Camping at Lake Tenkiller and the surrounding Gore area sits within Oklahoma's Cookson Hills, part of the western edge of the Ozark Mountains. The area combines wooded hills and clear lake waters at around 630 feet elevation. Most campgrounds near Gore require payment through honor boxes or camp hosts, with prices ranging from $7-20 depending on hookups and season.
What to do
Hiking the trails: At Greenleaf State Park Campground, well-maintained paths provide access to scenic views. "The trails at greenleaf are well maintained and marked. Their primitive camping is accessible and well kept. I enjoy the size of the park it is small and offers a lot of room for exploring," notes Cody L.
Fishing from docks: Shore fishing provides reliable catches in multiple locations. "The fishing form the dock is fruitful. From a boat even better," says ShaneB from Greenleaf State Park, where multiple fishing spots accommodate anglers without boats.
Basketball and sports: Some campgrounds offer courts and recreation areas beyond water activities. The Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA includes "basketball hoop, pool and hot tub, pond with kayaks, and more," according to Ben P., making it suitable for active families.
Mini golf: Beyond standard camping recreation, Greenleaf State Park offers unexpected amenities. Richard notes, "There is a mini golf course too. The absolute best part of this park is the splash pad. It was the best splash pad we've been too."
What campers like
Clear waters for scuba diving: Lake Tenkiller stands out for underwater activities. "The lake is beautiful and it is a very popular lake for scuba diving due to the clear water and frequent certification classes given there," explains Donny S. at The Shady Grove — Tenkiller State Park.
Affordable camping options: Economical sites with quality amenities attract budget-conscious campers. At Webbers Falls City Park, Jerry E. found "grass drive on sites with 50 AMP service; potable water hookup, BBQ grills, picnic tables, group shelters, playground, sanitary dump station, comfort station with HOT water, boat dock and launching ramp, and on-site campground hosts. As a Senior, my fee was $13 per night."
Rock formations: Unique geological features provide natural playgrounds at certain campgrounds. Mara Y. discovered at Bluff View — Tenkiller State Park: "This was a great spot for two families and lots of kids! The boys had so much fun climbing the giant rocks."
Wildlife viewing: Various animals frequent the campsites, creating memorable encounters. Julie O. shares: "Animals! Turtles, deer that like to be petted, frogs croaking at night, owls talking, beavers splashing in the lake and turkeys eating snakes!"
What you should know
Fire ant problems: Several campsites struggle with insect management. At Snake Creek, one camper reports: "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."
Site spacing varies dramatically: Campground layouts differ significantly across the area. At Greenleaf, Gonzo A. found that "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."
Bathroom maintenance inconsistent: Facility upkeep varies seasonally and between campgrounds. At Bluff View, a camper reported: "Bathrooms were easy to get to but a little dirty," while another mentioned "the Woman's restroom had a door problem where stalls would not lock, and the outer door would blow open."
Seasonal closures: Some facilities close during colder months. At Summers Ferry Park, campers note "the sign on the bathroom said it was closed for the season," making portable facilities the only option in off-seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Water play areas provide relief during hot months. Richard explains at Greenleaf State Park: "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."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Gore: Most sites welcome pets with specific guidelines. The Marval Camping Resort provides designated pet areas throughout their facility. Nicholas L. confirms it's "totally worth the visit. It's on the Illinois river and is very well kept. Full hookups. Nice staff."
Fall season wildlife viewing: Autumn brings active wildlife with fewer crowds. Jo L. recounts from Greenleaf: "My first evening I wandered down to use the restroom and I observed a pack of turkeys quietly making their way down the ridge. It was magical."
Off-season benefits: Consider non-summer visits for quieter experiences. ShaneB advises: "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."
Tips from RVers
Extra water hose needed: Some hookup configurations require additional equipment. Kassi S. notes at Greenleaf: "The only disadvantage to this park is some sites share water. In our site we needed 50 ft of water hose and I would suggest bringing a 'y' water connector."
Electric adapter requirements: Power options may require specific equipment. John G. at Fox Squirrel shares: "This was our first time at a TT30 spot and found our adapter did not work. A 50 amp spot was open and they were great to move us to one."
Pull-through availability: Access varies by campground section. Chris M. explains: "We arrived later in the evening and people in other half of site had already taken over forcing us the back into site pad up a steep incline in the dark under a tree."
Electric vehicle charging: Modern campers can utilize campground power. At Fox Squirrel, one RVer reported: "Camp Mode on the Tesla Model Y fully charged us from 20% to 100% with the AC on the whole time and 85° outside."
Legend
