W hookups, showers
- Fishing — bass, crappie, catfish, walleye
- Group pavilion — reunions, gatherings
- Picnicking — grills and tables
- Playground
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Spavinaw, Mayes County, NE OK |
| Official Name | Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake SP |
| River | Spavinaw River — below dam spillway |
| Camping | E/W hookups, showers, comfort stations |
| Swimming | River beach — shallow, family-friendly |
| Season | ⚠️ Seasonal — closed in winter |
| Managed By | Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation |
| Coordinates | 36.3833° N, 95.0500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Spavinaw State Park?
Yes — Spavinaw State Park (Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park) near Spavinaw in northeastern Oklahoma features a river swimming beach with shallow, clear water below the Spavinaw Dam spillway — ideal for families. The park also offers RV and tent campsites with electric/water hookups and hot showers, fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye, a group pavilion, and picnic areas. Note: the park operates seasonally and is typically closed in winter. Check Oklahoma State Parks for current status.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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