Tent camping opportunities abound in the Pine Creek Lake area, with sites ranging from primitive riverside spots to developed state park campgrounds. The Illinois River serves as a central feature of the region, with clear, slow-moving waters ideal for summer recreation. Many campgrounds sit between 700-900 feet elevation, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night even during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Tenkiller: At Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park, kayakers enjoy excellent water conditions. "The lake was perfect for kayaking. The water was really clean and clear," notes one visitor who experienced the pristine waters firsthand.
Scuba diving and rock climbing: Lake Tenkiller offers unique underwater adventures not commonly found in Oklahoma. "It has a marina, a boat dock, a floating restaurant, volleyball court, hiking trails, fishing dock, plenty of wildlife, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, nature center, gift shop, scuba diving, rock climbing outside the park," explains a camper at Eagles Point.
Bird watching along the Illinois River: The Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area provides excellent bird watching opportunities. "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 one visitor who documented the area's biodiversity.
What campers like
Morning fog and water features: At Natural Dam, campers appreciate the atmospheric conditions created by water features. "It was chilly in the morning, so the fog off the waterfall was eerily gorgeous," describes one camper who experienced this natural phenomenon.
Spacious campsites with privacy: Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park offers well-separated sites with natural surroundings. "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," shares a visitor highlighting the peaceful setting.
Creek-side camping spots: Smaller campgrounds near Pine Creek Lake often provide intimate water access. "Our little campsite was so cozy with a table, a fire pit and a grill. It was right next to the creek!" relates a camper who stayed at Gates Nature Preserve, emphasizing the appeal of streamside tent sites.
What you should know
Access challenges to primitive areas: Roads to the best tent camping near Pine Creek Lake can be difficult. At Horseshoe Bend, "The dirt road was rough, but a camaro managed to get through somehow the morning we left," explains one camper who recommends four-wheel drive vehicles.
Camping status changes: Regulations can shift at primitive sites. A recent visitor to Horseshoe Bend reports, "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."
Weather impacts: Rain significantly affects camping conditions at riverside sites. "If it has rained prior or while you are camping the road will be a total mess and campers will have a difficult time getting in or out," warns a Horseshoe Bend visitor who experienced challenging conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Nature center activities: COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake Springhill Campground provides educational opportunities for children. "We checked out the nature center, the main hikes and of course some good old campfire fun," shares a family who enjoyed the structured activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids particularly enjoy spotting animals at area campgrounds. "I saw deer, a snake, and what looked like a coyote on the trail," reports a camper who hiked at COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, noting the diverse wildlife encounters possible.
Playground facilities: Several state park campgrounds include play areas. Eagles Point at Tenkiller State Park features "playgrounds" among its amenities, making it suitable for families seeking tent camping near Pine Creek Lake with built-in entertainment options for children.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness concerns: At Holson Valley Vista, campers note the uneven terrain. "The shelter is located on a gradual sloping rocky hill and has a dramatic overview of the valley when the weather is clear," describes a visitor, highlighting both the challenge and reward of the location.
Alternative sleeping arrangements: Creative solutions work well at some sites. "Our group hung hammocks from the rafters," reports a Holson Valley Vista camper who adapted to the available structures rather than traditional tent setups.
Facilities for larger vehicles: Some areas accommodate different camping styles. "Sites are large with flat paved parking pad. I saw a variety of all sizes of rigs and some tents," notes a visitor to COE John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, confirming that both RVs and tents can use these spacious sites.
