Camping near Tenkiller Ferry Lake
Tenkiller Ferry Lake in eastern Oklahoma offers a mix of Corps of Engineers and state park campgrounds providing shoreline camping in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Established campgrounds like Snake Creek, Chicken Creek, and Cookson Bend feature electric hookups with water access, while Tenkiller State Park areas such as Hickory Flats and Fox Squirrel accommodate tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. The majority of campgrounds provide both tent and RV camping options, with several locations offering cabins or glamping accommodations set among oak-hickory forests and limestone bluffs.
Most campgrounds operate year-round with peak season running April through September, when reservations are recommended. "Located in the foothills of the Ozarks in eastern Oklahoma on crystal clear Tenkiller Lake, a COE project from the mid 1950's on the Illinois River," noted one camper about Snake Creek Campground. Many campgrounds have gated entrances that close during designated quiet hours (typically 10pm-6am), requiring campers to plan arrivals accordingly. Water and electric hookups are standard at developed sites, though full hookup options with sewer connections are limited. Cell service varies significantly, with some areas reporting excellent Verizon coverage while others mention virtually no reception. Weather conditions remain pleasant through much of the camping season, though summer heat and occasional severe storms can impact camping plans.
The lake's clear waters represent a primary draw for campers, with multiple boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities available throughout the region. One visitor mentioned that "the water is deep, clear and cool" with opportunities for diving from cliffs and swimming from rock ledges. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer in evening hours, enhance the camping experience at locations like Snake Creek. Campground maintenance quality varies, with some reviews noting excellent facilities while others mention bathrooms and showers needing attention. Fire ant issues have been reported at some lakeside campgrounds, potentially impacting outdoor activities. Most campgrounds provide amenities such as restrooms, showers, dump stations, and trash collection, with varying levels of maintenance. The 12,500-acre lake, known as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise," attracts scuba divers, boaters, and anglers throughout the season.
Best Camping Sites Near Tenkiller Ferry Lake (175)
1. Greenleaf State Park Campground
28 ReviewsBraggs, OK12 milesWebsite+1 (918) 487-5196"Greenleaf State Park is a gem in eastern Oklahoma. This state park offers fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and a splash pad to cool off at!"
"One really great thing about the summer is that a pair of Osprey have begun nesting across highway 10! So neat to see the pair nesting in Oklahoma. The hiking trails need some maintenance."
2. Cherokee Landing State Park Campground
14 ReviewsPark Hill, OK8 milesWebsite"Its right on the side of the road, next to Grand Lake. Being on the lake, it made sense that most of the campers were there to play on the water. The campground is really three campgrounds."
"Good access to Lake Tenkiller and most of the sites here have some sort of Lake view. A little highway noise can be heard from the Chickasaw loop, but it is not too bad."
3. Snake Creek
8 ReviewsVian, OKWebsite+1 (918) 487-5252$16 - $50 / night
"Located in the foothills of the Ozarks in eastern Oklahoma on crystal clear Tenkiller Lake, a COE project from the mid 1950’s on the Illinois River. We stayed on site 18 which is gravel W/E (50A)."
"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."
4. Petit Bay - Tenkiller Ferry Lake
8 ReviewsPark Hill, OK7 milesWebsite+1 (918) 487-5252$10 - $50 / night
"I stayed in spot 13 near the boat ramp. Still very quiet! Only noise came from an elderly mans lil yippie dog 😡 which never shut up and shit wherever it felt!"
"On peninsula over looking lake and marina. No water, but electric here. Quiet, out of the way from others. Park has multiple swimming opportunities. We did not try bathhouse."
5. Chicken Creek
6 ReviewsBunch, OK2 milesWebsite+1 (918) 487-5252$16 - $50 / night
"Store outside gate. Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m."
"We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us. Great place to stay, friendly staff!"
6. Marval Camping Resort
10 ReviewsGore, OK10 milesWebsite+1 (918) 489-2295"This place has everything, movie theater, horse riding, a train that goes around the park, golf carts, tons of activities for the entire family... Swiming pool and all..."
7. Strayhorn Landing - Tenkiller Ferry Lake
5 ReviewsGore, OK5 milesWebsite+1 (918) 487-5252$16 - $50 / night
"Staryhorn Park is a gym on Lake Tenkiller. The park is clean and well maintained, with great views of the surrounding hills and sparkling lake waters."
"This park has a swimming hole, playground, canoeing, boat ramps, 2 bath houses, gorgeous lake views, plenty tent, and RV lots. $18-$20 per night, depending on your site for tents. $20-50 for RV depending"
8. The Shady Grove — Tenkiller State Park
5 ReviewsMonroe Lake, IN5 milesWebsite+1 (918) 776-8180"This was our first camping trip in Oklahoma and we stayed in the shady grove rv campground. There are a few sections for Rvs and I think this is one of the nicer ones."
"We had tree line behind us and shade for some parts of the day. We don’t have a boat but we have kayaks and we went and put in on the north side of the lake and went out to goat island."
9. Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA
14 ReviewsSallisaw, OK17 milesWebsite+1 (918) 775-2792"They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact."
"Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites. There is a whole new section for Class A and large 5th wheel campers n