Directions: From I 40 take Exit 308 in Sallisaw, go south on US 59 for 4.2 miles; turn right onto E1121 road then left onto N4610 road and follow for two miles; turn right onto E1140 road and follow for .5 mile.
Two weeks on the lake and cheap by any means. The COE camps really can't be beat for a bargain especially in 2021. Applegate and really all the campgrounds in this area are set in the rolling hills and pastures with beautiful barns and small towns. The location of Applegate Cove is no different and the people we have met are amazing. If you are staying in this area you either have a love of the water or fishing and hunting. You will find an abundance of all. The water sites are beautiful. Some might be close together but the view is still unbeatable for the price. Mature trees dot the landscape to make for a shady site. The sites might not be perfectly level and be a bit broken and gravel but we can make do. You will enjoy beautiful sunsets and a clean bath house. Check out the fall colors after a frost and you will be in awe of the beauty.
The sites for COE campgrounds are normally more on the small size than large and that is the norm with this campground You will find some nice water sites, shady or dappled with sun. Gravel sites and pavement with some sites in rough shape. I would guess that all COE campgrounds have water sites and that is the draw for anyone. We have found that those sites are booked up far in advance so check with recreation.gov often to see if anyone has cancelled, it does happen. Try to travel during the week because getting a water site is totally sweet. The sunsets and sun rises are generally amazing.
Check out the Short Mountain Hiking Trail. Bird watching will give you great pleasure and serenity.
The Robert S. Kerr Reservoir is on the Arkansas River in several counties in eastern Oklahoma. It is about 8 miles south of the nearest town, of Sallisaw. The Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam is located at mile 336.2 on the Arkansas River just a few miles below its confluence with the Canadian River. The lock and dam provides for barge navigation on the Arkansas River and some of its tributaries.
The Observation decks at the Visitors Center provide an excellent view of the barges and pleasure boats passing through the lock. It is amazing when you think of river traffic carrying needed supplies still to this day. The reservoir offers boating, kayaking, SUP, fishing, hiking, nature trails plenty to keep you busy. I caution ALL pleasure water craft to be aware of barge traffic. You might see the barge but chances are it can't see you. Kayakers, canoe, and SUP might want to have a flag and wear bright clothes and if you do cross the traffic channel do so in a very timely manner. Make sure you are able to handle the wakes that will come after the barge has passed. Nose into the wake.
If you plan to fish make sure you have the proper license and bait your hook for crappie, sand bass, catfish and black bass and many more. Kerr Lake is considered one of the top striper fishing lakes in Oklahoma.
There is also hunting areas on either side of the Sequoyah Wildlife Refuge which was established in 1970. The COE manages almost 11,000 acres of project land around the lake for public hunting. Anyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the many hunting seasons in the area. The hunter will find several species to include white tailed deer, fox and gray squirrel, cottontail and swamp rabbit, raccoon, mink, opossum, bobwhite quail, mourning dove and several species of waterfowl.
The reservoir has over 250 miles of shoreline and 43,000 surface acres
Gates open at 6AM and close at 10PM
Check out Time 4PM, Check in Time 6PM
Quiet Hours: 10PM to 6AM
Camping is permitted in designated campsites only.
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30 day period.
Campers must occupy the campsite at least once during each 24 hour period.
Leave it better than when you found it.
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