Lake Tenkiller Reviews

Tenkiller Lake is a beauty, but there wasn't enough to do unless you had a boat and enjoy scuba diving. The water is clear and the island gives the lake a warm feel, as though you're watching the view from a movie scene. But since I don't have a boat, swim or scuba dive, I was limited to hanging out by one of the many marinas and watching the sunset. The area is very country, but you are surrounded by water from the Illinois River and the lake. It is very pretty, but there isn't much to do.

Tenkiller is a lake our family has been fishing for decades now. We usually launch boat in the Cooksen Bend area, either at Six Shooter resort or Cooksen Bend Resort and fish the area between those two particular coves.

Cooksen cove sometimes has produced some fish and we've caught some large white bass towards the opening of the cove approaching the main body of the lake in years past. As you leave Cooksen cove, heading left on the main body of the lake you approach another minor cove where the Cooksen Resort campground area is. Just past that, we've caught a lot of bass for many years, its an area we usually fish, although the water is somewhat shallow, resulting in mostly smaller sized catch.

Six Shooter cove is much deeper and offers lots of shoreline bass fishing. Its a beautiful cove but we've never really caught many fish here. Instead, we've historically done well outside the cove, starting in the beach area and fishing all the way down the high bluff and shoreline. We've caught good size largemouth bass, white bass and crappie here by casting and trolling for many years. We never land large numbers of fish but how can you complain when you are fishing an area as beautiful as Tenkiller.

Overall, the fishing is decent on Tenkiller, not particularly great. However, the water can be very clear and the scenery is beautiful. This is why our family has been fishing and visiting Tenkiller for generations now.

Many sub merged cliffs, all are snared with spiderwebs of broken fishing line. Very dangerous for diving

I have family who lived at Black Gum and Tenkiller. We came every year for a week. It has changed from what it was in the 50'S-70's, but one thing that hasn't changed is the clear blue waters. Skied and dad would go with cousins to fish. Love this place and had always dreamed of living there. Liked the movie Where the Red Fern Grows. It was filmed off the Illinois River. If you visit there you will not ever want to go home. A must for a persons Bucket List

Lake Tenkiller and the surrounding area was excellent. They gave us a cabin that allowed us to bring our dog. They had an on-site swimming pool, children's fishing pond, marina, nature talks, bike trails, and evening hay rides. A pleasant and quiet stay! My son's favorite part was having the small fish come up and eat bread from his hand when we went snorkeling! There are a number of free and inexpensive Indian Museums around the area that were very interesting. (One museum allowed us to bring our dog on the grounds so it wouldn't have to stay in the car!) Everyone was very dog-friendly! We also drove to Talequah (about 30 miles away) and took a float trip. That was a good time, but expect drunk and rowdy college kids to be sharing the water with you on a summer Saturday. (Bring good water shoes.) Downtown Talequah with its Cherokee street signs was entertaining. Definitely learned more about the forced removal of the Indians that isn't in the history books. An educational and fun trip!

Beautiful lake surrounded by trees and lovely people. Prettiest lake in Oklahoma. My favorite thing was the SUP tour and yoga class we did with Hang Zen. So much fun! Good for friends and families alike.

Pettit Bay is located on the West side of Tenkiller Lake. The RV area is $13-17 per night and features concrete and gravel pads. Be aware though that water is limited and there are no sewer drops. The campground is well-kept though and close to the swimming area. It is divided into 2 areas, and there is a dump station and other amenities at the side closest to the marina. I believe both areas have showers as well. There also is a store and grill at the entrance to the park. All-in-all a beautiful area and a good family area.

We recently went with friends to Lake Tenkiller State Park, OK and stayed in their cabins. We stayed in the 1 bedroom duplexes. Great for the price with the groupon. The pictures of the cabin and area don't really do it justice. Nice fishing lake. Nice park and walking grounds It is a beautiful area and the cabins were nice and clean..queen bed very comfy and hide-a-bed in LR. There are great views from each and every cabin. Locals are friendly and accommodating. I would recommend grocery shopping in Gore at Harps, a nice drive over the dam. There is a great pizza place and quaint Tea room/shop there, good food and great desserts. Kitchen is stocked with enough for 4. You need to bring your own paper towels, maybe larger frying pan, theirs are small. For a quiet and peaceful get-away, it's a must do. Enjoyed it.

This was the first time we went fishing at Lake Tenkiller , although we picked a recorded setting week of cold highs we still have a great time ! We hired a fishing guide by the name of Rocky Thomas look him up he is great !! We stayed a Pettie Bay Resort there too affordable and Ladonna and Bill where most helpful ! The resort has 6 cabins and just been updated and cleaned up ! The grill should be opened by the end of May !! Get out there go camping,fishing and just enjoy Eastern Oklahoma !!

We went to Lake Tenkiller with our dive group (Bluewater Divers out of OKC) to complete our SCUBA certification. They have a reserved SCUBA area only for divers - no fear of boats running you over! They have buried boats, a bus, and a plane. We went the weekend of July 29-31 and it was pretty murky in some spots but the water felt GREAT! We stayed in the cabins on the State Park's property (me, my husband, and his friend), which were a short walk to the pool and to the lake, and just a very short drive to the SCUBA sight. We walked down for a swim that evening where there was a step-down style of natural rock that went down to the CLEAR WATER!!! We perched on one of the rocks and jumped off into the water (est. at 15' in that area), next to the 'restricted' area, kind of close to the dam. That was good b/c the boats could not come up on you with the buoys and its cable stretched across, but you would get some waves from occassional boats going nearby. I could not believe how clear the water was - I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to go back.

