Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Tahlequah, OK is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Tahlequah, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Tahlequah, reviewed by campers like you.
Making for great camping near Tulsa, Natural Falls State Park gets its name due to the unique water feature found inside the park’s Dripping Springs. Soaring 77 feet above the flat lands of the nearby Oklahoma/Arkansas border, one of the largest waterfalls in the region cascades down into the depths of the grassland valley below. Thanks to a railed viewing platform that overlooks the waterfall, visitors from all over come to enjoy the serene atmosphere and picturesque splendor created by this natural wonder.
Natural Falls State Park is most famously known for its cameo in the 1974 movie “Where the Red Fern Grows” which was filmed here. While you may not be interested in raising coonhounds, you might be pleased to find that dogs are allowed here so long as they’re on leash and cleaned up after. Additionally, the park offers a 44 RV sites, with 7 of them offering hookups. Furthermore, 17 tent sites are available for reservation if you aren’t one to travel via RV or Van. Nightly pricing ranges from $14 for a standard tent site, to $30 for a premium RV site with hookups.
Those looking for a more convenient camping solution will enjoy the variety of Yurts available for reservation here. Each Yurt can house between 4-6 people, and will more than appeal to even the pickiest of travelers thanks to the well-equipped furnishings found within. Each comes with a fridge, microwave, lighting, electric outlets, Vinyl covered mattresses, heating, and more. Not only that, but bathrooms and showers are just a short walk away. And don’t worry about your four-legged friends; with an additional fee they’ll be able to cozy up with your family inside. Nightly rates for Yurt reservations start at $100, with an additional $15 fee for pets. If you don’t have your own bedding available, the park will lend a complete set for $25.
When it comes to recreation, there’s tons to do! Hiking and fishing are very accessible here, with marked trails and designated fishing areas throughout. Furthermore, if you bring a pair of binoculars the park is full places perfect for checking out the local wildlife. Additionally, the park is jammed pack with local flora and fauna, such as Dogwood and Sassafrass. Moreover, onsite volleyball, disc-golf, horseshoes, a basketball court, and other recreation are found throughout the park.
People may visit here due to the fame, but they stay for the beauty within. Natural Falls State Park is a treasure of Oklahoma, and is worth checking out for anyone who needs a break away from the stress of everyday life.
This recreation area is part of Fort Gibson Lake
Devil’s Den includes 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces and 6 camper cabins. The park also offers 135 campsites (44 Class AAA, 4 Class B, 13 Class C, 24 Class D [no hookups], eight hike-in [tent only], and 42 sites with hookups in the horse camp that includes a bathhouse and access to the horse trails). The park’s cafe is open seasonally. The pool is open in summer only. Also on-site is a group camp, standard pavilion, playground, store, and meeting room.
Join park interpreters on hikes along trails including the 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail and for a variety of programs and special events year-round, like the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival held annually in the spring.
$20 / night
Tucked away in the hills of eastern Oklahoma, Greenleaf State Park offers spectacular scenery and is a family-friendly state park. The park includes Greenleaf Lake as well as cabins, campgrounds, family recreation facilities and nature hiking trails. The lake cabins and other facilities at Greenleaf State Park were built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The original buildings, constructed of native stone, remain a lasting and beautiful tribute to those who built them. The park has 16 cabins with bathrooms, kitchens with full-size appliances, heat and air. Dishes, cooking utensils, linens and towels are also provided. There are fireplaces in 10 of the cabins. All cabins have satellite television. The cabins are approximately 350 square feet in size. The park also has the "Cabin on the Lake," designed to meet the challenges of the physically disabled. Pets are allowed in all cabins for a small nightly fee. Firewood is available for purchase and firewood is not provided to cabins. A total of 14 cabins will sleep up to four guests, one cabin will sleep two guests and one cabin will sleep up to eight guests between two bedrooms. In addition, the park features RV campsites, some with 50 amp electric and full hookups, as well as tent campsites. All RV and tent campsites must be reserved online. Additional amenities include a community building, pavilion, enclosed shelter, outdoor shelter, seasonal marina with grill and heated fishing dock. Be sure to visit the office and pick up a wrist band for the splash pad and 18-hole miniature golf course before enjoying the swim area, amphitheater, discovery center, playgrounds, hiking trails, volleyball courts and basketball courts. Motorized personal watercraft is not allowed on Greenleaf Lake. The kids' pond allows children 16 and under to fish at no charge with no permit required. Located in Braggs, the park also offers activities such as wildlife viewing and holiday events.
