Best Tent Camping near Sallisaw, OK

Tent campers near Sallisaw, Oklahoma have access to several established campgrounds in the Lake Tenkiller area, which provides numerous options for outdoor enthusiasts. Eagles Point and Hickory Flats in Tenkiller State Park offer designated tent sites with basic amenities. Another option for tent camping is the Gates Nature Preserve, which features walk-in tent sites along creek areas with picnic tables and drinking water.

Most tent sites in the region have dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal site preparation. Many campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Tenkiller State Park tent sites include toilet facilities but lack showers in the primitive areas. At Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area, campers should note there are no developed facilities, making it suitable for those seeking a more rustic tent camping experience. A review from The Dyrt noted, "There are several camping spots right alongside the river with trees overhanging your site," highlighting the natural setting at Horseshoe Bend.

The Sallisaw area tent camping experience offers proximity to water features and natural scenery. Sites at Tenkiller State Park provide access to lake activities, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Gates Nature Preserve tent sites are situated along creek beds, offering pleasant water sounds and shade coverage. A camper mentioned that "the camping spots are cozy with a table, fire pit and grill," making it appealing for tent campers seeking basic amenities in a natural setting. Natural Dam, another primitive tent camping area within driving distance, features sites near a small waterfall that provides ambient noise to mask nearby road sounds. Tent campers should practice "pack it in, pack out" principles as trash facilities are limited at most primitive sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Sallisaw, Oklahoma (21)

    1. Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park

    3 Reviews
    Monroe Lake, OK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 776-8180

    "The plus to that is despite busy holiday weekends, spring flooding or special event weekends, you can always find a place to pitch a tent.

    The park rangers are friendly."

    "The sites are well spaced and the lake is fantastic. The facility is clean and there is plenty of hiking opportunities. I come back over and over again."

    2. Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park

    2 Reviews
    Monroe Lake, OK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 776-8180

    "Rented a tent site day before through the state website with no trouble, quiet as there weren’t many campers there that night where we were. Beautiful view of the lake in the morning."

    3. Gates Nature Preserve

    1 Review
    Monroe Lake, OK
    19 miles

    $25 / night

    "Jill was so welcoming and warm, and she even showed us around some of the beautiful trails (which are definitely “hidden” gems). Our little campsite was so cozy with a table, a fire pit and a grill."

    4. Natural Dam

    5 Reviews
    Natural Dam, AR
    27 miles
    Website

    "We found this quiet spot with a small waterfall on Mountain Fork Creek that has a fairly large (semi-level) gravel parking lot right next to the natural waterfall which gives good noise cover for the road"

    "A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out."

    5. Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area

    3 Reviews
    Park Hill, OK
    26 miles

    "Traveling north towards Tahlequah, Oklahoma I caught a glimpse of a brown sign, as we travel on I thought about that sign and made my decision and asked my husband to turn around."

    "There are still signs up showing tent camping, but they are apparently inaccurate. We had a great time and he welcomed us to stick around and hang out for the day, but no more camping."

    6. COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barling, AR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 452-4598

    "The campground is set among tall trees adjacent to the John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake and James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River."

    "Sites are large with flat paved parking pad. I saw a variety of all sizes of rigs and some tents. There are lots of trees, it’s close to the river and very peaceful."

    7. Burnt Cabin

    Be the first to review!
    Tenkiller Ferry Lake, OK
    18 miles

    8. Arrowhead Point

    1 Review
    Braggs, OK
    24 miles
    +1 (903) 465-4990

    9. Barnacle Bill's

    Be the first to review!
    Tenkiller Ferry Lake, OK
    20 miles
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Tent Camping Reviews near Sallisaw, OK

641 Reviews of 21 Sallisaw Campgrounds


  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Devil's Den State Park Campground

    Ranger Review of Banner & Oaks Bull Tan Hat at Devil's Den State Park

    Amazing State Park with something for everyone

    I have been to Devil's Den State Park twice now and this is my favorite state park in Arkansas. Devil's Den State park has something for every camper, no matter how you prefer to camp. Tent camping, hike in camping, RVs, cabins, they have it all. Want to bring your horse, you can do that as well. Devil's Den has some great hiking and mountain biking trails, from short to long. If you only do one trail be sure that is the Devil's Den Trail, you won't be disappointed on this 1.5 mile trail. If you want a longer trail there is the 15 mile Butterfield Hiking Trail. Devil's Den campground includes 135 campsites ranging from basic tent sites to full hookups for the RV crowed and horse sites. Campground are all paved with paved parking pads. Individual sites have tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings and a first for me, hooks for hanging your lantern. Flush toilets and showers are included. If you like to swim they even have a pool. Park has a store to provide your food needs. Sites all appeared to be well spaced. If you want complete privacy the word is get one of the walk in sites, you will have a bit of a walk but the reward is complete solitude. Lee Creek runs through the park and a 8-acre lake which allows fishing and boating with canoes and pedal boats. You need to reserve your site before hand or at the visitor center. One thing I do like is if you arrive to late to register at the visitor center, then you can just grab an empty site for the night, you just have to register the next day by 10am.

