Temporary closures at recreation areas impacting Kansas and Oklahoma: What you need to know

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Tulsa District, has announced a temporary closure and reduction of services at various recreation areas across Kansas and Oklahoma for the 2025 season. They say that this decision is a response to staffing shortages that hinder facility maintenance.

Affected Areas and Refund Information

Specific Parks Facing Closures

While impacts will be seen at all 38 Tulsa District lakes, there will be significant impacts at the following lakes:

1. Council Grove Lake, KS

1. Canning Creek - temporary closure (all park – closed).
2. Santa Fe Trail - temporary closure (only boat ramp opened).
3. Outlet East - temporary closure (all park – closed).
4. Kanza View - temporary closure (camping – closed, day-use open).
5. Richey Cove - temporary closure (all park – closed)

The following parks at Council Grove were scheduled to open May 1, but will remain closed. Reservation cancellations will begin May 1.

1. Neosho Park - temporary closure (only boat ramp opened).
2. Kit Carson Cove - temporary closure (all park – closed).
3. North Richey Cove - temporary closure (only boat ramp opened).

2. Birch Lake, OK

1. Twin Coves - temporary camping loop closure, Sites 3-12

3. Canton Lake, OK

1. Sandy Cove Day Use - swim beach temporary closure
2. Fairview Group Camp - temporary closure (all park – closed)

4. Copan Lake, OK

1. Copan Point Day Use - swim beach & boat ramp temporary closure
2. Osage Plains - temporary closure (all park – closed)

5. Eufaula Lake, OK

1. Gaines Creek - temporary closure (all park – closed)

6. Ft. Supply Lake, OK

1. Wolf Creek - temporary closure (all park – closed)
2. Beaver Point - temporary closure of day use, camping remains open

7. Kaw Lake, OK

1. McFadden Cove - temporary closure camping loop & boat ramp
2. Sandy Beach - temporary closure of beach

8. Keystone Lake, OK

1. Appalachia Bay - ORV closed, camping & day use remain open

9. Pine Creek Lake, OK

1. Turkey Creek - temporary closure (all park – closed)

10. Oologah Lake, OK

1. Spencer Creek - temporary closure (all park – closed)

11. Sardis Lake, OK

1. Sardis Cove - temporary closure camping (only boat ramp open)

12. Skiatook Lake, OK

1. Bull Creek - temporary closure (all park – closed)
2. Osage Park - temporary closure (all park – closed)
3. Tall Chief Cove - temporary closure of beach, camping & boat ramp remain open

13. Tenkiller Lake, OK

1. Horseshoe Bend - temporary closure (all park – closed)
2. Standing Rock - temporary closure (all park – closed)

14. Webbers Falls, OK

1. Hopewell Park - temporary closure (all park – closed)
2. Bluff View - temporary closure (all park – closed)
3. Brewers Bend - temporary closure (all park – closed)
4. Overlook - temporary closure (all park – closed)

15. Robert S. Kerr, OK

1. Little San Bois Creek - temporary closure (all park – closed)
2. Cowlington Point - temporary closure (Winter loop – closed)

Reservations and Refund Process

Visitors with existing reservations at closed parks will receive a full refund automatically within 4 to 6 weeks. You can check on reservation status by calling Recreation.gov at 877-444-6777.

Focus on Visitor Safety

USACE says these temporary closings are to help provide safe and sustainable recreation experiences.

Future Considerations

More closures might be required based on staff availability, workload, and visitation levels.

A full list of closures can be found here. To find a Corps facility that is open, click here.

You can check Oklahoma lake levels here.