Boating & Kayaking

OKC - Kayaking.jpg

All boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats on City waters are required to have a city boating permit and follow boating regulations for each body of water. Oklahoma boat registration is also required, except for kayaks, canoes and paddleboats. Boating permits can be purchased at one of our authorized vendors.

Lake hours are also 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., except for permitted activities, such as boating and fishing. Permits allow use of the lakes any time or day.

Boating Permits

A City boating permit is required for all watercraft used for transportation or recreational purposes on City waters. The following watercraft require a boating permit:

  • Authorized motorboats, ski boats, and fishing boats, including those with an electric motor.

  • Personal watercraft.

  • Sailboats.

  • Racing shells and water skulls.

  • Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats.

  • Inflatable boats used for boating or fishing that not categorized as a toy.

Permit stickers should be adhered to each side of the boat near the stern. Boat owners should also carry a copy of their paper permit on their person when in the water. Oklahoma boat registration is also required for all watercraft, except for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats. U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety equipment, including life-preservers, must be in use at all times while boating.

Permit Costs

  • Daily Permit, valid for 14 hours from time of purchase: $6.25
  • Annual Permit, valid for one year from the date of purchase: $33

Boating Rules: Lakes, Rivers, and Wildlife Refuges

Lake Hefner
  • Watercraft: All are permitted, except for engine-propelled personal watercraft under 12 feet.
  • Wakes: Wakes allowed in open areas only and not within 150 feet of other watercraft, 150 feet of boat ramps or docks, or 100 feet of shorelines.
  • Use: No swimming or water skiing allowed.
  • Ramps: Boat ramps are at the City Boat Harbor and the Lake Patrol Station on the southwest side of the lake
Lake Overholser
  • Watercraft: All watercraft permitted.
  • Use: No swimming or water skiing allowed.
  • Ramps: Boat ramps are on the east side of the lake behind the boat house and on the south end of the lake by the dam.
Lake Stanley Draper
  • Watercraft: All watercraft permitted.
  • Use: Water skiing is allowed except in lake coves. Skiers are allowed in water only to get ready to ski or immediately after they finish.
  • Ramps: Boat ramps are at the Lake Draper Marina near SE 104th and Lake Stanley Draper Drive. 
Oklahoma River

The Oklahoma River is between Interstate 35 and Portland Avenue, south of Interstate 40 in downtown Oklahoma City. 

  • Watercraft: All are permitted.
  • Wakes: Not permitted.
  • Use: Watercraft must stay at least 100 feet away from dams and locks. 
  • Ramps: Boat ramps are near the Lincoln Avenue Bridge, on the Exchange Avenue Bridge and at SW 15 and Portland.
Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is at NW 51 and N Stinchcomb Avenue. 

  • Wakes: Not permitted. 
  • Ramps: None inside the gated area. Water access to the refuge is only available from Lake Overholser. 

Boating Rules: Close to Home Fishing Waters

Crystal Lake
  • 6625 SW 15th St.
  • Watercraft allowed except for sailboats, sail boards, kite surfing, and windsurfing.
  • No wakes. 
  • Fishing floats are allowed and must be USCG approved. Floats may be used only during daylight hours, and only in coves, necks, and areas within 100 feet of the shoreline.
Dolese Youth Park Pond
Edwards Park Fishing Lake
Kids' Lake
  • 3200 W Wilshire Blvd.
  • No motorized watercraft, sailboats, sail boards, kite surfing, or wind surfing.

  • Fishing floats are allowed and must be USCG approved. Floats may be used only during daylight hours, and only in coves, necks, and areas within 100 feet of the shoreline.

Kitchen Lake
  • 5501 SE 119th St.
  • No motorized watercraft except those powered by an electric trolling motor.
  • No sailboats, sail boards, kite surfing, and wind surfing .
  • No wakes.
  • Fishing floats are allowed and must be USCG approved. Floats may be used only during daylight hours, and only in coves, necks, and areas within 100 feet of the shoreline.
Route 66 Park Ponds
South Lakes Park Ponds
  • 4302 SW 119th St.
  • South Lakes Park West Pond: no watercraft and no fishing floats.
  • South Lakes Park East Pond: No gas-powered watercraft, sailboats, sail boards, kite surfing, or wind surfing. Fishing floats are allowed. Fishing floats must be USCG approved and may only be used during daylight hours and within coves, necks, and areas within 100 feet of the shoreline.
Zoo Lake
  • 2101 NE 50th St. 
  • No watercraft allowed except for those operated by the Oklahoma City Zoological Trust.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels have been found in Lake Hefner. This invasive species will not harm our drinking water but it can cause significant damage to our water infrastructure, as well as damage boats, fishing piers, and boat docks. Zebra mussels can also adversely affect local fish populations. The mussels move through natural waterways, and by attaching themselves to watercraft and other aquatic equipment. They are  transported from lake to lake by unsuspecting boaters, anglers or hunters. You can help stop the spread of Zebra Mussels by following these easy tips:

  • INSPECT: Inspect all boats, trailers, fisherman floats, and other equipment for mud, plants, and seeds before leaving. 
  • CLEAN: Clean boats and trailers equipment with a pressure washer at 140 degrees or take them through a car wash before entering another body of water.
  • DRAIN: Drain water from boats, motors, bilges, live wells, bait containers, coolers, and ballasts.
  • DRY: If a pressure washer is not available, dry watercraft and/or other equipment for at least five days before entering another water source.

 

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