We camped here more than a few times last summer and fall, love, love, loved it! It's a beautiful lake. We camped four times at blue jay knob because there was no one there and that's how we like it. Shady and clean campsites. The bathroom and showers are nothing special but clean enough. So quiet, great fire pits and wildlife to watch. We loved it!

Went to Tenkiller for a weekend trip and fell in love with this hidden gem!
With steep shorelines and high trees , finding a quite calm cove is easy and fun. There are multiple marinas placed all around the lake that provide food and drinks on the water with entertainment of all types. The rocky bottom allows for crystal clear water and the deep lake allows the water to stay cool on hot summer days. There are state parks surrounding the lake with camp sites or RV hookups or you can find a cozy cabin at resorts all around the lake! It's a perfect place for family staycations and very family friendly!!

I/we loved the lake. Our visit was just a short thirty-six years ago(1982) not July 2017 as the reviewer does not go back but to then. Stationed at Tinker AFB in Midwest City/Del City we airmen took a 3 day trip to the lake. WE had a great time.
We did some cliff jumping which was a bit intimidating but we finally jumped. Have a great picture of three of us as we just hit the water. The pic was taken from the cliff and the water was pushed away by our feet forming a bowl with the three of us landing in it. We grilled food on an open fire, don't cook bacon on an open fire if you want to avoid a forest fire(!), and enjoyed what we had. I nearly lost a finger to a snapping turtle. Never have I pointed at a snapping turlte since.

We were young and had no boat or thought of scuba but the trails were nice.

Nice lake...fond memories persist.

I have been coming here with my family since I was little. It is now tradition for us. We LOVE it so much we now have a family lake house here!! Everything about this lake is WONDERFUL!!! #BestLakeintheState

My Grandparents had a cabin in Chicken Creek for 25 years. A few good friends built next to each other and we had so much fun. The lake was right down the road with a swim dock. It was so blue and clear! A beautiful natural lake that made so many memories for my family. I still drive by every chance I get and I'm now in my 50s.

We love the crown jewel of Oklahoma when it comes to lakes Tenkiller does not disappoint and highly recommending renting some kayaks or paddle boards to see more of the lake.

Spent Labor Day weekend camping with family at Cookson Bend on L. Tenkiller, and very pleased with most things, but most of all the lake itself. We just rented a pontoon on our final day, but felt like we should have gone on other days, too. The water's clean and refreshing, surrounding hills are scenic, and even on a supposedly busy weekend, not crowded at all. In a word: Great!
We were pleased with the Cookson Bend campsite, too, although bathroom facilities could be better (water pressure very low, if available at all). But for $10 a night, who's complaining? You can only beat that if it's your backyard!

We were visiting the Cherokee Nation and drove over to spend the day. Fantastic....boats, floating cafes, the works....loved it!!!

Tenkiller has something for everyone! The water is clear, plenty of room for boating, and full of fish. We always stay at Pine Cove marina by the dam. There is a swimming beach, nice showers, they offer boat rental, and a great restaurant. Get put of your house and enjoy Oklahoma's great outdoors!

Best lake in Oklahoma for clear water, boating, fishing, camping and dining on the water. Most boats are pontoons and 23' or less bow riders. Pay at the pump gas available at a few marinas in case you run low after hours.

I don't live very far from the lake. It is a great place for just about anything... fun, families, parties, relaxation, family reunions, etc. So beautiful. Great places to camp. Great places to eat. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A GREAT TIME!

Our family owns a lake house at Fin and Feather Resort. We visit this lake often. It is so beautiful. The water is so blue compared to other lakes in Oklahoma. The people in the area are so nice. If you're ever in the area, go check out Fin and Feather Resort.

This is our favorite place in Ok!! This is our weekend getaway . From Wa state so I love the green trees and trout fishing. This us the place to go! We fish T the trout stream and love the lake as well. A Great Lake for fishing and boating and just a wonderful place!

I moved from my native State of Oklahoma in 1989, but return there annually. One place I always return to is Lake Tenkiller. Although, due to its popularity, they apparently limit access to the State Park Areas these days it is still a beautiful place and, in my opinion, the best SCUBA lake in Oklahoma. The water is clear, SCUBA air and supplies are readily available, boating is great, fishing too. I have always thought that if I ever returned to Oklahoma to live I'd want to live as close to Tenkiller as I could. If you like to go to the lake and you have not been to Tenkiller you're missing the boat (no pun intended). State Park Cabins, Fin 'n Feather Lodge are just two of many places to stay. Boat rentals are available too. It is just a great lake and park.

This is a huge lake, seems like it stretches on forever across the state. Unlike many lakes, the water here is very nice and blue/green. Great place to swim during summer. They also have BBQ grills so you can bring hot dogs and hamburgers.

We wanted a beautiful lake for Mother's day. We love Lake Eufalah, but it was muddy and not so very pretty in May after all the rains and storms. So we continued on to Lake Tenkiller. It was beautiful! We enjoyed our stay tremendously and look forward to returning.

The beautiful part of Lake Tenkiller is that it is a Corps lake which does not allow houses right on the water. You get to see the nature of the lake not houses. There are lots of coves for your boat, cliffs to jump off, and an awesome rope swing for all to enjoy. Great for relaxing or for watersports and fishing. Go and enjoy!