Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers within Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Chicken Creek sits roughly 17.5 miles northeast of Gore along Highway 100, then 1.5 miles in on a paved access road. The campground runs from March through September, with sites equipped with electric and water hookups accommodating RVs up to 146 feet. Shady spots are plentiful, though campers with large rigs should note that some sites can be tricky to back into, and 50-amp hookups are limited to only seven sites.
Water access is a consistent draw here. Several sites sit within a few hundred yards of the lake, with a swim beach, boat ramp, and boat dock nearby. Tenkiller Ferry Lake draws anglers after black bass, crappie, and catfish, and the lake's clear water also makes it a destination for scuba divers, who can explore a sunken airplane, school bus, and helicopter on the lake floor. The surrounding oak-hickory forest in the Ozark foothills adds to the forested feel of the campground itself.
Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, drinking water, and firewood for sale on site. Verizon cell coverage has tested well for at least one reviewer. The showers have drawn some complaints about their condition, so campers who prioritize facilities may want to set expectations accordingly. Gates close at 10 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. Pets are allowed, and those planning a longer stay in the area can browse pet-friendly camping near Tenkiller Ferry Lake for additional options. Nearby alternatives include Cookson Bend to the north. Reservations are available and worth booking early for peak-season weekends.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChicken Creek is located in Oklahoma near Bunch
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 CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/21/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/21/26
- 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
Drive Time
- 55 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 13 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 16 min from Tulsa, OK
- 2 hrs 19 min from Joplin, MO
