Best Tent Camping near Gore, OK

Tent campsites around Gore, Oklahoma cluster primarily near Lake Tenkiller, with established options at Tenkiller State Park's Eagles Point and Hickory Flats campgrounds. These areas offer tent-specific sites with varying levels of amenities while providing scenic lake views. Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area provides more rustic tent camping along the Illinois River, though recent reviews indicate changing regulations regarding overnight stays. Jackson Bay Recreation Area offers free tent camping with 14-day stay limits and minimal facilities.

Most tent campgrounds near Gore feature dirt or gravel tent pads with modest amenities. Drive-in access predominates at Eagles Point and Hickory Flats, while Horseshoe Bend requires careful navigation down steep terrain that demands high-clearance vehicles. Limited drinking water availability means tent campers should pack sufficient water supplies. Fire rings are common at established sites, though fire bans may be implemented during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at state park locations but lacking at more primitive areas like Jackson Bay, where pack-in, pack-out principles apply for all waste.

Tenkiller State Park's tent sites provide lake views with sufficient shade from surrounding trees. The proximity to water makes these locations popular for fishing and paddling activities. Tent campers seeking greater seclusion should consider Horseshoe Bend, which offers a more isolated experience along the Illinois River. According to one visitor, "If you are looking for a nice place on the Illinois River to camp, float the river, set shuttle or just hang out, this is a very nice place. You will enjoy the privacy compared to other campgrounds in the area that have large crowds." Jackson Bay tent sites include some with picnic tables and fire rings, offering tent campers direct lakeside access without the crowds found at more developed campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near Gore, Oklahoma (21)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Gore, OK

501 Reviews of 21 Gore Campgrounds


  • Leslie  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Quarry Island Campground — Lake Wister State Park

    Quiet and Beautiful

    We stayed at RV site #3 on Quarry Island. The concrete pad was perfectly level and took no time to set up. There were 5 RV sites with full hook ups on isle, even though #4 and # 5 are so close to each other that slide outs could bump into each other, and 2 very nice RV sites with only water and electric on the isle. There was also a lot of tent camping, flush and vault toilets, dump station, pavilion, 5 cabins, picnic tables with grills, boat ramp and swimming anywhere you wanted except for 150’ of the boat ramp. The ranger station was on the isle, so traffic was high at check in. There were 2 hiking trails that looked very nice, but never hiked because we were kayaking. My parents stayed in cabin #4 on the isle and my brother tent camped at Wister Ridge. The view from both of their places was breathtaking and his tent site was well shaded with maple, oak and pine. Fishing was very good and wasn’t a whole lot of boat traffic. There is also primitive camping which looked very nice, except for a couple of sites where the campers didn’t clean up too well behind themselves.

    Pros: Beautiful area and amazing views. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Plenty of options for accommodations and outdoor activities. The Heavner Ruinstone and Spiral Mounds are close. Tons of wildlife areas and we even spotted a bald eagle. The campgrounds and cabins were very clean.

    Cons: RV sites can be very crowded and not well spaced, especially at Victor Landing. The Wards would be the least crowded for RVs. The booking website is not very good and not very accurate. The cabins bed was not very comfortable, the shower was small and flooded the bathroom while using and the kitchen light and living room ceiling fan was on one switch, so there was no way to have the fan going without the light on. Not all RV sites have picnic tables.

  • Sheila B.
    May. 1, 2020

    Robbers Cave State Park — Robbers Cave State Resort Park

    Perfect for a quick trip

    We decided on a whim to get away from home for a few days. This was a very relaxing stay. We stayed in the ATV campground as we brought our side by side. We did more hiking than off road riding. We discovered that the off road area hasn’t been open for very long. We went out the first day, but not again after that since we felt like we needed to be with other riders for safety. The hiking is so nice here we have a 5 year old and he hiked with us on four different trails during our stay. We found registration an easy process, and it was easy to find our campsite once we arrived. Each spot has a picnic table, lantern hook, grill, and fire ring. There are other accommodations such as tent camping, hike to camp, and regular RV spots with concrete pads. We enjoyed our stay and we will come back.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2021

    Chicken Creek

    Love the Lake

    Peak Season April 01, 2021- September 30, 2021

    First-come, First-served October 01, 2021- November 30, 2021  

    All campsites are equipped with electric hookups, and the group shelters have electricity, too. 

    flush toilets, hot showers, water hydrants, a swim beach, playground, dump station and a boat ramp complex playground

    Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive.  It's 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.  In some areas of the lake divers can see the remains of homesteads.  The underwater terrain ranges from gently sloping hills to rocky cliffs.  The water ranges in depth up to 165 feet.

    Tenkiller Ferry Lake is often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The 12,500 acre lake is fed by the Illinois River and the Baron Fork . It is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. This area, known as Green Country, is surrounded by dense oak-hickory forests, tall bluffs, and rolling hills. The lake has 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It serves as one of the flyways of migratory birds, including bald eagles, common loons, and white pelicans.