This recreation area is part of Tenkiller Ferry Lake
Eagle Bluff Resort -- Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Camping on the Illinois River in Tahlequah, OK
$28 - $495 / night
Pettit Bay Campground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake is a recreational paradise for visitors looking for a well-kept waterfront facility, which offers convenient access for boating, swimming and wildlife viewing. It is located near the historic town of Tahlequah and attracts many campers who return year after year.
Boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and swimming are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Prevailing winds and secluded coves create an ideal environment for sailing. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's clear waters and high visibility. Fishing is good 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.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The 12,500 acre lake is sourced by the Illinois River and the Baron Fork, which are both designated as Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. 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.
Visit the Tenkiller State Park for its nature center and scuba diving park, the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near Vian, or the historic city of Tahlequah - the capital of the Cherokee Nation. The scenic upper Illinois River near Tahlequah is great for canoeing and rafting, and the lower Illinois River near Gore offers prime trout fishing.
$20 - $50 / night
Wahoo Bay is a campground that provides an abundance of shade for rest and relaxation. Located just North of the Fort Gibson Dam, users can easily access the main body of the lake for a variety of water activities. As an added bonus, there are several stores and marinas nearby for supplies and equipment rentals. Boat and RV storage locations are within a few miles of the campground.
The nearly 20,000-acre lake offers excellent boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for black bass, white bass, crappie and several varieties of catfish and panfish. The lake's 225 miles of shoreline are home to thousands of acres of public hunting lands, where white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, duck, geese, cottontail rabbit and squirrel roam. Wahoo Bay offers a variety of recreation activities including camping, boating and swimming. People can enjoy the quietness of the lake tucked away in the cove with amazing scenery. Wahoo Bay has 2 boat ramps in the park as well as a courtesy dock at the main boat ramp.
$14 / night
Head to Chicken Creek Campground for tons of fun on Tenkiller Ferry Lake. As one of the most popular campgrounds on the lake, Chicken Creek boasts modern facilities, impressive vistas, convenient access to boating and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. It's no wonder why so many campers return each year.
Water skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Prevailing winds and secluded coves create an ideal environment for sailing. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's clear waters and high visibility. Fishing is good 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.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The 12,500 acre lake is sourced by the Illinois River and the Baron Fork, which are both designated as Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. 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.
Visit the Tenkiller State Park for its nature center and scuba diving park, the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near Vian, or the historic city of Tahlequah - the capital of the Cherokee Nation. The scenic upper Illinois River near Tahlequah is great for canoeing and rafting, and the lower Illinois near Gore offers prime trout fishing.
$50 / night
Making for great camping near Tulsa, Natural Falls State Park gets its name due to the unique water feature found inside the park’s Dripping Springs. Soaring 77 feet above the flat lands of the nearby Oklahoma/Arkansas border, one of the largest waterfalls in the region cascades down into the depths of the grassland valley below. Thanks to a railed viewing platform that overlooks the waterfall, visitors from all over come to enjoy the serene atmosphere and picturesque splendor created by this natural wonder.
Natural Falls State Park is most famously known for its cameo in the 1974 movie “Where the Red Fern Grows” which was filmed here. While you may not be interested in raising coonhounds, you might be pleased to find that dogs are allowed here so long as they’re on leash and cleaned up after. Additionally, the park offers a 44 RV sites, with 7 of them offering hookups. Furthermore, 17 tent sites are available for reservation if you aren’t one to travel via RV or Van. Nightly pricing ranges from $14 for a standard tent site, to $30 for a premium RV site with hookups.
Those looking for a more convenient camping solution will enjoy the variety of Yurts available for reservation here. Each Yurt can house between 4-6 people, and will more than appeal to even the pickiest of travelers thanks to the well-equipped furnishings found within. Each comes with a fridge, microwave, lighting, electric outlets, Vinyl covered mattresses, heating, and more. Not only that, but bathrooms and showers are just a short walk away. And don’t worry about your four-legged friends; with an additional fee they’ll be able to cozy up with your family inside. Nightly rates for Yurt reservations start at $100, with an additional $15 fee for pets. If you don’t have your own bedding available, the park will lend a complete set for $25.
