Hidden below Pensacola Dam – out of sight and out of mind of the vast majority of people out on Grand Lake – is one of the best off-roading and rock-crawling destinations in the United States.
The GRDA-owned property below the dam, including the Rock Garden area below the spillways and several hills and trails on other properties located along the Grand River, has become a destination for those who love off-roading, jeeping, rock crawling…whatever you want to call it.
And GRDA is cool enough to provide direct, public access to this adult playground.
There are 5 State Parks in the immediate area with direct access to the off-roading fun, and they fill up just about every weekend from March through October.
When you roll into Disney it’s almost like taking a step back in time. There aren’t any full-service hotels or luxury accommodations.
It’s camping, cabins, and RV sites. Drive-in restaurants. A bait shop. A busy convenience store that serves as the community hub. And a few other merchants and retailers.
And it is world-class rock crawling and off-roading. It’s even home to one of the country’s largest informal riding gatherings, the Big Meat Run.
There are even maps with all the public trails in the area. These maps are available at Disney area businesses and only cost $5. Or, scroll down to the bottom of this page to check one out.
Below you will find some info on Disney businesses, and if you scroll down even further, you will find the Town of Disney ordinance on the use of off-road vehicles on city streets as well as the GRDA Rules and Regulations.
It remains something of a gray area and people do sometimes get tickets when they are on State Highway 28. So be aware.
Typically if you use common sense you won’t have any issues with the local police, but the Mayes County Sheriff and also the Highway Patrol will sometimes have a presence on the busier off-roading weekends.
Again…common sense and safety first and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Disney Island Outfitters is your home for women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, sportswear, swimsuits, and so much more in the South Grand Lake area.
What do you need?
Rope Sandals, flip flops, accessories, sunglasses, life jackets, water toys, Floating Mats, Big Mable and other towables, jewelry, home decor, nautical gifts, koozies, sunscreen, plus unique Grand Lake gift items for yourself or others.
Plus… you can even book a room in one of our two vacation rental units above the store.
We’ve got everything you need to make the most of your Grand Lake time at Disney Island Outfitters and Dam Hotel. Come on!
Mooney’s Sunset Motel overlooking beautiful Grand Lake, Oklahoma offers fabulous views of Grand Lake sunsets and is, conveniently, located right next door to the legendary Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill in Disney.
There are 2 rooms with 2 queen beds and also 2 rooms with a single queen bed.
Call today to book your stay and we’ll see you at Mooney’s!
Rocks & Docks Adventure Rentals located in Disney, OK is Grand Lake’s exciting UTV & Boat Rental Store.
Rocks & Docks Adventure Rentals was created with one simple philosophy in mind – rent the newest and best equipment for the ultimate outdoor fun at Disney & Grand Lake.
With new 2-person and 4-person UTVs available, plus a beautiful 2022 pontoon, and even personal watercraft – you are sure to find the Grand Lake fun you are looking for.
Get more details and book your reservation now at the website HERE.
Pistol Pat’s Drive-In in Disney is a beloved local fixture with a rich history spanning 60+ years.
This classic drive-in offers quick service, making it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors heading to the trails or the lake.
The menu features classic American favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, BBQ sandwiches, corn dogs, and ice cream treats, including their famous dip cones.
Be sure to visit the Facebook page to check on hours are seasonal and also fluctuate based on events happening in Disney.
Oh, and you will also find our local’s favorite Pistol Pat’s Family Diner in both Grove and Jay!
As the closest full-service marina to Tulsa, Cedar Port gives you great deals on boats while also offering the convenience of boat slips, a 24-hour gas dock, bathhouse, and access to complete maintenance and service facilities.
Copperwood Lodge provides short term cabin rentals, RV hook-ups, and tent camping in Disney, Oklahoma….just up the hill from the world-class rock crawling and off-roading found below the Pensacola Dam.
And on the other side of the street?
That’s where you’ll find Grand Lake with world-class fishing and the best boating in Oklahoma.
So whether you are in to riding ATV’s and 4×4 off-road vehicles on the rugged terrain below the dam or would rather spend your day out on the waters of Grand Lake – or BOTH! – Copperwood Lodge is the perfect spot for you to stay in the South Grand Lake area.
Visit our website at http://copperwoodlodge.com for details on rates or call us today at (918) 435-5577 to make reservations early for those busy Disney weekends!
Welcome to the Suites at the Historic Dam Hotel & Disney Island Outfitters in Disney Oklahoma!
The Sunrise Suite is an 850 sq ft suite that includes 2 bedrooms, a bath, and a small kitchenette.
The Sunset Suite is also a 2 bedroom suite but comes in at 1,200 square feet and includes 4 beds to sleep up to 8 people with a bath, kitchenette, etc.
Both units have AC, internet, and deck access – located right in the heart of Disney at Oklahoma’s Grand Lake. Click the links above to book your stay today!
Here are rules for off-road vehicles in Disney…taken directly from the Town Ordinance. GrandLakeLiving.com is not responsible for any changes or interpretations of this ordinance!
Disney Oklahoma Off-Road Vehicle Rules
Town of Disney
ORDINANCE, 2009-1
TITLE 47 O.S. 11-116 [D][2] and [D][3] of the Oklahoma Statutes authorizes municipalities to regulate the operation of golf carts, utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles within the town.
ATV, GOLF CARTS, OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USE
Section 2 Section 15-701 operation of golf carts, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles on town streets and alleys with the following restrictions:
All operation on street and alley way of golf carts, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles and off road vehicles even during non daylight hours necessary vehicle lighting and safety equipment.
Golf carts, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles may operation on State Highway only if making a perpendicular crossing of a state highway located within the boundaries of the town.
Operators and passengers on all-terrain vehicles under the age of 18 are required to wear a crash helmet, proof of age will be required, helmet must comply with standards established by 49 C.F.R. Section 571.218
The operator of all-terrain vehicle will not be allowed to carry a passenger unless that all-terrain vehicle has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers in addition to the operator.
Parents, legal guardian or owner of the all-terrain vehicle operated by a person under the age of 18 years of age who or should have known that the person operating the all-terrain vehicle is not in compliance shall be held accountable for payment of fines and court costs.
Golf carts, utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles shall be operated in a safe and reasonable manner consistent with public safety and in compliance with all other state and local applicable rules of the road and registration requirements.
{5 mph}
The right to ride on the streets and alleys of the town is extended to the off-roaders and recreations by the citizens of the Town of Disney.
GRDA Regulations For Off-Road Vehicles
In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all, the Grand River Dam Authority has specific regulations pertaining to four-wheel, all-terrain, and off-road vehicles.
These regulations are enforced by GRDA officers on GRDA State properties.
Please keep these in mind, and you can stay up-to-date on all of the GRDA Lake Rules and Regulations HERE.
[…] 2015 BMR takes place on March 27, 28 and 29th at the bottom of the Pensacola Dam in Disney, Oklahoma. For more information on John Sumner’s Big Meat Run, please visit Facebook: John […]
[…] And it’s so cool because jeepers and off-road enthusiasts come from several states away…just to play on the rocks and trails below Pensacola Dam in Disney. […]
[…] What you will find is world-class rock crawling and off-roading. Most of the fun happens around Grand Lake, which can be accessed in a number of different spots. If you stop in one of the local Disney […]
Not sure. I’m just a guy with a website. As for the park, it is really just all public lands below the dam at Grand Lake. As long as you follow GRDA rules, you should be good.
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