Best Tent Camping near Tahlequah, OK

Looking for tent camping near Tahlequah? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Tahlequah, OK (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Bay Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Bay Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Bay Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Bay Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Bay Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Bay Recreation Area

    2. Jackson Bay Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    15 Photos
    103 Saves
    Fort Gibson Lake, Oklahoma

    Membership needed - The Corps manages six gated class A campgrounds, two primitive camping areas, and three day use areas with picnic sites. An additional eight park areas are offered by the Corps with limited maintenance and services. Camping in undesignated areas is prohibited. Park attendants oversee fee collection during the peak season, April 1 – September 30. Campgrounds remain open October 1 – March 31; however, campers must pay by self deposit.

    A variety of recreation opportunities are offered by nine commercial concessions, as well as, two parks managed by the State of Oklahoma.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park

      4. Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park

      3 Reviews
      2 Photos
      5 Saves
      Monroe Lake, Indiana

      Tenkiller State Park is known as Oklahoma's “heaven in the hills.” The sparkling blue waters of Lake Tenkiller offer water enthusiasts an abundance of recreational opportunities between 130 miles of shoreline and 13,000 surface acres. The park’s plentiful amenities make it a favorite destination for all ages.

      Tenkiller State Park in Vian is a haven for all water sports including water skiing, fishing, boating, tubing and scuba diving. Outdoor facilities include a volleyball court, basketball court, two playground areas, four group picnic pavilions and 172 picnic tables. An outdoor swimming pool is available seasonally at the park and includes a water slide and splash pad. Additional amenities include a community building, three hiking trails and the Driftwood Nature Center.

      Lake Tenkiller is considered one of the best places in the state for scuba diving, as its waters are clear from eight to 28 feet. Tenkiller Scuba Park is a diver's dream, with a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats to explore underwater. In some areas of the lake, divers can see the remains of homesteads and artifacts left behind from before the lake was formed. The Fisherman's Point Area provides access to a swim beach, dive park, and boat ramp. The lake's underwater terrain ranges from mildly sloping hills to rock cliffs, and the water goes up to 160 feet deep in places. With an Oklahoma fishing license, divers can try their luck at spear fishing for non-game fish. Two diving pro shops, Gene's Aqua Pro and Nautical Adventures, are located on the lake and offer training, certification and equipment rental.

      Tenkiller State Park offers RV and tent sites scattered between 10 campgrounds. Online reservations must be made for the RV and tent campsites. Primitive campgrounds include Bluff View, Eagle Point, and Hickory Flats with Day use area's at Fisherman's Point, Goose Neck Bend North and South . RV campgrounds with 30-amp electric and water hookups include Blue Jay Knob and Flying Squirrel. The Shady Grove and Fox Squirrel campgrounds both offer full hookups, with 50-amp electric service. A total of seven comfort stations with restrooms and showers are available in the park, and there are two on-site waste dump stations.

      In addition to the tent and RV campgrounds, Tenkiller State Park guests may choose from 38 cabins, ranging from one to three-bedroom styles. All the cabins, except for the three-bedroom models, are duplexes. Cabins are equipped for the maximum number of guests with linens, full kitchens, heat, air conditioning and satellite television. In addition, some cabins are pet friendly. There are a total of 22 one-bedroom cabins, 14 two-bedroom cabins and two three-bedroom cabin.

      Tenkiller State Park features two multi-use trails and one nature trail. The Tenkiller Multi-Use Trail is a handicap accessible paved trail 1.5 miles in length. Also located on-site, the Pine Cove Marina offers fuel, snacks and boat rentals, as well as the floating Clearwater Café.

      Tenkiller State Park also has The Driftwood Nature Center and a full time Naturalist on staff. There are daily activities Memorial Day through Labor Day. Through the winter months weekend events and activities are planned. To see what is happening at The Driftwood Nature Center call 918-489-5641 or email: leann.bunn@travelok.com

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park

      5. Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park

      2 Reviews
      11 Photos
      5 Saves
      Monroe Lake, Indiana

      Tenkiller State Park is known as Oklahoma's “heaven in the hills.” The sparkling blue waters of Lake Tenkiller offer water enthusiasts an abundance of recreational opportunities between 130 miles of shoreline and 13,000 surface acres. The park’s plentiful amenities make it a favorite destination for all ages.

      Tenkiller State Park in Vian is a haven for all water sports including water skiing, fishing, boating, tubing and scuba diving. Outdoor facilities include a volleyball court, basketball court, two playground areas, four group picnic pavilions and 172 picnic tables. An outdoor swimming pool is available seasonally at the park and includes a water slide and splash pad. Additional amenities include a community building, three hiking trails and the Driftwood Nature Center.

