Limited options exist for equestrian camping near Tenkiller Ferry Lake, as none of the documented campgrounds feature dedicated horse corrals or specialized equine facilities. Chicken Creek Campground and Taylor Ferry accommodate travelers with horses but require guests to bring their own containment solutions like portable corrals or highlines. Both campgrounds offer multiple camping styles including tent sites and RV spots with electric hookups. The campgrounds maintain spacious areas that can accommodate horse trailers, though advance arrangements may be necessary during peak seasons from April through September.
Trail riding possibilities exist on surrounding public lands near Tenkiller Ferry Lake, with some primitive bridle trails accessible from the campgrounds. Many equestrians combine camping at these locations with day trips to nearby riding areas. Water access points for horses are available at designated spots within Chicken Creek's camping areas. The lake's shore access provides watering opportunities for horses at several points. Gates at Chicken Creek close between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, requiring riders to plan accordingly when scheduling trail rides. Some campsites are positioned to allow horse owners to keep watch on their animals throughout their stay. Horse campers should note that Chicken Creek offers the most direct trail access, making it the stronger base camp for equestrians who plan multiple days of riding.
"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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $50 / night
"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 now."
"I stayed in Campground E, one of 5 campgrounds in the park, not including the equestrian campground or the walk in tent sites off of Campground A."
"There's easy access to Lee Creek and trails that lead from the campground around to the dam, pool and gift shop. They also have a horse camp, tent camping, cabins and camper cabins."
from $20 / night
"My son fished in the lake right outside our spot and we had deer walking by!"
"It is close to Hwy 51 but you really can’t tell. Gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful I saw some old oyster mushrooms all over the place possibly some lions mane 💓 I had a great time."
from $14 - $28 / night
"The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate."
from $14 / night
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
"Buffalo, horses and awesome amounts of fish! We stayed here in a duplex cabin and could just fish right out our back door. They have hiking trails and 2 private lakes."
from $35 - $40 / night
GuideWe stopped at Taylor’s Ferry for one night on a road trip and pretty much had the whole campground to ourselves! We stayed in spot 51 (pull through) right on the water and shaded! Campground is very clean and hosts are helpful. My son fished in the lake right outside our spot and we had deer walking by!
GuideDuring the past five years, we've stayed at this park at least six times. It's a good overnight stopping point as we head back to Texas, with easy access from the highway and a nice dog park. If you travel with pets, then you know why that's important.
All the park staff we have ever dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. Even though it's close to the highway, you really won't hear much traffic noise, especially if you're at the rear of the park away from the roadway.
We were assigned to pull-through site number E1 with a concrete pad that is level from side to side. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located.
NOTE: We always request space E1 because it is level, has a nice-sized shade tree that blocks the afternoon sun, and is close to the bathrooms, showers, pool, and laundry room. I've included several aerial photos of the park, and you will see that it is pretty full. Probably 90% of those staying here are full-time or seasonal. Row E is usually left open for travelers, so you might want to request a site on that row, as they are pretty much level. Even though the park has mostly full-time residents, it is nice, quiet, and well maintained. If it wasn't, we wouldn't continually stay here.
The bathrooms, showers, laundry room, and pool area are all located in one location at the front of Row E and are clean and well maintained with secure door and gate codes. Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: We were able to get AT&T 5G with 3 bars. AT&T achieved 567 Mbps down and 6.43 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, and if you do need totally clear access for satellite reception, there are sites available with no trees. We were able to get 30 OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable and Wi-Fi were not available.
Dog Park: They have a very nice fenced-in park that is always in great condition. The park is divided for big and small dogs, and the large-dog area is very large with lots of tree coverage. They also provide doggie bags and a trash can.
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from town, where you can find plenty of stores and restaurants. Also, this is a Good Sam Park, so if you're a member, you'll get a discount if you let them know. Summary: A great place for an overnight stay, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy your stay!
RangerPark has lots of hiking trails and lots of pro mountain bike trails too. The main Devils Den trail was closed for repairs when I arrived but still enjoyed the park. I have Verizon and the reception there was awful.
GuideThis was a great stay with great spots for both smaller RV, tents & travel trailers. I loved this spot plus it was free. There are restrooms but no showers. First come first serve since there is no office or website to book! There was not many people when we went March-April and weather was nice. I also got to use my generator.
ScoutHauling our new camper home and Fort Gibson was a convenient mid point. Dialed up campgrounds and chose this one on CBC a whim. Spent a week here and during that time scouted out all the other government sites in the area. This one is the best gov site in the area.
