Lake Texoma, The Islands, Shady Park Launch
Kayak paddle route trail map at Lake Texoma. The route launches out of Shady Park, a free-to-the-public shoreline area east of US 377 in the Sherwood Shores area. Some places along Texoma are labeled on Google Maps as public launch areas but are really RV parks or marinas that have restricted hours or access. The Shady Park area is open and lets you explore a little archipelago called The Islands. This is a series of Carribbean-like islands with sandy beaches, one of which is called Treasure Island. The islands are technically in Oklahoma, the dotted line on the bottom map traces the route of the original Red River border between the states. The route takes the south (windward) side of the islands first and comes back on the north (leeward) side, about 15 miles total. Texoma is a big lake with long water crossings and can be windy; getting to shore in the event of a capsize might not be possible. And there can be quite a few power boats, so paddling here requires attention. It took about 25-30 minutes to paddle from the launch to the closest island. Lake Texoma was about 90% full pool.
33.85262,-96.80261
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: Early morning on Lake Texoma at the Shady Park Launch, looking east. The picture is zoomed a bit so the far shore looks closer than it is.
Above: How the first crossing really looks, the far shore mid-left is about 25 minutes away.
Above: This bump is ‘Garret’s Island’ according to Google Maps.
Above: The south breeze was mild, ~4 mph, but at one point stopped for about 10 minutes and the lake became flat like this.
Above: Treasure Island has been claimed.
Above: Looking east from the launch area late morning.