    Ranger Review of Banner& Oaks Bull Tan Hat

    Got the Bull Tan hat and have been wearing it for about a month now. Hat fits great, looks great. This is a very well made hat with quality materials and made in the U.S.A. It has held up amazing well in all weather conditions, sun, heat, rain and even snow and continues to hold its shape. I have a lot of hats and this one is one of my favorites.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2018

    Holson Valley Vista

    Holson Valley Vista Shelter + A Room with a View

    I stayed at this campground shelter while hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The campground and shelter were built by the Friends of the Ouachita Trail and is located at mile market 16.8 of the trail. While the campground is only a few hundred feet from the Talimena National Scenic Byway it is best reached by hiking the Ouachita Trail.

    The shelter is an open air wooden structure with a raised platform, three walls, roof, open air patio, shelf, wall pegs, fire pit and picnic table. Most campers might pop up their tent or just cowboy camp on the raised platform. Our group hung hammocks from the rafters. There were wall pegs that were convenient for hanging and drying our gear or to keep it away from any little critters (mice) that might visit in the night. There are not many amenities at this campground, but it is a nice resting stop and provides some protection from the elements during inclement weather.

    The shelter is located on a gradual sloping rocky hill and has a dramatic overview of the valley when the weather is clear and the foliage is not heavy. There are no waste facilities nearby so it is good to practice Leave No Trace and pack out whatever you pack in. We found and collected water earlier in the day and carried it into camp.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Shores Lake

    Quiet stay in a hardwood forest

    Camped in site #10 in mid-November 2024. Site 10 is non-electric; paid $7.50/night with senior pass. Overall clean campground, well maintained and managed, in pretty hardwood forest. Not busy during my stay. Sites have picnic tables, tent pads and clean metal fire rings. Site 10 was level. The campground includes a clean restroom/shower house, one clean vault toilet at the far end of the campground, trash dumpsters and drinking water; all of these facilities and services were available during my stay in November. Campground can accommodate tents, camper vans, car camping and RVs. Some sites are electric. There are no water and sewer hookups. Campground road is paved as well as Highway 215 from I-40 accessing the campground. Sites are mostly shaded, but there is no privacy between sites. Shores Lake trailhead is located in a parking area in the campground. Day use area nearby with good fishing in Shores Lake. Campground hosts Donna and Eddie were wonderful. I really liked this campground.

  • 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.

  • Ashley W.
    May. 1, 2019

    Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp

    My favorite!

    This campground is one of my all time favorites!! It has everything you want in a campground and more. Hiking here is definitely the best, because the views are amazing!! The campground is always really well kept as well which I appreciate. The campsite spots themselves are pretty big in size and are separated by trees and bushes. Feels very private. They do have a quiet hour which is after 10pm. This is nice because there aren’t people partying all night long. There are tent spots and also RV. We camped, so I’m not sure if th RV spots are set up for electricity. The lake nearby is great. We brought our kayaks and had so much fun hitting the lake in the morning. It does get busy as the day goes on, especially in the summer on the weekends. Hiking is great, and there are multiple good spots nearby. Again, go early to beat the crowds! Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. Vaulted toilets on site and a place to fill up your water! Can’t wait to come back.

  • 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.

  • Tom K.
    Jun. 17, 2018

    Devil's Den State Park Campground

    Back country review - Butterfield Trail

    This review is for the Butterfield Trail in Devils Den. You have to hike in to get to theses spots. If you start at the traditional Devils Den and park at the pedestrian bridge you have a nice challenging hike up to the back country portion of the park. You start hiking along a river and after a mile or so you start your upward journey. The trail is generally in good shape but if it has been raining, beware as some of the trail is also used for horses which makes the trail sometimes tough to make it through as it gets pretty mushy. My favorite spot is about halfway through right on a river that flows a blueish color that doesn't make you want to even filter and drink the water. The spots are level and secluded but you sometimes find trash as people don't abide by the leave no trace principle. I bring all my own water on the trail but there are a few spots you can filter. We have found many snakes here and some are poisonous. BEWARE! The geography has is pretty unique and flash flooding is common. Be very aware of your surroundings and watch the river if you are in a rain storm. You must check in at the ranger's station before you do any back country camping in the park. The trail is a pleasant longer trail in the area and is a must but I would recommend trying this trail in the Spring or late fall.

  • 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

  • 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.


Guide to Sallisaw

Tent camping near Sallisaw, Oklahoma, offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-reviewed campgrounds featuring essential amenities, campers can enjoy a comfortable and adventurous experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30

  • Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area is a free camping option that allows for a rustic experience along the Illinois River.
  • Arrowhead Point has no reservable sites and limited amenities, making it a budget-friendly choice for adventurous campers.
  • Sizemore Landing is another economical option, though it lacks basic facilities, appealing to those looking for a more primitive experience.

Local attractions and activities to enjoy

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sallisaw, 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 Sallisaw, OK?

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