Grand Lake State Park - Bernice Area

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Grand Lake State Park - Bernice Area Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park is located on the northwestern corner of Grand Lake, OK. Our 88
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Hoot-N-Howl is only 3 more sleeps away! 3 MORE SLEEPS!!! 🥳
10/14/2026

Hoot-N-Howl is only 3 more sleeps away!

3 MORE SLEEPS!!! 🥳

This time of year, it feels like 75% of our phone calls are guests in search of these beautiful birds. So let's chat abo...
10/09/2026

This time of year, it feels like 75% of our phone calls are guests in search of these beautiful birds. So let's chat about how amazing these huge waterbirds are!

American White Pelicans are one of the largest flying birds: considerably larger than a bald eagle, but smaller than a California condor. For comparison the American White Pelican's wingspan ranges between 8 and 9.5 feet, whereas eagles (bald and golden) have wingspans between 6 and 7.5 feet!

Notable distinguishing characteristics of the American White Pelican is their snowy white color, with black flight feathers. These flight feathers can be seen both while their wings are at rest, but become most visible when in flight. They have short legs with large webbed feet that make for water-ski landings and strong swimming. This species of pelican also has a long neck and a massive bill that gives the head its unique, long shape. Their bill pouches are what most people think of first when envisioning a pelican. That bill pouch is not only used to scoop their prey out of the water, but also as a way to cool themselves in warmer temperatures by fluttering said bill pouch. Cartoonists often portrayed pelicans as carrying their food in their bill pouches, but instead pelicans scoop up fish into their bill pouches and then raise their bills to drain the water out making it easier to swallow their prey.

One reason why the American White Pelican enjoys the shoreline here at Bernice Area some much is due to our shallow shoreline. When these birds forage, they cooperatively work together in large groups, that often contain Double-Crested Cormorants, to drive fish towards the shallows corralling their prey for highly efficient, synchronized, bill dipping feasts! Pelicans are also skilled food thieves, not only stealing food from other pelicans but also stealing from the Double-Crested Cormorants that are bringing fish to the surface.

Yearly we anticipate this migrating species to our area as it is the true signalling of the changing seasons. Next time I post photos of "today's pelicans" I'll share a few more fun facts about these birds and welcome back to the American White Pelican!!!

They say the early bird catches the worm, but our shoreline proves that in reality it's the early bird who catches the f...
10/04/2026

They say the early bird catches the worm, but our shoreline proves that in reality it's the early bird who catches the fish!

A gentle rain shower has this youth camping group building memories that will last a lifetime. 💚
09/26/2026

A gentle rain shower has this youth camping group building memories that will last a lifetime. 💚

October 17th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm we will be hosting our Halloween Hoot-N-Howl Camper Treat!!!!Add it to your calendar ...
09/13/2026

October 17th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm we will be hosting our Halloween Hoot-N-Howl Camper Treat!!!!

Add it to your calendar now so you won't miss a hoot of a good time!

September Programs & Events are, as always, free fun for all ages!
09/13/2026

September Programs & Events are, as always, free fun for all ages!

This holiday weekend we will be kicking off a month-long celebration of our nature center! 20 years of interpretation is...
09/03/2026

This holiday weekend we will be kicking off a month-long celebration of our nature center! 20 years of interpretation is a big deal, and we thank each one of you for being a part of our journey. We hope that you will continue to support us for 20 more years!!!

Effective immediately and until further notice.
09/02/2026

Effective immediately and until further notice.

Now Hiring at Bernice State Park!Do you love the outdoors? Want to make your favorite place your workplace? Well, you ar...
08/23/2026

Now Hiring at Bernice State Park!

Do you love the outdoors? Want to make your favorite place your workplace? Well, you are in luck as our full-time Construction/Maintenance Technician position is available!!!

Join our Grand Lake State Park team and help create fun, memorable experiences for our guests while working right here alongside the shores of Grand Lake!

Check out this link for more information and application instructions.
https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/okgovjobs/details/Construction-Maintenance-Technician---Grand-Lake--Bernice-State-Park_JR64239?q=construction/maintenance

July 2nd, 2026 - FLOOD UPDATE:As the lake levels slowly start to recede, we have been able to reopen a few RV sites for ...
07/02/2026

July 2nd, 2026 - FLOOD UPDATE:

As the lake levels slowly start to recede, we have been able to reopen a few RV sites for reservations. (see comments for site availability at the time of this post)

We still have several shady primitive tent sites available.

Boat Ramps: CLOSED
Nature Trail: CLOSED

Address

54101 E Highway 85A
Bernice, OK
74331

Telephone

(918) 257-8330

Website

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