    Water skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming and even sailing.  Scuba divers enjoy the lake's high visibility and the beautiful clear waters.  Fish for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish. The trout stream below the dam is one of only two year-round trout fisheries in Oklahoma, and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Hunting is also permitted in parts of the lake area, in accordance with federal and state laws. 

    Latitude 35° 40' 54.0001" N Longitude 94° 57' 46.0001" W 

    Directions:  From Gore, Oklahoma, go 17.5 miles northeast on Highway 100, take the turn left and go 1.5 miles northwest on the paved access road. Follow signs into the campground.

    Check-out time: 3:00 pm. Check-in time: 6:00 pm. Quiet hours: 10:00 pm- 6:00 am.

    Entrance gate will be closed during this time. 

    Grey water and sewage must be properly disposed of in the provided dump station receptacle. 

    Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. 

    Group shelters are for day use only. Fireworks are prohibited. Fishing and hunting are regulated by federal and state laws.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Webbers Falls City Park

    Country Laid Back

    • Quiet time 10:00 pm to 6:00 am 
    • No firearms Tobacco free Pets on leash 
    • Fees and info call 918-464-2920 grills picnic tables Trash Picnic shelter Camphost Dump station New comfort station Electric Water Primitive sites are available Rates from$7.00 to$15.00

    Webbers Falls is a very small community in Muskogee County Oklahoma with a population of just over 600 people. on the Arkansas River. The park is located right next to the river. Wonderful views of the river and the bridge spanning the Arkansas. The campground is dotted with large mature trees. The grass provides a soft carpet for parking any size rig. There is a circle drive and you will pull thru All sites are good sites with view of the river.

    Hunting, fishing, and wild flowers and colors to keep you entertained. Directions off US 64 turn off at the Webber Falls exit; continue straight onto E1040(Weatherly Drive; keep left to continue on Commercial; turn right onto S. River Road; turn left onto Commercial Street

  • Craig E.
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Bluff Landing

    Quiet, fishable, secluded

    Peaceful area outside of Tulsa metro on the outskirts of Broken Arrow near Coweta. 25min drive into Tulsa. 10min drive to Walmart and fast food. Checkout Smokies BBQ nearby for great food. Sites were pretty level using gravel. A few were completely shaded but most were barely shaded. Shoreline really close to campsites with boatdock and fishable shoreline. Restrooms were clean but very hot. Showers available but did not use. Fire ring, picnic tables and lantern hooks available. Dump station is clean and easily manageable. Grass needed to mowed especially since several snakes were seen. Whole area was pretty clean and peaceful.

  • Heather R.
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Robbers Cave State Park — Robbers Cave State Resort Park

    Something For Everyone

    This was our first trip in our new 21’ camper. Robbers Cave was quiet, and the sites were huge. Be sure to check if your site is flat, ours had a huge step down to the picnic table and fire ring. Plenty of tree cover, restrooms and showers if needed. They have upgraded most bathrooms/showers and have one left to upgrade in the RV parking.

    There is putt putt, a mini museum, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats and playgrounds. If you want to rent a Yurt - they have two!

    They are also in the process of upgrading and building a huge boat house.

    WalMart is 40 minutes away but there is a small town less than 10 minutes with most amenities if you need something or just want a meal out.

    Highly recommend and we will be back.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2021

    Ladybird Landing

    Ladylike at the Ladybird

    • Jan 1  Dec 31
    • 57 sites electric and non and 50 amp available
    • Some pull through
    • $10 - 22
    • Reservations accepted 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov
    • Beach
    • Boat ramp
    • Drinking water
    • Dump station
    • Marina
    • Day use with picnic area
    • Playground
    • Flush toilets
    • Showers
    • Pets allowed
    • Grills/fire rings
    • Picnic table
    • Cell service

    Wonderful sunsets along the rocky shore.  When the mist is rising over the waters a feeling of peace will wash over you.

    There are many water sites, some pull throughs, back in, some paved, some a bit uneven but this is still a great campground. Most site are shaded.

     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. Each campsite is limited to 1 wheeled camping unit with up to 3 tents. 

    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.

    Lake Eufaula is a reservoir on the Canadian River which is upstream from the confluence with the Arkansas River. It is the largest capacity lake in Oklahoma. It has 800 miles of shoreline. The building of the dam began in 1956 and completed in 1964. The Wildlife Nature at the Eufaula State Park is amazing well worth a visit. You will find miles of hiking, biking, ATV, and equestrian trails in the 31,800 acres. There is a great amount of hunting for quail, deer, geese, and duck. Another great stop is the Eufaula Area Museum(temporarily closed due to COVID). An extra little tidbit is that Dirty Jobs filmed “Worm Dung Farmer” in Eufaula on November 14, 2003 and in Season 2 Episode 9 called “Dirtiest Water Jobs” featured “Catfish Noodling of Eufaula.  

