Lakefront Resort with Onsite Boat Rentals

Grand Lake was originally an afterthought—a byproduct of the building of the Pensacola Dam, which was made to power the Cherokee Nation and World War II efforts. Today, the lake, one of the largest in Oklahoma, draws more tourists than almost any other attraction in the state. Visitors come here for the scenic shoreline, to fish for bass in the water, and to hike in the five state parks nearby. Fronting a stretch of Grand Lake in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Candlewyck Cove Resort makes a good home base for exploring the region.

The 7-acre property overlooks a deep-water cove and includes a waterfall that trickles directly into the lake. Guests can rent pontoons, jet skis, and ski boats through H2O Sports Rental, a watercraft-rental facility located on the resort grounds. Candlewyck also has two docks with 19 boat slips that those arriving with their own boats can use free of charge.

Accommodations are homey, consisting of a mix of cottages, townhouses, luxury homes, hotel rooms and suites. Most have a fireplace and access to a wood deck or patio with views of Grand Lake, the pool, or the tree-studded grounds. Other amenities include jacuzzi tubs and grills. The one- and two-bedroom cottages are better suited for families; each is equipped with a full kitchen. King suites are some of the closest units to the lake.

Oklahoma’s Grand Lake Region: World-Class Bass Fishing, State Parks, and Antique Shops

Grand Lake, known to some as the Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees, sits in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeastern Oklahoma. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and is known primarily for its fishing—there’s a plethora of bass and catfish to be found in the lake. One of the five state parks in the area, Cherokee State Park, has campsites and a nine-hole lakefront golf course.

The city of Grove, where Candlewyck Cove Resort resides, is one of the largest in the Grand Lake region—it has several restaurants, antique shops, and even a casino. The town’s Har-Ber Village, an outdoor museum, showcases a collection of thousands of artifacts in a reconstructed 1800s-era village. Among the more than 100 buildings are a stagecoach station and a hanging gallows. The collection also includes antique guns, newspapers, and farm machinery.

While in the area, drive by the Pensacola Dam, the world’s largest multiple-arch dam, which created Grand Lake upon its construction. Free tours of the historic dam are offered regularly during the summer and based on the tour guide’s availability in the off-season.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.