Camping spots near Park Hill, Oklahoma feature diverse landscapes along the shores of Lake Tenkiller and Illinois River at elevations between 650-850 feet. The region's humid subtropical climate brings hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, creating extended camping seasons compared to northern Oklahoma. Fall campers often encounter morning fog along waterways, particularly at lower elevation sites.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Multiple camping areas offer disc golf opportunities, including Natural Falls State Park Campground where visitors can enjoy an extensive course. "There are 4.5 miles of great hiking trails at the park. You can find some great hidden spots along the river and enjoy the quiet," notes a reviewer who rated the park highly.
Birding and wildlife viewing: Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area provides excellent birding opportunities near the Illinois River. "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," reports a camper who visited the area.
Trout fishing: Locations below the dam offer year-round trout fishing in one of only two such fisheries in Oklahoma. A camper at Greenleaf State Park mentioned, "The fishing from the dock is fruitful. From a boat even better." Some areas provide convenient bank fishing access with clear water for improved visibility.
What campers like
Clear water quality: Petit Bay - Tenkiller Ferry Lake draws visitors specifically for its remarkable water clarity. "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 one camper.
Off-season solitude: Fall and winter camping offers quieter experiences at many locations. A visitor to Greenleaf State Park Campground advised, "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. Fall colors are beautiful but attract a crowd."
Lake access: Multiple campgrounds feature direct water access for convenient recreation. "We stayed in spot 13 near the boat ramp. Still very quiet! We swam on boat ramp side and it was better," noted a camper at Petit Bay who appreciated the proximity to water activities.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Chicken Creek operates from March through September, while others maintain year-round availability with reduced services. "Open April 1– Sep 30 Off season Oct 1– Mar 31. Limit 14 days," explained a camper describing Petit Bay's operational schedule.
Variable shower facilities: Shower quality differs significantly between campgrounds. One Cherokee Landing State Park Campground camper noted, "Bathouse was acceptably clean," while a visitor to Sequoyah State Park warned, "However, the showers will cost you, so bring quarters. Plus, the ones we saw looked like they had black mold all around."
Campground crowding: Weekend camping experiences differ dramatically from weekday stays, particularly during summer. "We found this campground to be overcrowded with many people coming to the lake for the day. Campsites were very close together," reported a Sequoyah State Park visitor who stayed at the Choctaw tent campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation alternatives: Snake Creek offers multiple swimming options beyond designated beaches. "Across from the pavilion in the tent area are trails through the woods that lead to the Cliff's and rock ledges. The water is deep, clear and cool. We like to dive from the Cliff's and swim from the rock ledges," shared a camper who stayed for a week.
Splash pads: Certain parks feature water play areas designed specifically for children. "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," wrote a Greenleaf State Park visitor who camped over Labor Day weekend.
Educational opportunities: Several camping locations provide learning experiences within short driving distances. "A few miles up the road are a museum and cultural center about the Cherokee center, definitely worth the trip," mentioned a Cherokee Landing State Park camper who found value in the cultural sites near the camping area.
Tips from RVers
Variable site sizes: RV sites range from spacious to extremely tight, depending on the campground and loop. "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," warned a Greenleaf State Park visitor who camped during a busy Memorial Day weekend.
Utility considerations: Water connections at some campgrounds require special planning. "In our site we needed 50 ft of water hose and I would suggest bringing a 'y' water connector," advised a Greenleaf State Park camper who stayed in the Cypress Row campground at site #6.
Site selection strategy: Knowing specific loop characteristics helps secure better camping experiences. At Chicken Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "Only seven 50 amp spots and no sewer sites but the campground is great," highlighting the importance of researching specific site limitations before arrival.
