Tent camping opportunities at Tenkiller Ferry Lake range from scenic state park sites to lakeside primitive areas. Many tent sites require navigating access roads, so proper vehicle preparation is advised. Oklahoma summers bring high temperatures to the area, with July and August often reaching 90°F or higher, making spring and fall preferable for comfortable camping experiences. Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline sites.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: The Illinois River corridor near Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area offers excellent bird watching. According to one visitor, "It is a bird watcher's paradise, and we saw a lot of people fishing. I was able to see multiple species of Oklahoma's woodpeckers, some birds of prey, and many songbirds."
Kayaking and fishing: The Illinois River provides excellent paddling opportunities at various points around Tenkiller. The river conditions are gentle in some areas, as one camper notes, "The river is narrow at this point, moving but not at a fast pace. Kayakers put in and paddle upstream and float back to boat landing."
Nature hikes: The area around Gates Nature Preserve features hidden trails worth exploring. A camper recounted, "Jill was so welcoming and warm, and she even showed us around some of the beautiful trails (which are definitely 'hidden' gems)." The morning walks also offer views of local farm animals and scenic countryside.
What campers like
Lake views: Tent sites at Hickory Flats offer exceptional vistas. A visitor mentioned, "Rented a tent site day before through the state website with no trouble, quiet as there weren't many campers there that night where we were. Beautiful view of the lake in the morning."
Diverse camping environments: Campers appreciate the range of options, from riverside to lakefront. At Elephant Rock Nature Park, one visitor highlighted the "beautiful breathtaking views. Especially sunsets and rises. Great hiking area. Awesome senary. Photogenic area, to say the least!"
Spacious sites: Tenkiller State Park provides well-spaced camping areas. As noted by a visitor to Eagles Point, "Tenkiller is one of Oklahomasfinest. The sites are well spaced and the lake is fantastic. The facility is clean and there is plenty of hiking opportunities. I come back over and over again."
What you should know
Changing camping regulations: Regulations at some sites have changed recently. A camper at Horseshoe Bend Primitive Public Use Area reported, "We did camp there in a tent for one night, but were politely told by a game warden the next day that, though it used to be open for that, it is no longer allowed. It is open to the public only during the day."
Accessibility challenges: Some camping areas have limited or blocked access. At Arrowhead Point, a visitor warned, "There is one road in to this camping area. It's blocked off by cement barricades so you can't access it. Should have turned around when I heard the banjos."
Road conditions: Many tent camping sites require navigating unpaved roads. One camper at Horseshoe Bend advised, "Definitely bring a 4x4, and check the weather. Dirt road was rough, but a camaro managed to get through somehow the morning we left."
Tips for camping with families
Natural exploration: The area offers numerous educational opportunities for children. At Eagles Point, a camper highlighted the amenities: "It has a marina a boat dock a floating restaurant a volleyball court hiking trails a fishing dock plenty of wildlife restrooms showers playgrounds nature center gift shop."
Creek access: Children enjoy shallow water play areas at some campgrounds. A visitor to Gates Nature Preserve noted, "Our little campsite was so cozy with a table, a fire pit and a grill. It was right next to the creek!"
Wildlife awareness: Parents should be vigilant about local wildlife. As one camper at Eagles Point cautioned, "But be aware rattlesnakes also enjoy the area."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many primitive areas near Tenkiller are better suited for tent camping than RVs. A Horseshoe Bend visitor advised, "The road was in decent shape, narrow and at one point I was able to catch a glimpse of water way down below us. I realized then that we were going to have to head down the mountain at some point. It was rather steep going down, where we were going no large travel trailer should go."
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should be particularly mindful of weather impacts on road conditions. One camper warned, "If it has rained prior or while you are camping the road will be a total mess and campers will have a difficult time getting in or out."
