Planning a Grand Lake getaway? Whether it's for a crowd or just for the two of you, for a day or for a week, Grand Lake has something for everyone. From the luxurious Shangri-La Resort to quaint lakefront cabins, luxury RV communities, and vacation rentals that run the spectrum from rustic hideaways to complete lakeside luxury.
Lakefront Resorts
Grand Lake's lakefront resorts offer the complete package: accommodations, amenities, and direct lake access all in one location. Many feature boat docks, swimming pools, on-site dining, and activities for the whole family.
Types of Lakefront Resorts
Full-Service Resorts
Premier resorts offer hotel-style accommodations with resort amenities. Shangri-La Resort on Monkey Island is the flagship property, featuring a championship golf course, full-service spa, multiple restaurants, and conference facilities. Ideal for weddings, corporate retreats, and guests who want everything in one place.
Cabin Resorts
Cabin resorts combine the privacy of your own space with resort-style amenities. Properties like Candlewyck Cove Resort offer cabins, luxury homes, and townhouses on deep water coves with swimming pools, boat docks, and on-site boat rentals.
What Makes Lakefront Special
Lakefront resorts provide direct water access, meaning you can fish from the dock, launch your boat without driving to a ramp, and enjoy sunset views right from your accommodations. Many offer courtesy docks for guests with their own boats.
Featured Lakefront Resorts
Shangri-La Resort Hotel and Conference Center
The premier resort on Grand Lake with 120 guest rooms, championship golf course, full-service spa, resort pool with splash pad, rooftop bar, and 8,000 SF of conference space.
Candlewyck Cove Resort
Seven-acre private resort on a deep water cove. 1 & 2-bedroom cabins, luxury homes, townhouses, and hotel rooms. 450 ft of waterfront with private boat docks, pool, and on-site boat rentals.
Long's Resort on Grand Lake
Deep water cove on the beautiful Honey Creek arm. Two 2-bedroom cabins, a 3-bedroom cabin, and a King Suite Cabin. Covered boat dock with slips, electricity, and lights for night fishing.
Marina Del Rey Resort
Growing lakefront resort with cabins for nightly rentals, marina with slips from 30-55 ft, and RV sites. Features a pavilion with outdoor kitchen, pool area, and the budget-friendly Ketchum Kottage.
Vacation Rentals
Avoid the crowds of a resort or campground by booking a vacation rental at Grand Lake. With homes, cabins, and condos ranging from cozy cottages to expansive waterfront estates sleeping 18 or more, you're sure to find the perfect place for your getaway.
See our complete Vacation Rentals Guide for detailed tips on choosing the right location, amenities to consider, booking advice, and more featured properties.
Choosing the Right Vacation Rental
Location Matters
Grand Lake is a big lake, and where you stay impacts your experience. Do you want lakefront with dock access and panoramic views? Or would you prefer quick access to dining and shopping in Grove? Maybe Monkey Island is right if you want nightlife and golf. The South Grand Lake area offers wide-open water and the legendary cliffs at Dripping Springs.
Lakefront Homes
Lakefront vacation rentals are the most sought-after properties. These fully-equipped homes range from 1,200 to 4,600+ square feet with private docks, outdoor living spaces, and spectacular lake views. Many accommodate large groups for family reunions or friend getaways.
Off-Water Rentals
Not every vacation rental needs to be lakefront. Off-water properties often offer more affordable rates while still being just minutes from the lake. Many are located in quiet neighborhoods near Grove or Monkey Island with easy access to boat ramps, restaurants, and attractions.
What to Consider
Amenities Checklist
- Dock access: Do you need a boat dock or fishing access?
- Outdoor space: Is there a deck, grill, or fire pit? Some properties don't allow grilling.
- Pet policies: Some allow dogs, others don't.
- Accessibility: Consider any special needs in your group.
- Sleeping capacity: How many beds vs. sleeper sofas?
Timing Your Stay
Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends are most popular and book quickly. If you have flexibility, visiting outside holiday weekends or in the "off-season" typically means better availability and lower prices. Grand Lake is great year-round for fishing, eagle watching, and off-roading in Disney.
Featured Vacation Rental Agencies
Grand Life Vacation Rentals
8+ fully-equipped vacation homes ranging from 1,200 to 4,600 square feet, sleeping 6 to 18 people. All homes feature full kitchens, lake access, and modern amenities.
Grand Lake Vacation Rentals
21 beautiful vacation rental properties including The View on Grand Cabins and Carey Bay Cottages. Modern, pet-friendly cabins with stunning lake views and complimentary kayaks.
Grand Lake Vacation Properties
8 vacation rental properties from cabins on the Spring River to condos on Monkey Island and a lake lodge on Lake Hudson. Luxury homes, cozy cabins, and waterfront retreats.
Booking Tips for Vacation Rentals
- Book early for summer weekends and holiday periods
- Read reviews for both the property AND the host
- Check minimum stay requirements and cancellation policies
- Ask if you can book directly with the owner for potential savings
- Verify what's included: linens, towels, kitchen supplies
Cabins & Cottages
Cabin rentals offer the charm of lakeside living with varying levels of amenities. From rustic fishing cabins to modern luxury retreats, there's a cabin for every style and budget.
Types of Cabin Rentals
Classic Lake Cabins
Traditional lake cabins provide a cozy, nostalgic experience. Many are part of family-owned resorts that have operated for decades. These cabins typically sleep 2-6 guests and include basic kitchens, outdoor grilling areas, and fishing dock access.