When it comes to recreation, there’s tons to do! Hiking and fishing are very accessible here, with marked trails and designated fishing areas throughout. Furthermore, if you bring a pair of binoculars the park is full places perfect for checking out the local wildlife. Additionally, the park is jammed pack with local flora and fauna, such as Dogwood and Sassafrass. Moreover, onsite volleyball, disc-golf, horseshoes, a basketball court, and other recreation are found throughout the park.
People may visit here due to the fame, but they stay for the beauty within. Natural Falls State Park is a treasure of Oklahoma, and is worth checking out for anyone who needs a break away from the stress of everyday life.
This recreation area is part of Fort Gibson Lake
Devil’s Den includes 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces and 6 camper cabins. The park also offers 135 campsites (44 Class AAA, 4 Class B, 13 Class C, 24 Class D [no hookups], eight hike-in [tent only], and 42 sites with hookups in the horse camp that includes a bathhouse and access to the horse trails). The park’s cafe is open seasonally. The pool is open in summer only. Also on-site is a group camp, standard pavilion, playground, store, and meeting room.
Join park interpreters on hikes along trails including the 15-mile Butterfield Hiking Trail and for a variety of programs and special events year-round, like the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival held annually in the spring.
$20 / night
Tucked away in the hills of eastern Oklahoma, Greenleaf State Park offers spectacular scenery and is a family-friendly state park. The park includes Greenleaf Lake as well as cabins, campgrounds, family recreation facilities and nature hiking trails. The lake cabins and other facilities at Greenleaf State Park were built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The original buildings, constructed of native stone, remain a lasting and beautiful tribute to those who built them. The park has 16 cabins with bathrooms, kitchens with full-size appliances, heat and air. Dishes, cooking utensils, linens and towels are also provided. There are fireplaces in 10 of the cabins. All cabins have satellite television. The cabins are approximately 350 square feet in size. The park also has the "Cabin on the Lake," designed to meet the challenges of the physically disabled. Pets are allowed in all cabins for a small nightly fee. Firewood is available for purchase and firewood is not provided to cabins. A total of 14 cabins will sleep up to four guests, one cabin will sleep two guests and one cabin will sleep up to eight guests between two bedrooms. In addition, the park features RV campsites, some with 50 amp electric and full hookups, as well as tent campsites. All RV and tent campsites must be reserved online. Additional amenities include a community building, pavilion, enclosed shelter, outdoor shelter, seasonal marina with grill and heated fishing dock. Be sure to visit the office and pick up a wrist band for the splash pad and 18-hole miniature golf course before enjoying the swim area, amphitheater, discovery center, playgrounds, hiking trails, volleyball courts and basketball courts. Motorized personal watercraft is not allowed on Greenleaf Lake. The kids' pond allows children 16 and under to fish at no charge with no permit required. Located in Braggs, the park also offers activities such as wildlife viewing and holiday events.
Eagle Bluff Resort -- Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Camping on the Illinois River in Tahlequah, OK
$28 - $495 / night
Pettit Bay Campground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake is a recreational paradise for visitors looking for a well-kept waterfront facility, which offers convenient access for boating, swimming and wildlife viewing. It is located near the historic town of Tahlequah and attracts many campers who return year after year.
Boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and swimming are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Prevailing winds and secluded coves create an ideal environment for sailing. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's clear waters and high visibility. Fishing is good 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.
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The 12,500 acre lake is sourced by the Illinois River and the Baron Fork, which are both designated as Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. 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.
Visit the Tenkiller State Park for its nature center and scuba diving park, the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near Vian, or the historic city of Tahlequah - the capital of the Cherokee Nation. The scenic upper Illinois River near Tahlequah is great for canoeing and rafting, and the lower Illinois River near Gore offers prime trout fishing.
