Quanah Parker Lake is an 89-acre reservoir within Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, featuring three miles of shoreline and mountain views on all sides. The lake was created in 1936 by a dam at the confluence of Quanah Creek and Crater Creek.

Only electric trolling motors (on boats 14' or less) and hand-powered vessels are permitted on the lake, creating a quiet paddling environment. An boat launch provides direct lake access, with convenient drive-up capability for unloading kayaks and canoes. The dam, built during the 1930s as part of the Work Project Administration program, offers an interesting architectural feature at one end of the lake.

The lake is surrounded by mixed grass prairie and granite mountains, providing opportunities to observe free-roaming bison, Texas longhorn cattle, and Rocky Mountain elk. While wildlife viewing can be excellent, maintain safe distances from these large animals. Swimming is not recommended due to the presence of water snakes and snapping turtles.

Doris Campground, located along the shoreline, offers camping facilities and serves as a convenient base for paddlers. The Little Baldy Trail near the dam provides hiking opportunities with elevated views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Fish species include channel catfish, largemouth bass, small bass, black crappie, sunfish, and bluegill for those interested in fishing from their watercraft. The lake's relatively small size makes it ideal for peaceful morning or evening paddles.

For extended visits, the nearby Environmental Education Center provides additional information about the refuge's ecosystem. A hiking trail with a bridge crosses the lake, connecting Doris Campground to the Education Center, offering paddlers interesting perspectives of the landscape from both water and land.