McFadden Cove
Arkansas River • Arkansas River - Kaw Lake
Source: u_s__geological_survey Updated 1 year ago
Location
Live Webcam
Whitewater Runs on Arkansas River
16 runsDifficulty Classes
McFadden Cove is a boat ramp and campground facility located approximately 9 miles east of Ponca City, Oklahoma, near Kaw Lake Dam on the Arkansas River. From Ponca City, travel east on Lake Road for 7 miles, then turn north onto McFadden Cove Road—the facility is immediately on the right. The boat ramp provides straightforward access to the water and is conveniently located near a full-service marina.
**Water Conditions & Recreation**
Kaw Lake sits on the Arkansas River, a major waterway with an average flow of over 51,000 cubic feet per second and an average gradient of 7.9 feet per mile. The lake is well-known for catfish, crappie, white bass, and walleye fishing. Boaters and paddlers will find one of ten launch ramps across the lake system here, making it an accessible entry point for kayaking, canoeing, and motorboating. The area also offers sandy beaches, hiking trails, and scenic shoreline camping.
**Facilities & Amenities**
McFadden Cove operates as a reservable campground ($18 per night) with electric and water hookups available. A full-service marina is located on-site. For reservations and current information, contact the facility at 580-762-5611 or visit Recreation.gov.
Overview
McFadden Cove is a small campground situated along the banks of Kaw Lake in north central Oklahoma. It is located near Kaw Lake dam and Hideaway Marina and convenient to several recreational day use areas.
Recreation
The lake and river are known for producing some of Oklahoma's largest catfish, as well as crappie, white bass and walleye, making it a popular destination for...
Overview
McFadden Cove is a small campground situated along the banks of Kaw Lake in north central Oklahoma. It is located near Kaw Lake dam and Hideaway Marina and convenient to several recreational day use areas.
Recreation
The lake and river are known for producing some of Oklahoma's largest catfish, as well as crappie, white bass and walleye, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Hunters' skills are tested with excellent populations of whitetail deer, turkey, quail, rabbit and squirrel. During the fall waterfowl seasons Kaw Lake often attracts large numbers of migrating ducks and geese.
During the winter visitors are likely to spot migrating bald eagles, as Kaw Lake has one of the biggest populations in the state.
Facilities
McFadden Cove Campground offers 15 campsites with amenities including electric and individual water hookups as well as a vault toilet. The boat ramp is right around the bend.
Natural Features
The lake covers 17,000 surface acres and has 168 miles of shoreline. Completed in 1976, the dam and lake help provide a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
Nearby Attractions
The area holds a number of historical sites, including several Native American settlements, archeological sites and the Pioneer Woman Museum.