    The lake draws fishermen to test their mettle at large and small mouth bass, Kentucky bass, crappie, catfish, sand bass, strippers, and others. The draw for this area is the great outdoors. Mainly fishing and boating. Fishing tournaments are plentiful. Shopping of just about any type should be far down the list for entertainment. Plan to have a relaxing and peaceful stay.

    Have Fun  Stay Safe

    LNT

    Better than when you found it

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Dogwood Campground — Lake Eufula State Park

    Excellent stop over

    Gorgeous sites with so many trees! Full hookup, enough space from neighbors while not being too spread out. Picnic tables, fire rings, shade, and easy walk to the restroom and lovely paths to the lake.

    Literally best bathrooms I’ve ever encountered in a park. Very ADA accessible, AIR CONDITIONED TOILETS?!, showers and toilets were single stalls, clean, roomy and had everything you need. Showers had warm water. 10/10

    Nice lake views, but not directly from site—have to walk to get there.

    ATT & Verizon had decent service at both sites.


Guide to Gore

Tent camping near Gore, Oklahoma centers on the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, where summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, particularly at sites with higher elevation around the lake. Most tent camping areas require visitors to navigate unpaved roads with variable conditions depending on recent rainfall.

What to do

Kayaking the Illinois River: The Illinois River offers excellent paddling opportunities with gentle currents suitable for beginners. According to one camper at Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area, "Kayakers put in and paddle upstream and float back to boat landing. The river is narrow at this point, moving but not at a fast pace."

Birdwatching year-round: The wetlands around Gore attract diverse bird species throughout the seasons. A visitor at Horseshoe Bend noted, "It is a bird watcher's paradise, and we saw a lot of people fishing. I was able to see multiple species of Oklahoma's woodpeckers, some birds of prey, and many songbirds."

Fishing from shore: Multiple access points along Lake Tenkiller provide shore fishing opportunities without requiring a boat. At Jackson Bay Recreation Area, "The lake was very calm, but difficult to access right in front of camp, I would suggest walking to the boat ramp for that."

What campers like

Affordability and flexibility: Several camping areas near Gore are free or low-cost with minimal restrictions. As one camper at Jackson Bay Recreation Area stated, "Amazing free campground, you can stay here for 14 days. No amenities, but it's well taken care of. Some spots have grills and picnic tables."

Privacy at less-developed sites: The more primitive camping areas offer greater seclusion than commercial campgrounds. At Gates Nature Preserve, one camper shared, "Our little campsite was so cozy with a table, a fire pit and a grill. It was right next to the creek!"

Scenic mornings: Lakeside camping provides exceptional sunrise views over water. A Jackson Bay visitor noted, "Beautiful view over the lake at sunrise!" Similarly, a camper at Hickory Flats mentioned, "Beautiful view of the lake in the morning."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Some camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. A Horseshoe Bend camper advised, "Definitely bring a 4x4, and check the weather. Dirt road was rough, but a camaro managed to get through somehow the morning we left."

Pack-in, pack-out responsibility: Most primitive sites lack trash facilities. A Jackson Bay visitor observed, "I want to like this place, but most people seem to be abusing this public area. Found a mound of trash near the exit that I assumed was from a local that made an effort to de-trash since the rest of the area pretty clean."

Changing regulations: Always verify current camping rules before arrival. A recent visitor to Horseshoe Bend reported, "We did camp there in a tent for one night, but were politely told by a game warden the next day that, though it used to be open for that, it is no longer allowed. It is open to the public only during the day."

Tips for camping with families

Nature program options: Tenkiller State Park offers structured activities for children. A visitor to Eagles Point shared, "The park has a marina, a boat dock, a volleyball court, hiking trails, playgrounds, nature center, gift shop...and just about everything that camper could want."

Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. One Eagles Point camper cautioned, "But be aware rattlesnakes also enjoy the area."

Cabin alternatives: Consider cabins during extreme weather. A visitor to Sequoyah Bay State Park reported, "Stayed here in a cabin. Excellent time. Lots of things to do. Tennis, horse back riding. Even square dancing. Great fun!"

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Choose RV sites based on waterfront access and leveling needs. A Sequoyah Bay camper advised, "This campground has easy, level sites at a nice angle, so you aren't facing right at the back of someone else's trailer. We did see some sites near the water that looked tricky to get into, but you'd be right by the water, so that's the trade off."

Dump station access: Plan for sanitation needs at state park locations. The same Sequoyah Bay visitor noted, "The host was friendly and helpful, dump sites easy to manage."

Road condition awareness: Check recent road reports before attempting to access primitive areas with larger vehicles. At Jackson Bay, "The road leading to the campground is mostly gravel, but it's manageable."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gore, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gore, OK is Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Gore, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Gore, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.