Luxury Cabins
Modern luxury cabins offer upscale finishes with the cabin aesthetic. Expect granite countertops, stainless appliances, premium bedding, and features like hot tubs, fire pits, and covered outdoor living spaces. Some luxury cabins sleep 10-18 guests.
Featured Cabin Properties
Pine Lodge Resort
Cozy log cabins and luxurious lodge accommodations surrounded by nature. Fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and private decks with lake views. Pool, picnic areas, and private dock access. Use code GRAND10 for 10% off.
Honey Creek Hideaway
Charming cabins tucked away on the scenic Honey Creek arm. Each cabin features rustic decor, full kitchens, and direct access to excellent crappie and bass fishing. A favorite among anglers for generations.
RV Resorts & Campgrounds
Grand Lake offers everything from basic campgrounds to luxury RV resorts with full hookups, pools, and waterfront access. Whether you're pulling a travel trailer or driving a 45-foot coach, you'll find a spot that fits.
Types of RV & Camping Facilities
Waterfront RV Resorts
Premium RV resorts sit directly on the lake with shoreline access and courtesy boat docks. These facilities offer full hookups (30/50 amp), bathhouses, laundry facilities, and often swimming pools. Many have on-site storage so you can leave your boat or RV at the lake year-round.
Campgrounds
For a more rustic experience, Grand Lake has campgrounds ranging from state park facilities to private grounds. Many offer tent camping alongside RV sites, with access to hiking trails, fishing areas, and swimming beaches.
RV Park Amenities
Reserve Early
Popular RV resorts start taking reservations on January 1st for the calendar year. If you're planning a summer holiday weekend or family reunion, book as early as possible to secure your preferred dates and sites.
Featured RV Resorts
Water's Edge RV & Cabin Resort
Premier waterfront facility with 91 RV sites and 12 cabins on a peninsula with 1,500 feet of shoreline. Courtesy boat docks, fishing access, bathhouse, and secure storage. Closest Grand Lake access to Tulsa via I-44.
Monkey Island RV Resort
Newest luxury RV park on Monkey Island. 100% concrete roads and pads, 30/50 amp service, water and sewer hookups. Clubhouse with laundry, private showers, and cozy cabin rooms with kitchenettes.
Hotels & Motels
For travelers who prefer traditional hotel accommodations, the Grove area offers several options. While not lakefront, these properties provide convenient access to Grand Lake attractions, restaurants, and boat ramps.
Grove Area Accommodations
Hotels & Inns
Grove has chain hotels and independent motels that serve as a home base for lake activities. These are ideal for fishing trips, day visitors, or those who prefer hotel amenities like daily housekeeping and continental breakfast. Many offer boat trailer parking with electrical outlets.
Featured Hotels & Inns
Angler's Inn
Premier tournament and weekend angler destination across from Wolf Creek Park. 9 rooms with covered trailer parking with outlets, free daily coffee and snacks, flat screens, and kitchenettes.
Hilltop Inn & Suites
Newly remodeled with 32 guest rooms featuring custom furnishings and local artwork. 26 parking spaces with electric hookups for boat trailers. A comfortable Grand Lake home base.
Where to Stay by Area
Grand Lake spans multiple communities, each with its own character. Choose your home base based on what matters most to you.
Monkey Island
The entertainment hub of Grand Lake. Waterfront restaurants, bars, live music, and Shangri-La Golf Resort. Best for: couples, golfers, nightlife seekers.
Explore Monkey IslandGrove
The largest town with shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, and services. Many options near Honey Creek arm. Best for: families, fishing trips, extended stays.
Explore GroveSouth Grand Lake
Near Langley, Disney, and Pensacola Dam. Closest to Tulsa (1 hour) with easier interstate access. Best for: weekend trips, water sports on the main lake.
Explore South Grand LakeAfton / Bernice
Quieter communities on the east side of the lake. More affordable and less crowded. Best for: peaceful getaways, fishing, budget-conscious travelers.
Booking Tips
Plan Ahead for Peak Season
- Holiday weekends: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day book months in advance
- Summer weekends: Start looking 2-3 months ahead for the best selection
- RV parks: Many start taking reservations January 1st for the entire year
- Fishing tournaments: Check the calendar - major tournaments fill lodging quickly
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Is there a boat dock or slip included?
- What's the cancellation policy?
- Are pets allowed? Any size or breed restrictions?
- Is there boat trailer parking with electrical hookups?
- What's included: linens, towels, kitchen supplies, cleaning fee?
- Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Seasons & Best Times to Visit
Grand Lake offers something special in every season. Your ideal visit time depends on what you're looking for.
Spring (Mar-May)
Bass spawn in April. Paddlefish snagging season. Wildflowers bloom. Fewer crowds, lower rates.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season for boating, swimming, and water sports. Warmest water. Highest rates, book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful foliage. Excellent fishing. Pelican Fest in Grove. Fewer crowds, comfortable temps.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Eagle watching season. Quiet lake time. Rock crawling in Disney. Lowest rates, some closures.
Off-Season Advantages
While summer is the most popular time to visit, don't overlook the "off-season." Spring brings excellent bass fishing and wildflowers. Fall offers beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Winter is perfect for eagle watching (thousands of bald eagles winter at Grand Lake) and rock crawling in Disney. You'll also find lower rates and easier reservations.