Established Camping
Chicken Creek
Chicken Creek, near Gore, Oklahoma, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors by Tenkiller Ferry Lake. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and even cabins, there's something for everyone, whether you're rolling in with a big rig or just pitching a tent.
This campground is known for its electric hookups and access to drinking water, making it a comfortable choice for campers. Visitors have raved about the beautiful lake views and the nearby boat ramp, perfect for fishing or just soaking up the sun. One camper mentioned, “We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake,” highlighting the convenient access to water activities.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Tenkiller Ferry Lake is a hotspot for scuba diving, with clear waters revealing sunken treasures like an airplane fuselage and a school bus. The surrounding area is rich with wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for deer, turkey, and even bald eagles soaring overhead.
While the campground has its quirks—like some tricky backing spots for larger trailers—most campers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the well-kept facilities. Just remember, no fires are allowed, so plan your meals accordingly. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Chicken Creek offers a laid-back vibe and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Description
Overview
Head to Chicken Creek Campground for tons of fun on Tenkiller Ferry Lake. As one of the most popular campgrounds on the lake, Chicken Creek boasts modern facilities, impressive vistas, convenient access to boating and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. It's no wonder why so many campers return each year.
Recreation
Water skiing, boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Prevailing winds and secluded coves create an ideal environment for sailing. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's clear waters and high visibility. Fishing is good for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish. The trout stream below the dam is one of only two year-round trout fisheries in Oklahoma, and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Hunting is also permitted in parts of the lake area, in accordance with federal and state laws.
Facilities
All campsites are equipped with electric hookups, and the group shelters have electricity, too. The park has flush toilets, hot showers, water hydrants, a swim beach, playground, dump station and a boat ramp complex. Of the ten marinas with concessions located on the lake, most offer boat and jet-ski rentals, and several have floating restaurants.
Natural Features
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The 12,500 acre lake is sourced by the Illinois River and the Baron Fork, which are both designated as Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. It is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. This area, known as Green Country, is surrounded by dense oak-hickory forests, tall bluffs, and rolling hills. The lake has 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It serves as one of the flyways of migratory birds, including bald eagles, common loons, and white pelicans.
Nearby Attractions
Visit the Tenkiller State Park for its nature center and scuba diving park, the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near Vian, or the historic city of Tahlequah - the capital of the Cherokee Nation. The scenic upper Illinois River near Tahlequah is great for canoeing and rafting, and the lower Illinois near Gore offers prime trout fishing.
Location
Chicken Creek is located in Oklahoma
Directions
From Gore, Oklahoma, go 17.5 miles northeast on Highway 100, take the turn left and go 1.5 miles northwest on the paved access road. Follow signs into the campground.
Address
446977 EAST 980 ROAD
Gore, OK 74435-9547
Coordinates
35.6816667 N
94.9627778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Detours Nearby
Lookout Tower Road
1 hr 8 min away
Heavener Runestone Park
1 hr 12 min away
Drive Time
- 55 min from Fort Smith
- 1 hr 13 min from Fayetteville
- 1 hr 16 min from Tulsa
- 2 hrs 19 min from Joplin
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
