Cookson Bend is located near [Tenkiller Ferry Lake](https://thedyrt.com/camping/oklahoma/near/tenkiller-ferry-lake), offering a landscape of rolling hills and dense forests. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s during winter to highs in the 90s in summer. Nearby attractions include Tenkiller State Park and the Illinois River, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.

## Overview

 Cookson Bend Campground is a popular area that lies on Tenkiller Ferry Lake, among the Cookson Hills of the Ozark Mountains. Visitors here delight in breathtaking views of 200-foot limestone bluffs rising from the scenic waters.
## Recreation

 Boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking and swimming are among the activities enjoyed by visitors. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's clear waters and high visibility. Ten marinas are located on the lake. Most offer boat and jet-ski rentals, and several have floating restaurants. 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 state laws.
## Facilities

 The campground has sites with electric hookups, and some sites are non-electric. The group picnic shelters have electricity and are reservable. The park has waterborne restrooms with hot showers, drinking water, a dump station, swim beach, playground, and boat ramps. A marina with concessions is adjacent to the campground.
## 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. Located in the northeastern part of the state, the region is known as Green Country, with surroundings of dense Oak-Hickory forests, tall bluffs, and rolling hills. Tenkiller boasts 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It also 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 capitol 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.

Cookson Bend

Park Hill is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Park Hill is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Park Hill. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Park Hill

The Best Camping Near Park Hill, Oklahoma

Fishing galore, swimming area boat launch. Very safe and secure

Beautiful lake

This is a lakeside campground with 2 primary sections terraced so that most campsites have at least a partial lake view. All sites are water/electric with sites 51 thru 57 offering 50 amp and the remaining sites 30 amp. Some of the 30 amp sites share water connections. There are 2 boat ramps and a playground. The dump station is just outside the gate and is in good working order. 
Cookson Bend has the potential to be a beautiful campground but lacks facility and grounds maintenance. Unfortunately, this is well below the COE's typical standards. 

Lake Front Camping

Cookson Bend Campground is a popular area that lies on Tenkiller Ferry Lake, among the Cookson Hills of the Ozark Mountains. Visitors here delight in breathtaking views of 200-foot limestone bluffs rising from the scenic waters. 

Open All year Peak season Apr 1- Sep 30 Reservations welcome 

Off peak Oct 1– Mar 30 FCFS Electric sites $19.00 Non electric $14.00 

Ten only non electric $14.00 Group shelter $50.00 You will find sites with electric and sites without. 

There are hot showers, water, playground, swimming beach, dump station, fishing dock, boat ramps, flush toilets. The sites are older and consist of gravel and grass but the grass is well maintained. Beautiful water sites make the visit worthwhile. There are lot of trash dumpster scattered throughout the park. Most sites are nicely shaded. There is a marina next to the campground with the ability to purchase needed items, rent boats, etc. 

Tenkiller Ferry Lake has waters that are clean and clear from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. It is located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and it is covered in oak, and hickory forest. There are tall bluffs and gently rolling hills. The lake has 12,500 acres of surface water which make it the perfect getaway. 

Check-out time: 3:00 pm. Check-in time: 6:00 pm. Quiet hours: 10:00 pm- 6:00 am. Entrance gates will be closed during this time. Grey water and sewage must be properly disposed of in the provided dump station receptacle. Trash must be placed in the provided dumpsters. Pets must remain restrained on a leash or penned at all times. Pets are not allowed on swim beaches or in bathrooms.

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Group shelters are day use only. Limit 3 tents, or 1 wheeled camper and 2 tents per camp pad. Fireworks are prohibited.

Photos of Cookson Bend

Real photos from real campers