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Tenkiller
Overview
Tenkiller State Park, widely regarded as Oklahoma's heaven in the hills, offers a premier outdoor experience on the shores of Lake Tenkiller. Located near Vian, this park is famous for its exceptionally clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. It serves as a sanctuary for those looking to escape the hustle of city life. Whether you are seeking a quiet weekend nestled in the woods or an active water sports vacation, the park provides a well-maintained environment that showcases the lush natural beauty of the Cookson Hills.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of eastern Oklahoma, the park is perched on the southern end of Tenkiller Ferry Lake. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense hardwood forests and rugged bluffs that provide a stunning backdrop for any RV excursion. Accessing the park is straightforward, yet the drive via State Highway 100 offers scenic vistas of the Illinois River and the impressive dam. This region is a transition zone between the Ozark Mountains and the rolling hills, providing unique topographical diversity for visitors to enjoy.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is exceptionally well-equipped for RV travelers, featuring several distinct campgrounds with high-quality sites. Guests can enjoy paved pads and spacious layouts that accommodate larger rigs. On-site facilities ensure a comfortable stay for guests of all ages throughout the camping season. Notable amenities include:
- Full hookup RV sites including water, sewer, and 50-amp electric service.
- A designated underwater scuba park featuring sunken attractions for exploration.
- Comfort stations with hot showers, a seasonal swimming pool, and a nature center.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based activities are the primary draw here, ranging from pontoon boating to world-class fishing for bass and crappie. Those who prefer land can explore the scenic hiking trails like the Gum Springs Trail, which offers glimpses of local deer and bird species. Just a short drive away, the lower Illinois River provides excellent trout fishing opportunities. For history buffs or those needing a bit of local flavor, the nearby town of Vian offers local dining while the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge provides incredible birdwatching opportunities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for active families and outdoor adventurers who appreciate high-quality water recreation and rugged landscapes. It is a must-visit for scuba enthusiasts due to the rare inland diving facilities available. Furthermore, the park is a perfect fit for lake-loving RVers who want a traditional state park atmosphere without sacrificing essential modern conveniences. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of rustling leaves and waking up to panoramic lake views, this park fits your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
H Jim , Mary Caswell
We stayed in Flying Squirrel Camp 🏕️ in November, everything was typical Oklahoma State Park. Very nice well kept, they still have the older bathrooms and showers that were very clean and functional
Dee Hale
Ok. My hubby had some time off work and wanted to swim "in natural water". I could have easily went to a pool. Oh, how it would've been better!! That water was horrible. 10-killer lake is very dirty. The first picture you see is where you are supposed to swim. It's very rocky and nasty. There was a lot is minnows and catfish swimming around. You basically swim in a fish hole. And the boats were passing by quite often, so the water had this oily film. And that's not good. Petrol on the skin can lead to cancer. The weather was very nice and the water was warm....I put my feet in. But that's all, nothing more...just my feet. And they were dirty after. My husband's float toy was super dirty. Oh and the toilets!!! They are Port-a-Potties. There's tissue, but they rock badly. Full..FULL of poo. They weren't clean or maintained well. But they didn't stink. Surprised!? Yeah. Anyway, I AIN'T EVER going back to that crap. They had a place for children, a boat ramp, boat rentals, a regular swimming pool, and places to hook up campers and trailers. For that, I guess it's ok. A fall trip of camping and fishing. (That's what the 2 stars is for. ) But not swimming. I do NOT recommend swimming. The final perk is the drive to and from. Very peaceful. ^__^
Perry Jones
I live in Fort Smith and this is less than an hour away! Beautiful, beautiful place and I plan to go there many more times. I wish it had not taken me so long to discover it!
Morgan Lassinger
Very quiet, laid back lake. Clean, fresh air. Plenty to do from swimming in the pool on site(not big but kids enjoyed the slide!), hiking, lake fun, golf.
Amanda Cozzi
Really enjoyed our family time. The cabins are nice and close to the lake. Beds are a little uncomfortable and the satellite didn’t work but other than that had a great time. Would definitely return!