      Lake Tenkiller is considered one of the best places in the state for scuba diving, as its waters are clear from eight to 28 feet. Tenkiller Scuba Park is a diver's dream, with a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats to explore underwater. In some areas of the lake, divers can see the remains of homesteads and artifacts left behind from before the lake was formed. The Fisherman's Point Area provides access to a swim beach, dive park, and boat ramp. The lake's underwater terrain ranges from mildly sloping hills to rock cliffs, and the water goes up to 160 feet deep in places. With an Oklahoma fishing license, divers can try their luck at spear fishing for non-game fish. Two diving pro shops, Gene's Aqua Pro and Nautical Adventures, are located on the lake and offer training, certification and equipment rental.

      Tenkiller State Park offers RV and tent sites scattered between 10 campgrounds. Online reservations must be made for the RV and tent campsites. Primitive campgrounds include Bluff View, Eagle Point, and Hickory Flats with Day use area's at Fisherman's Point, Goose Neck Bend North and South . RV campgrounds with 30-amp electric and water hookups include Blue Jay Knob and Flying Squirrel. The Shady Grove and Fox Squirrel campgrounds both offer full hookups, with 50-amp electric service. A total of seven comfort stations with restrooms and showers are available in the park, and there are two on-site waste dump stations.

      In addition to the tent and RV campgrounds, Tenkiller State Park guests may choose from 38 cabins, ranging from one to three-bedroom styles. All the cabins, except for the three-bedroom models, are duplexes. Cabins are equipped for the maximum number of guests with linens, full kitchens, heat, air conditioning and satellite television. In addition, some cabins are pet friendly. There are a total of 22 one-bedroom cabins, 14 two-bedroom cabins and two three-bedroom cabin.

      Tenkiller State Park features two multi-use trails and one nature trail. The Tenkiller Multi-Use Trail is a handicap accessible paved trail 1.5 miles in length. Also located on-site, the Pine Cove Marina offers fuel, snacks and boat rentals, as well as the floating Clearwater Café.

      Tenkiller State Park also has The Driftwood Nature Center and a full time Naturalist on staff. There are daily activities Memorial Day through Labor Day. Through the winter months weekend events and activities are planned. To see what is happening at The Driftwood Nature Center call 918-489-5641 or email: leann.bunn@travelok.com

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek

      6. Flint Creek

      3 Reviews
      6 Photos
      5 Saves
      Colcord, Oklahoma

      After visiting Natural Falls State Park, break out the swimsuits and make a splash at Flint Creek Waterpark. This family-friendly swimming hole offers plenty of cold water to share with a variety of visitors. Guests are welcome to pitch a tent for a few nights or simply pack a picnic lunch at this summer hotspot. Whether swimming all day or dipping your toes in to cool off, please keep in mind that Flint Creek Waterpark has no lifeguards on duty.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • No image available

        7. Gates Nature Preserve

        1 Review
        5 Saves
        Monroe Lake, Indiana

        Camp at an animal lovers paradise! Gates Nature Preserve allows you to pitch your tent beside a petting zoo. Meet exotic reptiles and farm animals while spending a night in the forest of Eastern Oklahoma. When you're not playing with animals, Gates Nature Preserve is an outlet to the outdoors! This campsite sits beside the Tenkiller Ferry Lake which is great for water sports and only 5 miles from Tenkiller State Park. It is also less than 7 miles from Greenleaf state park which gives you access to the Arkansas River, Webber Falls Reservoir and Greenleaf Lake. This campsite is equipped with picnic tables, a fire pit, and a bathhouse with potable water and showers. Bring your own tent, food, and firewood.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Trash
        • Picnic Table

        $25 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
        • No image available
          • No image available

            10. Elk Creek Marina

            Be the first to review!
            Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Oklahoma

            This recreation area is part of Tenkiller Ferry Lake

            • Tents
          Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Tahlequah

          512 Reviews of 19 Tahlequah Campgrounds


          • George B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Snake Creek
            Nov. 2, 2024

            Snake Creek

            Great place to stay.

            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.

          • Andrew R.
            Camper-submitted photo from Applegate Cove Campground
            Oct. 30, 2024

            Applegate Cove Campground

            Tucked away spot that's almost heaven

            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.

          • Todd R.
            Camper-submitted photo from Chicken Creek
            Oct. 9, 2024

            Chicken Creek

            Chicken Creek

            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

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
            Oct. 4, 2024

            Natural Dam

            Nice quiet spot not far from I-40

            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.

          • chuck D.
            Camper-submitted photo from Spavinaw — Grand Lake State Park
            Sep. 21, 2024

            Spavinaw — Grand Lake State Park

            Great place to camp

            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.

