Escape to Carlton Landing, OK: Your New Favorite Oklahoma Getaway

Hey friends! If you’re like us, always on the lookout for hidden gems, Carlton Landing, Oklahoma, is our not-so-secret spot! We’ve fallen for its charm four times over, and today, I’m dishing out all the details—from must-do activities and cozy stays to the best times to visit. Let’s dive into why this lakeside haven keeps calling us back!

Where is Carlton Landing?

Carlton Landing is a small lakefront town located on Lake Eufaula in eastern Oklahoma, making it the perfect weekend getaway for those of you in the South and Midwest.

• Distance from Oklahoma City: 2 hours
• Distance from Tulsa: 1.5 hours
• Distance from Dallas: 3.5 hours
• Distance from Kansas City: 5 hours
• Distance from Little Rock: 3.5 hours

*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own. 

What is Carlton Landing and What Makes Carlton Landing so Special?

It is best known for it’s high-end, yet laid-back lakefront aesthetic, highlighted by the community of stunning homes and amenities. It gives you that 30a feel right here in Oklahoma!

⬇️ Check out our video about all Carlton Landing has to offer! ⬇️

When to Visit

To take advantage of all Carlton Landing has to offer, I recommend visiting in the summer months. There simply isn’t as much to do in the cooler parts of the year. Weekends and holidays offer even more fun with exciting community events.

As you consider when to visit, keep in mind that some activities and restaurants are closed for a couple days early in the week.

Things to Do in Carlton Landing

Carlton Landing is the perfect blend of relaxation and fun!

Swimming

There are two pools available for Carlton Landing guests. Your vacation rental host will give you the pool code at check-in.

Ping Pong and Bocce Ball

Located throughout the town are several outdoor ping pong tables and a bocce ball court! We love playing an impromptu game on the way to the pool or lake.

Explore the Parks

One of our favorite things to do in Carlton Landing is to make a cup of coffee, grab the kids’ scooters, and go for a leisurely walk. We meander from one little park to another, going wherever the wind takes us. Since the whole town is walkable, we never get too far from our home base.

Community Garden

Another stop on our morning walk is always the community garden! This garden has beautiful raised beds of vegetables, fruits and flowers. Our favorite part might just be the beautiful chicken coop in the garden center!

Visit the Overlook

Outfitted with idyllic white rocking chairs, the Overlook is an iconic spot for a family photo in Carlton Landing. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best views around.

Activities on Lake Eufaula

Walk down to the lake for even more adventures!

Inflatable Aqua Park

Lake Days offers a super fun inflatable aqua park! This is a new addition to Carlton Landing and a family favorite. Kids must be 5 years old and up to participate.

Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals

Also available at Lake Days are kayak and paddle board rentals for $15 per person. Enjoy this quiet portion of Lake Eufaula by floating and paddling around the cove. The perfect end to a day at the lake!

Swim Beach

The sandy shore and swimming area of Swim Beach make for a great Carlton Landing afternoon. There isn’t any shade, so you might want to bring a beach umbrella for sunny days.

Our kids love bringing sand toys to play with and watching all the little minnows swimming by the shore.

Carlton Landing Boat Rentals

Although Carlton Landing does not have its own boat rentals, Nine Marina will deliver a boat to CL for just a $50 fee. Other options for renting boats a few miles from Carlton Landing include Xtreme Cove Marina and Belle Starr Marina.

If you do choose to rent a boat, check out our boat lunch ideas!

Carlton Landing Restaurants

While dining options are a bit limited, the restaurants in Carlton Landing are delicious! You’ll want to visit each restaurants’ website for seasonal hours.

*Note: You will also want to bring groceries for meals at your vacation rental since there isn’t a full service grocery store in Carlton Landing.

Mama Tig’s

Mama Tig’s is your spot for delicious, wood-fired pizza! The restaurant is beautiful with its floor to ceiling windows, and the desserts are just as delicious as the pizza.

The Meeting House

The Meeting House is the cornerstone of Carlton Landing, providing a peaceful place for gathering with loved ones, grabbing a great bite to eat or a refreshing beverage. Indoor and outdoor seating (with string lights!) is available, and in the summer months there is often live music, adding to the vacation vibes.

We love their smash burger!

Airstream Food Trucks

Another nod to 30a in Florida, Carlton Landing has several Airstream food trucks which are located next to Swim Beach. There are picnic tables available for seating, or take your food to go.

Where to Stay

Since Carlton Landing is a small community, there really isn’t a bad location. As long as you are within walking distance to the pools and the Meeting House, you will be good to go!

*Note: Nightly rates are often significantly less expensive during the week vs. the weekends. If you’d like to save money on a Carlton Landing getaway, consider staying during the week!

Carlton Landing Rentals

We have stayed in a variety of Carlton Landing vacation rentals and have had a great experience each time! This last trip we stayed in the Redbud Refuge, which was a perfect fit for our family. Not to mention beautifully decorated!

Getting Around

The entire town is walkable, however it can be fun to have quicker ways to get around town. Bring bikes, scooters or hoverboards, or rent golf carts for ultimate convenience.

What to Take

We take these items every time we visit Carlton Landing.

• Scooters and helmets
• Swimming gear
• Sand toys for Swim Beach
• Ingredients for easy meals at our Carlton Landing vacation rental
• Walking shoes
• Bug spray
• Board games and puzzles for rainy days
• A good book
• Football or soccer ball to use in the green spaces
• Tripod to take a family photo at The Overlook

Carlton Landing Map

Is Carlton Landing Worth It?

We love visiting Carlton Landing on Lake Eufaula as a family! It is one of the most relaxing weekend trips from Oklahoma City, since everything is so close (no back-and-forth between activities) and the town has such a laid-back feel. If you’re looking for 30a vibes in Oklahoma, Carlton Landing is absolutely the place for you!

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