Lake Texoma - Recreation

Recreation

Diverse recreational opportunities are abundant. The lake area includes two wildlife refuges, two state parks, fifty four USACE-managed parks, twelve marinas, twenty-six resorts, hundreds of campgrounds and a variety of excellent golf courses. Power boating, sailing, personal watercraft, water skiing and wind surfing are all popular pursuits. Lake Texoma has become a major sailing center based on the lake's size, depth and miles of sailing shoreline.

During the spring break and Fourth of July holidays, many college students who have returned home for the holidays will join together in an area called "Fobb Bottom." Fobb Bottom, located on the Oklahoma side of the lake, becomes the focus for a huge party and becomes very crowded during these holidays.

Lake Texoma is also home to the Lakefest Regatta, widely considered to be the first inland charity regatta in the United States. The event typically attracts up to 100 keelboats and more than 500 sailors each spring. Since its inception, Lakefest has raised more than $2 million in support of various children’s charities in North Texas. The current beneficiary is the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas.

Former professional Funny Car race driver "Flash" Gordon Mineo organized many "Poker Run" events on Lake Texoma. On September 2, 2006, Gordon Mineo and four other people, including his wife, Ann, were killed in a high-speed collision on the lake. Gordon was piloting his own boat, the "Flash Gordon", when he collided with the Nashville Catz, operated by Bruce Gibson. Bruce Gibson's wife, Myra, died at the scene, as did the three passengers in the Flash Gordon. Gordon survived the initial impact and was transported via emergency helicopter to the hospital. During the airlift, however, he succumbed to his injuries. Gordon was officially pronounced dead at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. Bruce Gibson is the sole survivor of the accident.