$20 - $50 / night
Ranger
We stayed in the north end of the Choctaw Campground, nearest the converted cabin and heated showerhouse. All facilities (water, toilets, info) were open and working. On arrival we booked a spot and had no issues with internet to do so. Rangers came through daily, but no sign of camp host over the Thanksgiving weekend. We were the only tent visitors until our last night when two additional campers arrived. The trails were great aside from some glass that appeared to wash in a long the lower nature trail, which was a concern for our dog so we went to take the fitness trail back. The sunset view from south of the lodge was worth the wait. Nature Center staff were more helpful than the info center, on top of a super educational and fun tour they held even in the chilly wind. Cons - There seemed to be less parking than spots, waterside spots definitely had signs of being washed out this season around the picnic tables, and overall it was hard to spot some numbers on spots. Spots were mostly crowded, would not come to this site in a peak season.
Ranger
full hookups, very easy access from I-40 to your site and back. Extremely pricey for the bare necessities even with a few bucks off for being a senior. The gate closes behind you after enter the code from your e-mail confirmation. So you are safe from traffic, but nothing would keep pedestrians from marching right up to you door. WiFi was great. Only because I had the whole place to myself did I not feel gouged.
Scout
Yes people need to PICK UP THEIR TRASH! WE WERE TAUGHT THAT IN KINDERGARTEN?
Otherwise it's beautiful. I don't stay at the waterfall. That's for kids. I go upstream it's deeper, I'm scouting it for future diving trips.
I'll update as soon as I get in the water with my gear. But I'll def need a 7mm probly with a Shorty on top since I don't have a dry suit. But this water is CLEAR. amd that's what's impressive. Find clear water in oklahoma isnt easy especially if your a diver.
The trash thing is real, that's why I always take extra trash bags and do good.
Maybe if your going, you can too;)
Scout
We really enjoyed this campground. Lots of room to roam, Plenty of access to the water for boats (multiple ramps) or wading/swimming. Plenty of sites to choose from some shaded, some by the water. A few full hookups but not many. Most spots are just electric and water. Clean restrooms/showers. One newer area of the campground has new private shower rooms. We have been back a couple of times with all the kids and grandkids. Overall a nice corp of engineers park.
Scout
I sort of threw darts at a board to where I would be camping next, and Applegate Cove was my destination this time. The campground is fairly small, but each lot is well maintained. The ground was a bit hard to drive tent stakes into, but I'm attributing that to the weather and season until I visit again and disprove that. There's a small walking loop down to the Arkansas river which left me a gorgeous view of the sunset, unfortunately I also visited during a fishing competition which brought quite a few people, making it a bit of a noisy area during the day as they were using the campground boat slip and dock to cast off from. You can also hear river barges during all hours, though personally I slept through all of the supposed noise. My only real complaint was that one of the bathrooms was in considerably worse condition than the other and you could smell it up to twenty feet away, which after learning I took the extra minute to walk to the nicer one. The shower was good and hot, no complaints there. All in all, I'm pretty happy with how my stay went, and there's very little I disliked about the campgrounds.
Traveler
Very nice camping ground. A little old. Spaces were roomy. Tent spaces under trees, a little unkept. Paid $40 for an RV spot which worked out well. Toilets and showers ok, not so clean.
Guide
Great camp ground, pleanty of shady spots. Would have given 5 stars, but they are limited on sites with 50amps. Showers were in rough shape as well
Scout
Absolutely beautiful from the Senic Overlook!! The trails are easy to traverse, and the nature here is breathtaking!!
Guide
Easy to get to from I-40. Arrived late on a Thursday night and was the only person there. A little road noise off in the distance but the waterfall all but drowned it out.
Scout
We love to camp here . Although it is usually pretty full so if it's peace and quiet you are looking for this might not be the place for you mainly on the holidays. And I don't like the fact that they raised the price to $15 night primitive sites. It was free just couple yrs ago. Kids love to swim and float when they aren't fishing.
GuideOlder Park. Renovations are being done... Pads, 10 ft picnic tables, playground... Right off the lake with awesome scenery. Couple who manages the place is really nice and helpful. Would stop here again.
Guide
Flat Sites, Clean, Nice Amenities, Nice Staff, Little Exposed in heat to Sun. Best shades sites rented in advance. (Site 24-27)
Scout
Family friendly camping in nature.
ScoutThe scenery here is really beautiful, Geometry Dash Breeze but it is so deserted that it is a bit scary at night.
Scout
It's a beautiful spot surrounded by big rocks. The only complaint is the restrooms are quite dirty, and the shower doesn't have cold water.