          • Noel L.
            Camper-submitted photo from Applegate Cove Campground
            Sep. 8, 2024

            Applegate Cove Campground

            Nice campground

            Older 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.

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hog Valley RV & Treehouse Resort
            Aug. 17, 2024

            Hog Valley RV & Treehouse Resort

            Clean place next to good mountain biking and University of Arkansas

            Flat Sites, Clean, Nice Amenities, Nice Staff, Little Exposed in heat to Sun. Best shades sites rented in advance. (Site 24-27)

          • L
            Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Lake State Park Campground
            Jul. 28, 2024

            Brushy Lake State Park Campground

            Quaint and Quiet

            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

          • Mike
            Camper-submitted photo from Natural Falls State Park Campground
            Jul. 20, 2024

            Natural Falls State Park Campground

            Even Better if You Like Stock Car Races

            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.

          • Frank S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Onapa RV Park & Campground
            Jul. 15, 2024

            Onapa RV Park & Campground

            Quiet and peaceful

            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.

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Pappy’s Riverside RV Park
            May. 12, 2024

            Pappy’s Riverside RV Park

            great place to stay off highway 412

            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.

          • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Brooken Cove Campground
            May. 12, 2024

            Brooken Cove Campground

            Great View

            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.

          • Roxanna L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs KOA
            May. 5, 2024

            Tulsa NE-Will Rogers Downs KOA

            Tulsa, OK

            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.

          • Jeanette W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Gentry Creek Landing
            Apr. 29, 2024

            Gentry Creek Landing

            On Top of the HIll

            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.

          • Craig E.
            Camper-submitted photo from Fort Smith-Alma RV Park
            Apr. 21, 2024

            Fort Smith-Alma RV Park

            Quiet and clean

            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.

          • James F.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Natural Dam
            Apr. 4, 2024

            Natural Dam

            Beautiful spot, no facilities

            Pulled 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.

          • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Riverfront RV Resort
            Apr. 2, 2024

            Riverfront RV Resort

            Easy stopover in Fort Smith

            We stayed at this newish RV campsite for an overnight. It is located right along the river and is close to other attractions like Fort Smith and the US Marshall’s Museum (literally down the block). Our kids enjoyed the playground, outdoor gym, and pickleball - it was too cold to swim. There is only one bathhouse, but it was clean. The front office has a small store and the staff was nice. There are several restaurants within a mile. There was a gate at the front. There is a walking trail along the river so if your campsite faces it, there is plenty of people walking along that trail.

          • Ashton U.
            Camper-submitted photo from Natural Falls State Park Campground
            Mar. 19, 2024

            Natural Falls State Park Campground

            Beware Racetrack Noise

            This was a really nice campground with easy walks to some beautiful scenery! Flat pads with nice tables/grills/fire pits. Sites 3/4/11-14 have a lot more room so we’d probably pick one of those next time. There is a racetrack near by that was so loud we couldn’t hear each other talking from 6-11pm on Friday night which made it difficult to put our baby to bed. We’d love to go back but will definitely pick a weekend without a race next time.

          • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Den State Park Campground
            Mar. 17, 2024

            Devil's Den State Park Campground

            It has everything!

            I’ve lived within 2 hours almost 20 years and hadn’t visited. I’m so mad! LARGE, well spaced sites with two bath house within 50 yards in either direction. There were trails out of the campground. Riverfront spots are most ideal but the anything on the outside of the loop is beautiful. Visitors center with wood. Small store with small amount of camping supplies and snacks. Cafe onsite offering three things. The hikes are short and just amazing!!!!!

          • shelby  C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek
            Feb. 2, 2024

            Flint Creek

            fun place

            fun place to go take a swim on a hot summer day I camp here for a few weeks every year

          • shelby  C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Natural Falls State Park Campground
            Feb. 2, 2024

            Natural Falls State Park Campground

            Gorgeous place

            I go here with my friends every summer we hike almost all the trails , it’s gorgeous last time I went there (summer of 23) we saw a wild river otter swimming there is so much wildlife out there and it’s just gorgeous absolutely stunning and worth visiting, family friends and dog / pet friendly if you want to take your dogs on a hike this is the place , has stairs and is not very handicapped accessible if you want to go to the bottom of the falls but it is completely accessible for a wheelchair if you just want to view the falls from the top and there are multiple handicapped accessible paved paths !

          • shelby  C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Flint Creek
            Feb. 2, 2024

            Flint Creek

            Camp Review !!

            I stay at a camp right off of flint creek every summer , it is open to the public for the most part for fishing or swimming , there is a gorgeous little natural waterfall right under the highway so you can see when you drive by



          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tahlequah, OK?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tahlequah, OK is Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Tahlequah, OK?

            TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Tahlequah, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.