Lake Tenkiller recreation areas dominate the camping landscape near Muldrow, Oklahoma. This region sits in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains at elevations between 500-1,200 feet with hot summers and mild winters. Many campsites in the area offer direct access to the 12,500-acre lake with water that maintains exceptional clarity at depths of 8 to 28 feet, creating ideal conditions for fishing, swimming and scuba diving.
What to do
Hiking at Lake Fort Smith State Park: Located about 30 miles from Muldrow, this park offers multiple hiking trails including access to the longer Ozark Highland Trail. "One of our most favorite places to camp. Lots of places to hike and explore, beautiful lake, and very nice camp sites. Peaceful!! Well maintained, clean, nice bathhouse and friendly staff," says Sue from Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground.
Scuba diving at Lake Tenkiller: The lake provides excellent visibility with underwater features to explore. According to a visitor at Chicken Creek, "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."
Fishing at Brooken Cove: Multiple spots along the lakeshore provide access for anglers. "Fish constantly flopping in and out of the water, missed out on not bringing a permit and pole!" reports Shawn K. who stayed at campsite 61.
Boating with rentals: Several campgrounds offer boat, canoe and kayak rentals for water activities. According to Ben P., "Lots to do here at this conveniently located spot. Basketball hoop, pool and hot tub, pond with kayaks, and more."
What campers like
Spacious sites at White Rock Mountain: "Sites 1-4 are well spaced and have large tent pads. Sites 5-8 are smaller with smaller tent pads and the view from these sites is AMAZING!" shares Erin-Frannie R. who visited White Rock Mountain Recreation Area in early 2025.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain their shower and bathroom facilities well. "Nice, quiet place. Great hiking! Not really a place for a quick overnight, the road in is steep and crooked," notes kcki M. about Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Seasonal activities: Swimming areas and splash pads operate during warmer months. Richard from Greenleaf State Park reports, "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."
Fall colors at Brooken Cove Campground: The surrounding forests offer spectacular views in autumn. A camper noted, "We stayed here for only one night but will definitely be back. Nice campsites with room between sites. Most sites have lake views and there is alit of access to the lake."
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites while others place campers close together. At Marval Camping Resort, a visitor shared, "The sites are close together, it was beyond crowded (my son couldn't even ride his bike because of the constant amount of cars) and not much to do."
Access roads can be challenging: Some locations require navigating difficult terrain. "Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other. My AWD Mazda made the trip just fine and I saw a Toyota Camry at the overlook," reports Erin-Frannie R. about White Rock Mountain.
Wildlife encounters: The parks host diverse wildlife including deer and turkey. A camper at Greenleaf State Park Campground observed, "The 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."
Seasonal limitations: Some facilities close during cooler months. According to a ShaneB, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Recreational area with a playground that is updated. Sites have gravel which limits how much dirt/mud you have to deal with," writes Ryan S. about Lake Fort Smith.
Campsite selection for safety: Some sites have natural hazards to consider. "Many of the campsites are on a grade. They all have multiple levels with stairs and have no railings. We had 5 children <6 years of age and the sites were somewhat perilous," the same visitor noted.
Beach access for swimming: Several locations offer designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. Angie N. reports, "There are several sandy beach areas and the water is shallow for a great distance out, making it good for swimming" at Brooken Cove.
Off-season visits for peace: Camping during school months provides a quieter experience. "We had a great time tent camping here on Labor Day Weekend. Beautiful park with grassy tent sites. Nice hiking trail," Richard shares about their experience at Greenleaf State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven spots requiring equipment. "The sites were level, and were Pull-Thru so we didn't even unhook. Full hookups, Some shade, a dump station," notes Joel R. about his stay at Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary between campgrounds. At Cedar Lake, "Asphalt and gravel sites. Clean bathrooms. Water and electric only," according to Jennifer O.
Space limitations for larger rigs: Some campgrounds cannot accommodate bigger vehicles. "Site 51 was the best view. Long but narrow paved spot. We couldn't back all the way up because the tree was too low, but the spot was long enough where it wasn't an issue," explains Cameron L. about Brooken Cove.
Weather considerations: Be prepared for seasonal conditions. "Mosquitoes were pretty bad so be prepared," adds the same Brooken Cove visitor.
