Purcell Lake
Purcell City Lake is 150 acres of water surrounded by many parks and recreational opportunities. Our docks and jetties and long stretches of shoreline give access to fisherman on all sides of the lake. From kayaks to bass boats, our no wake waters our easily accessible through many boat ramps and launch points. A large sand beach is a great spot to tan, play with the kids and go for a swim in the designated swimming area.
Lake Rules and Guidelines
The following rules and guidelines are a combination of city ordinances and advice from ODWC for improving our fishing. Please help to keep Purcell City Lake a great attraction for our community!
- Lake Road speed limit is 15 miles per hour.
- Pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way.
- Motor vehicles are NOT permitted on any of the trails around the lake.
- No wake lake.
- State of Oklahoma fishing permit required by state law.
- Black Bass less than 16" must be returned to the water unharmed immediately.
- Crappie less than 10" must be returned to the water unharmed immediately.
Purcell Lake RV Park
RV spaces are available for rent at Purcell City Lake from the Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course!
The park features ten (10) pull through spaces and twelve (12) back in spaces.
To inquire about a spot at the RV park, please call (405) 527-5114!
Purcell Lake Trails
The Purcell Lake Trails are envisioned, sponsored, and created by the community and its citizens to provide an exceptional attraction for improvement in the physical and mental health and well-being of Purcell citizens and friends.
Funded in part by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism Recreational Trails Program, these ADA accessible paved trails are located on the south and east sides of Purcell Lake. The south trail travels west and is one mile long and loops around the Rotary Pavilion with playground and ADA-restrooms. The east trail follows the lake side north to the spillway bridge and across the dam. These trails give gorgeous scenic views of the lake and natural surroundings.
The south trail was first constructed in 2004, and refurbished in 2018. The east trail was completed in 2023. More phases of the Lake Trail are planned in the near future.
Purcell Lake 5k Course
Purcell Lake features two certified 5k courses. Lake Road follows a large portion of the perimeter of the lake, then connects with the Lake Trails. One course is an out-and back trail, and one is the full perimeter of the lake.
Follow the link below for information about our certified 5k Course:
Purcell Lake 5k Course Page
The Dragon Disc Golf Course
The Dragon Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course located next to Purcell City Lake. The course has mixed terrain and obstacles. The course is owned by the City of Purcell and maintained by the City of Purcell Parks Department.
Purcell Lake Beach and Swimming Area
In 2018, the Purcell City Council, on recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Parks & Recreation Department, created a swimming area at Purcell Lake, allowing the community to utilize and enjoy more opportunities for lake recreation. The beach is open year-round from sunup to sunset. As with any natural body of water, we recommend following the guidelines below.
Purcell Lake Swimming - City Ordinance 18-02
- Proper swim attire is required. Infants must have approved swim diapers or rubber pants with tights fitting legs.
- Persons under age 13 must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device of proper size and fit when in the water.
- No pets are allowed on beach property except service dogs.
- Swim beaches will close at sunset and re-open at sunrise.
- Fishing in the swimming area is prohibited.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed on city property.
- Glass containers are prohibited.
- Swimming is strictly at your own risk as there is no lifeguard on duty at any time.
Rotary Pavilion and Playground
About the Rotary Pavilion and Playground
The Rotary Pavilion and Playground is a popular place for recreation in Purcell. Surrounded by beautiful natural areas next to Purcell Lake, the location features a pavilion with picnic tables, public restrooms, paved walking trails, and fantastic playground. The playground features exciting structures for ages 2-5 and 5-12 with swings, slides, and other fun features! All of the amenities at the Rotary Pavilion and Playground are designed for inclusiveness and immersion in a natural setting, and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Reservations for the pavilions can be made by contacting the Purcell Parks and Recreation Department by emailing parks@purcellok.gov or calling (405) 527-7227.
Playground History
Rotary Playground was constructed at Purcell City Lake by the Purcell Rotary Club around 1987. For years, kids in our community have been enjoying this play structure. The City of Purcell inherited the play structure and close-by pavilion from the Rotary Club in the late 1990’s. As the City made Investments in new amenities such as upgrades to the Original One-Mile Trail and ADA accessible restrooms near the Rotary Pavilion and Playground in 2019, the play structure broke down and was rated unsafe for use.
