Regulations

Permits must be purchased for daily recreational use, boating, skiing, fishing, camping, horse riding and dog training. Research or enforcement agencies of the University, city, county, state or federal government are exempt from this requirement when conducting official business or with written consent from the Park Ranger.
All shoreline in the public recreational areas is open for public access. A camping or daily use permit does not grant exclusive privilege to the shoreline of that camp site or recreational area. Land areas designated for recreational use are lands that are contiguous and adjacent to the lake shoreline extending inland a maximum of 50 yards from the shoreline at spillway level. Ingress and egress beyond this point require written authorization.
Pets must be kept under control. Dogs must be chained or leashed. Chains and leashes will not exceed 15 feet in length.
Water skiing, swimming and other similar water activities are permitted only in designated areas as marked.
Carrying and/or use of firearms or bow and arrows on the lake or adjacent lands is prohibited unless such use occurs in a designated hunting area. Bows and arrows may also be used on the designated archery range.
Individuals over the age of 16 and under the age of 65 must obtain a Lake Carl Blackwell fishing permit in addition to a current State of Oklahoma Fishing License before fishing in Lake Carl Blackwell. Individuals up to 12 years of age must obtain a Lake Carl Blackwell fishing permit before fishing in the youth fishing pond. Fishing permits issued under University policy are subject to the game and fish laws of the State of Oklahoma.
No type of net, trap, or gun shall be used to take fish from the lake.
"Noodle" fishing is prohibited.
Trot-lines and throw-lines are permitted in areas designated by the Park Ranger.
No person shall offer for sale or market any fish taken from the waters of Lake Carl Blackwell.
All water craft placed on the lake reservoir must comply with all University, state and federal regulations. All water craft must observe a 30 mph speed limit from sunset to sunrise.
No water craft shall be left unattended on or near the lake for more than a twenty-four hour period except in designated storage areas. Recreational groups holding a long term lease with the University may leave such craft unattended provided that the water craft is on the leased grounds or moored near the leased grounds.
Any water craft left unattended may be impounded for safe keeping and eventual disposition. Expenses related to such action will be the sole responsibility of the owner.
Certain recreational areas normally specified for fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, hiking, horse riding or dog training may become temporarily unavailable during hunting season, when research is being conducted, or for other purposes as determined by the Park Ranger for the safety of the public.
Perimeter land areas assigned for University research, teaching, or demonstration purposes are closed to public use.
Overnight, short term, and long term camping is permitted in designated camping areas only. Only one recreational vehicle per improved campsite is allowed. A maximum of two tents are allowed per unimproved camp site.
Discharging fireworks in the Lake Carl Blackwell recreational area is prohibited.
Cutting or damaging trees or vegetation in the public camping areas is prohibited.
Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only.
Vehicular traffic must remain on designated roads. Driving on the grass is prohibited. "Off-road" or "four wheel" driving is prohibited.
Discharge of sewage or kitchen waste onto the ground is prohibited. A sewage dump station is provided free of charge to the using public for kitchen waste and sewage.
No privately owned boathouses, storage sheds, cabins, docks, fences, or signs are permitted on the lake or area lands unless specifically authorized by the Park Ranger. Recreational groups holding long term leases with the University are exempt from this policy. Each recreational group must comply with the original lease agreement as it pertains to such construction and/or renovation.
Alcohol kegs are prohibited in the public recreational areas.
Personal water craft (i.e. jet ski, wet bike, etc.) must be operated in a safe and responsible manner. Personal water craft must maintain a separation of 150 feet from boats under way, persons on water skis or inner tubes, and swimmers. Water craft inside of the 150 foot zone must enter, pass and exit the zone at a "no wake" speed. Personal water craft must maintain a separation of 300 feet from anchored or drifting fishing boats. Personal water craft inside the 300 foot zone must enter, pass and exit the zone at a "no wake" speed.
Operation of personal water craft are not permitted outside of the area defined as the "Ski Area" and delineated by buoys.
Water skiing and/or inner tubing is not permitted outside of the area as defined as the "Ski Area" and delineated by buoys.
Courtesy docks are provided for loading and unloading of boat passengers. Sun bathing, swimming and fishing from courtesy docks are prohibited.
The on-water fuel dock is provided for public, private, and institutional use. One slip is provided to Mercruiser for the repair and service of test water craft. One slip is provided to the University Police Department for the Lake Patrol boats and water craft. Other areas of the dock are accessible to the public for fueling water craft and brief excursions to the lake store. Sun bathing, swimming and fishing from the fuel dock are prohibited.
The Park Ranger may promulgate rules and procedures for the safety, peace and welfare of lake area users. Such rules will be posted by sign or pamphlet and have the effect of law on the waters and recreational grounds.
Recreational use fees are charged for swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, picnicking shelters, and boating privileges with payment to be made to the fee box, fee booth, convenience store, the Park Ranger, or his authorized representative(s). Fees collected in the field will result in an additional charge.
Migratory waterfowl hunting is permitted at Lake Carl Blackwell during the legal season at sites selected and marked by the Park Ranger.
Recreational large and small game hunting permits are available from the Park Ranger. These hunting permits are valid for the specified time and location as determined by the Park Ranger. Permits are issued on a "first-come/first-served" basis.