Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River define the camping landscape near Bunch, Oklahoma, a region situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 44 inches, creating lush forests and waterways with exceptional water clarity. Most campgrounds around Bunch close during winter months, reopening in early spring as temperatures rise.
What to do
Underwater exploration: Lake Tenkiller offers unique scuba diving opportunities with visibility up to 28 feet. "Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats. In some areas of the lake divers can see the remains of homesteads," notes a visitor to Petit Bay - Tenkiller Ferry Lake.
Kayaking gentle waters: The Illinois River provides calm sections perfect for beginners and families. "Across the river will be rock cliffs that make you want to launch the kayak and explore," mentions a camper at Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area.
Disc golf: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf courses for visitors. "Has a disc golf course with tire baskets and they rent discs at the camp office," reports a camper who stayed at Cherokee Landing State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging routes through wooded areas. "We enjoyed hiking the trails and our little one enjoyed the splash pad. The splash pad is fairly new and kept in great shape," notes a visitor to Greenleaf State Park.
What campers like
Clear water swimming: The exceptional clarity of Lake Tenkiller makes it a favorite for swimming. "The water is clear and offers a very high visibility for fishing, scuba diving, swimming and boating. It is truly a beautiful lake," describes a camper at Cookson Bend.
Quiet off-season camping: Many campers prefer visiting during spring and fall when crowds thin out. "Nice campground, clean and at this time of the year and/or due to COVID, no one camping but us! Campsites are close together," shares a visitor at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA.
Fishing variety: The area offers both lake and river fishing opportunities. "21 RV spots available around a small, family lake. Water and electric hook ups and clean dump station... Lake is great for fishing and kayaking. Not a major boating or water sport lake," notes a camper at Brushy Lake State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide excellent opportunities to spot native wildlife. "This trip was more of a test trip for our dog so we only stayed one night in the off season. Great campground for families and groups, clean facilities, beautiful views of the lake... The Creek area where we stayed is loaded with trees the rest of the park is very open," reports a visitor to Cherokee Landing State Park.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some primitive areas require high-clearance vehicles. "Definitely bring a 4x4, and check the weather. Dirt road was rough, but a camara managed to get through somehow the morning we left," advises a camper at Horseshoe Bend Primitive Area.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Campground closes December 8 and reopens March 31," notes a visitor to Cherokee Landing State Park.
Fire ant issues: Some lakeside campgrounds have problematic insect populations. "The fire ants are a severe problem. The ants prevent us from playing in our campground area and the kids have to play in the street or gravel. If you stand in one place too long, you get bit," warns a camper at Snake Creek.
Gate closures: Most campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours with gated access. "Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m.," mentions a visitor to Chicken Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads: Some parks offer water recreation beyond the lake. "The absolute best part of this park is the splash pad. It was the best splash pad we've been too. They had a cool slide and we had a blast," shares a camper at Greenleaf State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly accommodations: Several campgrounds offer unique lodging options. "We chose this campground for the Tiny House rental for our Daughter and her husband & kids. We stayed in an RV site, enjoyed the pool, bounce pad & basketball," notes a visitor to Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA.
Water access: Prioritize campsites with good water access for fishing and swimming. "We stayed in what appeared to be originally tent sties. On peninsula over looking lake and marina. No water, but electric here. Quiet, out of the way from others. Park has multiple swimming opportunities," reports a camper at Petit Bay.
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with play equipment for children. "Lots to do here at this conveniently located spot. Basketball hoop, pool and hot tub, pond with kayaks, and more," describes a visitor to Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA.
Tips from RVers
Water connection distances: Some sites require longer-than-standard hoses. "Site included 30a receptacle, 20a receptacle, water and sewer. Water is a bit far from pedestal, bring more than 25' of hose," advises an RVer at Snake Creek.
Cell service information: Coverage varies significantly by location. "Verizon Wireless Cell connection is really good. 42ms Ping, 670mb/s Down, 22.3mb/s Up," notes a camper at Snake Creek.
Power limitations: Several campgrounds have limited sites with higher amperage. "Would have given 5 stars, but they are limited on sites with 50amps. Showers were in rough shape as well," shares a visitor to Chicken Creek.
Site spacing considerations: Some RV areas place units very close together. "The RV FHU sites in the Deer Run campground are on top of one another. We had a neighbor's picnic table maybe a foot or two at best from the slide out side window," warns a camper at Greenleaf State Park.
