Kaw Lake is located in northern Oklahoma most of which is in Kay County with the remainder in Osage County and is east of Ponca City.

The 17,000-acre lake and 170 miles of shoreline provides a backdrop for 12 developed recreational areas. Amenities and facilities include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites, change houses, drinking water, dump stations, electricity, group shelters, playground, restrooms, showers and swiming beaches.

Game fish include black bass, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, walleye and white bass with striped bass being taken below the dam.

The public hunting area that is incoporated into the area consists of over 16,000 acres and provides habitat for deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel and turkey. In addition, there is a 3,000-acre migratory bird refuge.

Hiking and equestrian trails cut their way throughout the area.