The secret’s out: Beavers Bend, Oklahoma is having a moment. You may have read about the breathtaking beauty in your favorite magazine, or caught a fly fishing adventure on the news. More likely, you’ve gotten major FOMO from a friend’s cabin photos.
Overflowing with acres of untouched nature, a state park on par with its national cousins, and a slew of one-of-a-kind fun, travelers from across the country are making southeast Oklahoma their personal playground. And luxury cabins are booming because of it. Maybe that’s why some say it could be the next Branson.
Located no more than four hours from Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Shreveport, this nature-wrapped paradise has become a favorite for families, friend groups, entrepreneurs, and investors. Here are just a few reasons people are booking it to cabin country.
Not Your Average Cabin
Jaw-dropping cabins are to Beavers Bend as gravy is to chicken fried steak. Tucked away in the trees hide thousands of cabins of all shapes and sizes, perfect for morning campfire coffee or movie night after a long hike through the woods.
But don’t expect your grandpa’s lodge when you book your trip. These are million-dollar cabins typical of a resort town like Lake Tahoe or Aspen. And they’re complete with almost any amenity you can imagine, like wraparound porches and oversized hot tubs, chef’s kitchens with 12-person dining tables, and lively game rooms for poker nights and shuffleboard.
In 2020 and 2021, 33 new cabins cropped up. Several more are on the way, with increasingly unique features. Think half-a-dozen king-sized suites and slides in the living room. Even movie theaters and private fishing lakes. Plus, local businesses are getting creative with in-cabin services, so you don’t have to ditch your pajamas for a hot stone massage or a Bigfoot wakeup call. Yep, you read that right.
“The creativity of our cabin owners continues to make Beavers Bend a place people want to visit again and again,” Charity O’Donnell, Executive Director of McCurtain County Tourism Authority, said. “People can’t get enough, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for what’s next.”
The laid-back luxuries of Beavers Bend have investors itching for a trip too. It’s why Financial Advisor Magazine recently deemed Broken Bow the 7th best place to buy a vacation rental. AirDNA even ranked it in the same caliber as Maui, Joshua Tree, and Charleston. Not bad company.
Nature, Naturally
One look at those vista views, crisp mountain air, and bubbling white water rivers and anyone could see why luxury cabins have made the area their stomping grounds.
The perfect marriage of rugged landscape and good ole creature comforts, Beavers Bend is a favorite for both experienced outdoorsmen and city slickers alike. Sitting squarely at the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains, the shores of Broken Bow Lake, and the Lower Mountain Fork River’s banks, the area offers some of the most breathtaking views around. Not just in Oklahoma, but in the region.
Cabin rentals have become a magnet for Beavers Bend State Park, one of the original seven parks in Oklahoma. The natural wonder has long been a hot spot for roadtrippers and photographers. Especially in the fall when it erupts into bright oranges and reds, and in the spring when wildflowers blanket the terrain.
Luxury cabins have only upped the park’s popularity. In fact, it’s now one of the state’s top three most visited. And it’s untouched enough to feel like you’re camping, even if you’re roasting gourmet s’mores around a luxury cabin’s campfire.
All the Activities
While cabins are the stars of the show, there’s an ever growing list of things to see and do thanks to those indulgent digs.
As more and more cabins have sprung up, so have an abundance of activity options, ranging from outdoorsy escapades to anything-but-ordinary experiences. Most are just a few minutes from your cabin’s front door. And the natural backdrop of the area is the perfect arena for fun.
There’s an offbeat adventure for every kind of traveler — from fly fishing, hiking, and ATV riding in Beavers Bend State Park to axe throwing, and exploring a 29,000 square foot maze in quirky Hochatown. Other must-dos include stunning golf courses, go-karts, world-class art museums, winery tours, and plenty of shopping for souvenirs.
Convinced? Lucky for you, thousands of luxury cabins await. So click here to start finding yours. Then load up that car and #GetHereAlready.
