The Arkansas in Oklahoma
- March 1 Nov 28
- 38 Sites with electric (50 amp)
- Water hookups
- Reservations accepted 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov
- Beach
- Boat ramp
- Drinking water
- Dump station
- Day use picnic area
- Playground
- Flush toilets
- Showers
- Picnic table
- Firepit
- Beach area
Beach Volleyball
Directions: From I 40 take Exit 308 in Sallisaw, go south on US 59 for 10.3 miles; turn right onto Kerr Overstreet Road for 1 mile; turn right on N4630 Road 1 mile; left onto Cowlington Point Road for 3 miles Both Cowlington Point Campground and Short Mountain Campground are on the same road, just opposite ends of the road.
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.
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 during 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. 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.
LNT
Stay safe Happy Travels