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)
1. Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area
Park Hill, Oklahoma2 Reviews•18 Photos•79 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
2. Jackson Bay Recreation Area
Fort Gibson Lake, Oklahoma3 Reviews•15 Photos•103 SavesMembership 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)
3. Sequoyah Bay State Park Campground — Sequoyah Bay State Park
Fort Gibson Lake, Oklahoma2 Reviews•13 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
4. Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park
Monroe Lake, Indiana3 Reviews•2 Photos•5 SavesTenkiller 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
5. Hickory Flats — Tenkiller State Park
Monroe Lake, Indiana2 Reviews•11 Photos•5 SavesTenkiller 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
6. Flint Creek
Colcord, Oklahoma3 Reviews•6 Photos•5 SavesAfter 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
7. Gates Nature Preserve
Monroe Lake, Indiana1 Review•5 SavesCamp 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
8. Natural Dam
Natural Dam, Arkansas4 Reviews•11 Photos•56 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Showers
- Toilets
10. Elk Creek Marina
Be the first to review!Tenkiller Ferry Lake, OklahomaThis recreation area is part of Tenkiller Ferry Lake
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Tahlequah
515 Reviews of 19 Tahlequah Campgrounds
Joseph B.
Scout
Riverfront RV Resort
Very Nice and Convenient
This campground is only about a year old and everything seems to still be in good shape. Online reservations were simple, even on the day of arrival. Most sites are concrete pads and even the gravel sites have a concrete pad for the picnic table. Campground is adjacent to the Arkansas River (thus the name) and less than 2 miles from the Fort Smith National Historic Site. The bathrooms were clean and secured by door combination though the showers only had a curtain to close.
Leni K.
Ranger
Sequoyah State Park - Marina and Cabins
Excellent November Tent Destination
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.
Truth I.Scout
Little Blue Area — Grand Lake State Park
It's beautiful
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;)
George B.Scout
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.Scout
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.
- FFrancis W.
Traveler
Deep Fork Campground — Lake Eufula State Park
Nice
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.
Todd R.
Guide
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
- Ricky T.Scout
Devil's Den State Park Campground
Undeniably Incredible!!
Absolutely beautiful from the Senic Overlook!! The trails are easy to traverse, and the nature here is breathtaking!!
- CClayton P.Guide
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.Scout
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.GuideApplegate 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.
- CChris A.Guide
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)
Ferrason A.ScoutNatural Dam
beautiful scenery but not many amenities
The scenery here is really beautiful, Geometry Dash Breeze but it is so deserted that it is a bit scary at night.
- Candy S.Scout
Bluff View — Tenkiller State Park
Bluff view
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.
- LLogan D.Traveler
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
MikeScout
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.Traveler
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.
- JJames J.Scout
Lee Creek Public Use Area
Not a campsite
This is not a campsite anymore. Code enforcement will call cops and have you trespassed!
- MMary H.Guide
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.Traveler
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.Guide
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.Guide
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.Guide
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.Traveler
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.RangerRiverfront 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.Scout
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.
LegendDevil'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!!!!!
Guide to Tahlequah
Tent camping near Tahlequah, Oklahoma offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Flint Creek provides electric hookups and allows campfires, making it a comfortable spot for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.
- Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park features well-spaced sites with access to restrooms and a variety of recreational activities nearby.
- Jackson Bay Recreation Area offers a free camping experience with picnic tables and a beautiful view over the lake, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Local attractions to explore
- Just a short drive from Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area, you can enjoy kayaking on the Illinois River, known for its stunning natural scenery.
- Sequoyah Bay State Park Campground is close to hiking trails and a nature center, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing.
- Visit the nearby Gates Nature Preserve for hidden trails and a serene environment, perfect for a day of hiking and relaxation.
Tips for tent camping near Tahlequah
- Bring water shoes when visiting Flint Creek, as the rocky creek bed can be tough on bare feet.
- Arrive early at Eagles Point — Tenkiller State Park during busy weekends to secure a good camping spot, as the park is popular among locals and visitors alike.
- Be prepared for a bit of a trek at Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area, as the access road can be rough, but the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere make it worthwhile.
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.