Tenkiller State Park
If you haven’t been to Lake Tenkiller, then you’re truly missing one of Oklahoma’s top camping destinations. In my opinion, this is one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful lakes. It’s a deep, clear mountain lake that is fed by the cold and clear Illinois River. Lake Tenkiller offers something for everyone; water skiing, fishing, camping, swimming, boating, scuba diving, hiking, exploring and much more. Out of all the places to camp on Lake Tenkiller, I prefer Tenkiller State Park. This is a 1190 acre park located just north of Vian Oklahoma.
The Tenkiller area is known as the “Heaven in the Hills”. Many people choose to stay at one of the many Cabins at Tenkiller State Park and then plan their activities accordingly.
Tenkiller State Park Cabins
There are 39 cabins at the State Park. These cabins range from 1 to 3 bedrooms. The cabins are equipped with just about everything a camper will need including dishes, linens and eating utensils. They are also equipped with heating and cooling as well as hot water and even satellite TV! Some also have fireplaces, so you might request one of these in the cooler months.
If you really want to rough it, Tenkiller State Park even has courtyard cottages for those who want to be pampered a little!
There is also Tent sites as well as RV sites with full hookups for you RV’ers!
Tenkiller Camping
All told, there are 39 Cabins, 10 Cottages and 10 Camping areas with 221 campsites ranging from modern to primitive. If you can’t find a place that you like to camp with all of these options, you’re not trying!
The Park is defineately a family oriented vacation or weekend get-away spot. Some of the more popular amenities include;
- Amphitheater
- Campsites with full hookups with 30 amp electric
- Grills at the campsites
- Lake/River Views
- Marina
- Meeting Space Available
- Onsite Naturalist
- WiFi in areas
- Park Ranger
- Pets Allowed
- Picnic Area
- Childrens Playground
- Scuba Diving Park
- Outdoor Pool
- Restaurant
- Golf Carts
- Horseback Riding
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Swim Beach
- Water Hookup
- Community Building
- Group Rates Availabe
- Senior Discounts
- Credit Cards Accepted
Things To Do Around Lake Tenkiller State Park
No matter what your taste, chances are you’ll find something to do around Tenkiller State Park that you’ll enjoy.
Fort Gibson is just up the road. This is a historic Fort that played an important part in Oklahoma’s history including the Civil War period.
To the North, you have Tahlequah, the Capital of the Cherokee Indian Tribe. The area is rich in Cherokee Indian history. Just East a little ways in Sequoyah County, is Sequoyah’s Cabin. You can also find a Historic Cherokee village, just the way you would find one in the 1800′s. It’s a really cool place to visit to see a working Indian village the way it was hundreds of years ago.
Muskogee is just a few miles West of Lake Tenkiller and is full of history itself.
Directions To Tenkiller State Park
It’s easy to find Tenkiller State Park. It can be reached off of I-40 by exiting at Vian and traveling North on Highway 82. Then turn left on Highway 100 West. Then go 3 miles to the park entrance which is on the right hand side of the road.
Lake Tenkiller State Park Contact Information
Here is the information to contact the State Park:
- Tenkiller State Park -
- HCR 68,Box 1095 – Vian, OK 74962
- 918-489-5643/Park Office
- 918-489-5641/Cabin Office
Conclusion
To me, the Tenkiller State Park is one of the best and finest camping areas around. If you’re wanting a place you can camp and enjoy a huge variety of events, then you’ll be hard pressed to find another destination as unique as Tenkiller State Park.