Bath Lake Medicine Park Expert Guide 2024
Bath Lake in Medicine Park is a popular recreational spot in southwestern Oklahoma. One of our favorite summertime pastimes involves rounding up friends, packing a bag for the day, and heading to Bath Lake for some water-filled relaxation. We typically visit a few times a year. There’s just no better way to spend a hot July day, than taking a dip in its mild waters.
Built in the early 1900s, Bath Lake is a swimming hole fed by Medicine Creek that offers a refreshing spot for visitors to swim, relax, fish, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Medicine Park itself is a small historic cobblestone community, known for its charming atmosphere and proximity to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Bath Lake in Medicine Park Overview
Situated along Medicine Creek and surrounded by walking trails, lush greenery, boulders, and a waterfall over the dam, “picturesque” barely begins to define the scene when walking up to Bath Lake.
Although much is man-made and designed, the swimming hole resides in a setting that has retained as much natural aesthetic as possible in this small town. Cobblestone-lined walkways guide you to its entrances, which are spread out and great for most ages.
The dam creates a beautiful waterfall over the edge of the lake as the creek continues to run. It provides a centralized, calm area for swimmers, but also allows the flow of water to keep it from becoming stagnant. Fishing is allowed on the other side of the waterfall during the summer months. Signs posted state clearly where fishing and swimming are allowed. The area is open for trout fishing during the winter months.
Key Facts:
➡️ Cost: Cash only – $3 per person (children 5 & under are free)
➡️ Swim Hours: 10am – 8pm daily / Memorial Day – Labor Day
➡️ Swim at your own risk
➡️ Fishing allowed in designated areas (signs posted)
How To Get To Bath Lake in Medicine Park
If traveling from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or the Dallas area, travel down I-44 until you reach Highway 49 at Exit 45. Head west on Highway 49 until you come to W Lake Dr in Medicine Park. Drive northwest on W Lake Drive until you come to Auto Bridge Rd ( a single car at a time can drive over the bridge ). Turn left onto East Lake Drive to find parking and Bath Lake.
Pro-Tip: There are two main public parking areas along East Lake Drive near Bath Lake. We prefer to park in the one across from the Medicine Park Fire Department in town. It’s closest to Bath Lake and gives us easy access to our gear before and after swimming. Check out our map above for more points of interest!
Bath Lake Medicine Park Swimming
The swimming area is considered the area between the dam and the Curtis Davis Bridge. The southeastern edge is divided by an outline of rocks that create a great shallow area for small children to swim and for adults to relax. Bridges guide you from the walkways on either side of Bath Lake to entrances into its water. Handrails are provided in a couple of spots. Tread carefully, as it is slick in some areas.
Swim moderators are located on a small shaded deck on the east side of the lake during open hours. Once you pay them your fee (cash only), they’ll give you wristbands that are valid for the entire day’s swim.
Swimming is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10am to 8pm. We like to arrive as close to opening as possible, typically on a weekday. This helps to avoid crowds and have the majority of the swimming hole to ourselves for the most part.
Even in our family full of good swimmers, we like to have noodles and tubes to float on. The edges of the swimming hole have rocks and ledges to stand on, but once you’re out from the edge you’re on your own if you get tired or want to relax, and it’s not clear water. I love to sit on noodles as I relax and watch the kids play.
Water shoes are also a must for us. Sharp surprises are not fun and the ledges are quite slippery. One of our kids’ favorite water games to play while here is “Marco Polo.” Our kids love it and sometimes others will join in, and they all make fast friends!
Picnic areas & tables are available alongside the edge of Bath Lake.
Not allowed:
➡️ Glass bottles
➡️ Alcohol
➡️ Jumping from surrounding bridges & rocks
➡️ Loose pets
Pro-Tip: There is NOT a changing area at Bath Lake, but there are public restrooms next to the fire station just down the street. They are not always the best, but they work. If using them, please pick up after yourself and help keep it clean! Porta potties are also available along the street as well.
Bath Lake Medicine Park Fishing
With a valid Oklahoma fishing license, fishing is allowed in the section of the creek just east of the waterfall. The Medicine Creek area is stocked with trout during the colder winter months.
Things to Bring:
Some of these items will depend on the time of year you are visiting.
➡️ Flotation devices (noodles, lifejackets, tubes, etc)
➡️ Water shoes / sandals
➡️ Cash
➡️ Sunscreen
➡️ Snacks / lunch
➡️ Water
➡️ Hats
➡️ Towels
➡️ Fishing rod / lures
Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting during the summer months and intend to swim, water shoes and flotation devices are a must for us! They’re strongly encouraged.
Nearby Things To Do In Medicine Park
While visiting Bath Lake, we like to spend the rest of the day exploring Medicine Park and the surrounding area. There are a variety of restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing available around town.
If you like to hike and the temperature is cool enough, head to the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for more adventure. Most hiking during the hot, summer months is closed after 10am if temps are too high. We love to hike to the Forty Foot Hole when it’s not too hot.
Check out the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and Holy City! Additionally, drive up to the top of Mt. Scott, as well as through the refuge to spot local wildlife, wildflowers, and stunning views.
Where To Stay Near Bath Lake in Medicine Park
Looking for an extended stay instead of a day trip? Check out our booking recommendations for some charming nearby accommodations!
FAQs
How much does it cost to swim at Medicine Park?
Children 5 & under are free! All other swimmers’ passes are $3 per person per day. (Cash only)
What river runs through Medicine Park?
Medicine Creek runs through Medicine Park and is the source for the Bath Lake swimming hole.
Is it safe to swim in Oklahoma lakes?
Any untreated, natural body of water needs to be assessed with caution before swimming. Any water that is affected by signs of algae or pollution needs to be avoided.
Check out this current lake conditions page for Oklahoma lakes’ updates here. Use your own best judgment as well before entering any lake, and call local lake authorities to seek out their advice in advance.
Wrap-Up: Best Guide to Bath Lake in Medicine Park
Bath Lake in Medicine Park is truly a gem of the Wichitas. It’s a destination we return to throughout the year. The swimming hole is a quaint, yet charming gem within the small town of Medicine Park. It’s easy to get to and navigate, and is one of our favorite go-to swimming holes in Oklahoma.
When planning a trip for an outdoor adventure, knowing key facts and what to expect can take out the stress and complications beforehand. Now that you’re prepared, pack a bag, load up the car, and thoroughly enjoy your outing to Bath Lake. As always, be sure to let us know what you think!
Recommended