Scout
Less trash than most free camps. Multiple spots with plenty of room and not many bugs. Cell signal was strong in many places. Bike trails are worth using.
Bring it in take it out, it's that easy.
Traveler
21 RV spots available around a small, family lake. Water and electric hook ups and clean dump station. Small park/play area and two large pavilions. Hiking trail located at the back of the park. Lake is great for fishing and kayaking. Not a major boating or water sport lake. First come first serve spots. Camp host is helpful and friendly. Calm and quiet stay
Scout
Very nice and spacious sites with lots of trees and shade. Good hiking and views of the falls. Unless you’re a fan of oval dirt track racing, most Friday and Saturday nights in the summer and fall are pretty loud until after 11:00 at night.
Traveler
Wife and I stayed here for 5 nights, the owners were very friendly and helpful. The campground is close to Checotah and several boat ramps for lake access. We will definitely stay here again.
Scout
This is not a campsite anymore. Code enforcement will call cops and have you trespassed!
Scout
Check-in was great, this was our first time at a TT30 spot and found our adapter did not work. A 50 amp spot was open and they were great to move us to one. The site we moved to was great, 50 amp, 30 amp, 120v, and water all worked. The Men's shower\restroom was good, the Woman's on the other hand had a door problem where stalls would not lock, and the outer door would blow open letting anyone look into the restroom unobstructed so my wife tells me. She was not comfortable showering there, while I had a great time with hot water showering on the Men's side. The only other negative would be the amount of Motorcycles at all hours of the night, but I guess you could get that at any campsite.
Camp Mode on the Tesla Model Y fully charged us from 20% to 100% with the AC on the whole time and 85* outside.
Guide
Stayed here while we went to Strawberry Festival in Stilwell. Very convenient to highway 412 and Siloam Springs. Hosts very friendly and helpful. New park, nothing fancy but a work in progress reasonably priced. Met our needs. Great location next to Illinois River if you want to kayak. Lots of open area to tent camp. Very secluded. Loved watching fireflies over the hayfield.
Traveler
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. The water spicket was about 80 ft away, and unfortunately we didn't have an adapter for the 30 amp. Otherwise this was a great stay with a beautiful sunset over the water. Be mindful of a couple trees overhanging the way in, but we were able to get through without issue hitting any. We have a 13.5 ft tall and 45 ft long fifth wheel. Mosquitoes were pretty bad so be prepared.
Guide
This place is a casino and a dog track. Very busy place- the office called us to get an idea on our ETA. Told us where to park to get our paperwork. It’s a bit confusing coming in but we hooked up with someone on a golf cart who took us right to our site. Nice and long for our 40’ motorhome and truck. Didn’t check out any of the amenities. Lots of restaurants close by.
Guide
Our campsite, #33, was perched on top of a hill, accessible by a fairly long, steep incline. The site is not level and would be appropriate only for shorter RVs. The site's position made it one of the more isolated campsites so it was more private than others. Site #33 does not have its own water source. It shares one water spigot with 2 other sites.
Eufaula Lake was muddy and not very appealing. The camp grounds were well-maintained and the camp host was friendly.
Guide
Was headed to Lake Fort Smith but area was booked so we stopped here and was pleased with our stay. Spaces are quite small but it has become the norm everywhere. Site A2 had fire pit, grill, picnic table was pretty level even with gravel. Fishing pond, dog walk area, propane station all on property for reasonable rates. Bathouse was clean and stocked. Only complaint was these little red mites. I looked them up and they are harmless but they were numerous and made us uncomfortable. I was especially concerned for our 2 dogs. I believe this is an old KOA under private ownership. They have done a great job updating the place. Jules at the office was also very pleasant and helpful.
TravelerPulled in about 7 pm. Several cars there but no other campers. Quiet evening without disturbance. It was chilly in the morning, so the fog off the waterfall was eerily gorgeous.
Camping near Tahlequah, Oklahoma, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Tahlequah, Oklahoma, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tahlequah, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tahlequah, OK offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Tahlequah, OK and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tahlequah, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tahlequah, OK is Natural Falls State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tahlequah, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Tahlequah, OK.
What parks are near Tahlequah, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Tahlequah, OK that allow camping, notably Fort Gibson Lake and Tenkiller Ferry Lake.
