Lake Tenkiller is a 12,500-acre reservoir with 130 miles of shoreline located in northeastern Oklahoma's Cookson Hills. Camping cabins near Bunch, Oklahoma typically operate between March and October, with water temperatures reaching the mid-80s during summer months. The area surrounding Bunch sits at approximately 850 feet elevation and receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush woodland terrain for year-round outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking through autumn colors: At Devil's Den State Park Campground, trails wind through the Ozark foothills offering seasonal views. "The trails are great and have beautiful views. The rangers and staff in the shop are very nice. Bring what you need the nearest store is about 20 minutes out," notes camper Tiffany H.
Scuba diving opportunities: Lake Tenkiller offers underwater exploration with good visibility. "Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. Its waters are clear and cool from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats," explains a visitor at Chicken Creek Campground.
Disc golf course: Natural Falls State Park features an extensive course throughout the grounds. "The park has probably the longest disc golf course I've ever seen," mentions Richard who visited the park. Another camper notes, "Surrounded by disc golf, waterfalls, and hiking. Would totally come back over and over."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: At Chicken Creek, campers appreciate the proximity to Lake Tenkiller. "We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us. Great place to stay, friendly staff! Had a picnic table, grill and a covered area to sit at as well," shares Ashley T.
Clean facilities: Natural Falls State Park Campground maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Love this campground so much. Great spots with really level pads set in a beautifully treed park," comments Jennifer O. The campground also offers "clean facilities and friendly staff. Beautiful views of the falls from the trails," according to another visitor.
Off-season solitude: Fall and winter visits provide a different experience at cabin rentals. "If you dig the crowds and the splash park scene and the loud music... hit it in the summer. But if you like it quiet and peaceful check it out in the winter or early spring," advises a camper at Greenleaf State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many cabin facilities have restricted operating seasons. "Peak Season April 01 to September 30. First-come, First-served October 01 to November 30," reports a visitor about Chicken Creek, while other campgrounds like Eagle Bluff Resort operate "Apr 1 to Oct 31."
Shower facility quality varies: Some campgrounds have better shower buildings than others. "Bathrooms could stand to be updated," notes a camper at Greenleaf State Park, while another reports about Natural Falls State Park that "Bathrooms were clean and had flush toilets and a shower."
Campsite spacing concerns: Several campgrounds place sites 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," reports Gonzo A. about Greenleaf State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Sequoyah State Park offers diverse water recreation options. "Great place to fish and do all kinds of water sports," shares Bianca B. Families appreciate the "breathtaking scenery" and clean sites along the waterfront.
Playgrounds and splash pads: Several parks feature kid-friendly recreation areas. "The absolute best part of this park is the splash pad. It was the best splash pad we've been to. They had a cool slide and we had a blast," reports Richard about Greenleaf State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Some campgrounds offer chances to spot local animals. "Animals! Turtles, deer that like to be petted, frogs croaking at night, owls talking, beavers splashing in the lake and turkeys eating snakes!" describes Julie O. from her experience at Greenleaf State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups are limited at some locations. "Only seven 50 amp spots and no sewer sites but the campground is great. Store outside gate. Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m.," advises Mark J. about Chicken Creek.
Site accessibility: Several campgrounds have challenging site configurations for larger rigs. "Some sites are a little tricky backing into with 29' trailer though," notes Justin A. about his experience at Chicken Creek.
Proximity to supplies: The KOA near Bunch offers convenient access to essentials. "Nearby Walmart and restaurants were handy," reports a visitor from Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, which also provides "a gameroom, pantry, and propane" at the office.