Waurika Lake, reservoir in Oklahoma, US

Waurika Lake is a reservoir on Beaver Creek, a Red River tributary, about 6 miles northwest of Waurika. Waurika Dam, built from 1963 to 1980, holds a lake 11 miles long with 80 miles of shoreline and a surface of about 10,000 acres at normal elevation of 951 feet. It lies mainly in Jefferson County, with small parts in Stephens and Cotton counties.

Construction of this reservoir began in the early 1960s and was completed in 1980 as a flood control and water supply project for the region. It has since become a center for recreation and wildlife in southwestern Oklahoma.

Waurika Lake supplies drinking water to Lawton, Duncan, Comanche, Temple and Waurika, so the reservoir is a working municipal source as much as a recreation site. The Waurika Wildlife Management Area covers about 6,040 acres around the water, land open to hunting and wildlife watching. The lake takes its name from the nearby town of Waurika.

Multiple boat ramps are located around the lake for visitors to launch their own boats or access rental options. Water levels change seasonally and can vary significantly due to evaporation and regional water demand, so checking conditions before your visit is helpful.

During dry summer months, the water level can drop significantly, revealing submerged trees and old structures on the lake bed. Visitors can witness how evaporation and regional water demands directly affect the visible shoreline throughout the year.