RangerDevil’s Den SP had a great campground with full hookups available. The natural beauty of this area is breathtaking! Plenty of hiking opportunities and tons of activities. Very pet friendly. And close to so many attractions in Northwest Arkansas!
LegendI think part of the possibility confusion is the north and south campground. There is both on the campground on the south side of the road. There is also a day use area on the overall north side of the road which is for boating and picnics. Campground is great but if you have read you can stay for free on the picnic area, that is not correct as it allows no camping.
LegendGreat stop right off highway between Ft Smith and Fayetteville. Nice mix of all types of camping from tent-RV. Mountain Biking trails are on point, and plenty of hiking to scratch that itch or keep in shape for big trips
TravelerFriendly helpful staff. Decent lots. Many are shaded. Several things for kids including a pool.
Lake Tenkiller spans 12,900 acres with 130 miles of shoreline in northeastern Oklahoma at an elevation of 632 feet. The lake is fed by the Illinois River and Baron Fork Creek, creating deep, clear waters that reach depths of 165 feet. Camping options near the lake range from primitive sites to full-hookup RV areas, with most campgrounds open from March through October.
Fishing in the clear waters: Chicken Creek Campground offers excellent bank fishing access. "We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us," reports Ashley T. The lake supports healthy populations of bass, crappie and catfish.
Scuba diving expedition: Tenkiller is known for underwater exploration with visibility ranging from 8 to 28 feet. "Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats," according to reviews at Chicken Creek.
Wildlife viewing: Devil's Den State Park provides opportunities to spot deer, turkey, and migratory birds including bald eagles. Located about 45 minutes from Tenkiller, the park features "great trails and beautiful views" according to Tiffany H., making it worth the drive for equestrian campers seeking more riding options.
Quiet, well-maintained grounds: At Taylor Ferry Campground, campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. "I was here last week and stayed Tuesday - Friday and had a great time. Is quite, nice and well kept," says Shawn L. Most sites at Taylor Ferry have shade trees and lake views.
Spacious sites: Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA provides ample room for horse trailers. "Very nice campground, with friendly helpful staff. Fabulous showers," notes Lynda K. The campground accepts equestrian campers though specific horse facilities are limited.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "We stayed on the north end which has a private shower house. We caught some catfish right off the rock peer," says Elizabeth B. about Taylor Ferry. The cleanliness makes longer stays more comfortable for riders and their horses.
Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds have a primary season. "Peak Season April 01 to September 30. First-come, First-served October 01 to November 30," notes a Chicken Creek review. Call ahead during off-season to confirm availability.
Water levels fluctuate: Little Turtle RV & Storage visitors note water level changes affect access. "The time of year we stopped here there was very little open," reports Ronnie D. Water access points for horses may change with lake levels.
Gate hours: Security measures affect late arrivals and early departures. "Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m.," mentions Mark J. at Chicken Creek. Plan trail rides accordingly to ensure you can access camp when returning.
Swimming options: Chicken Creek features designated swimming areas safe for children. "We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Great place to stay, friendly staff!" reports Ashley T. Families with horses can rotate supervision duties while others enjoy water activities.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for younger visitors. "The campground is clean but the showers could use some work. Located right on the lake, my family would spend hours fishing while the kids would play," says Tom K. about Taylor Ferry.
Site selection for horse visibility: Reserve sites that allow horse monitoring. "Had a picnic table, grill and a covered area to sit at as well. Most beautiful place by far!" notes Ashley T. at Chicken Creek. Request sites with clear sightlines to temporary corrals or tie areas.
Electric hookup limitations: Long Lake Resort and similar campgrounds offer modern power options. "The RV area looked new because all of the power boxes had 50/30 and 120 outlets and breakers which is super cool. All of the sites had sewer and water connections too," notes Cynthia H. This matters for campers using electric fencing for horses.
Dump station access: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds lack full hookups but provide dump stations. "Two dump stations!" mentions Elizabeth B. about Taylor Ferry. Plan water usage accordingly when staying with horses that require regular cleaning.
Level sites for larger rigs: Horse trailers with living quarters need adequate space. "Super friendly hosts, beautiful view. The water at our site was broken so we shared with another site (60')," reports Corey P. about Taylor Ferry. Request specific sites that can accommodate your trailer length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Tenkiller Ferry Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Tenkiller Ferry Lake is Chicken Creek with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Tenkiller Ferry Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Tenkiller Ferry Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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