Can you reserve a site at Cookson Bend?

Yes, Cookson Bend is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Cookson Bend have?

134 sites in total, of which 131 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Cookson Bend?

160 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Cookson Bend?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cookson Bend.

Cookson Bend

Campground · Oklahoma · 131 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Cherokee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area (D6)

131
Bookable sites: 160 ft
Max rig length: up to 50
People per site: 664 ft
Elevation

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.

The facts

131 bookable sites
134 sites in total, including non-bookable
2 sites for day use only
Vehicles up to 160 ft
Up to 50 people per site
Loops: 0512, CBEN, MANAGEMENT SITES

Site types

64 Standard Electric
64 Standard Nonelectric
3 Management
2 Group Shelter Electric
1 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

Electric hookups
Water hookups
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

134 campsites at Cookson Bend

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
017	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	35 ft	8	🐾
018	0512	Standard Electric	—	Paved	40 ft	8	🐾
019	0512	Standard Electric	—	Paved	40 ft	8	🐾
058	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	🐾
059	0512	Tent Only Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
060	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
061	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
062	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
063	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
064	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
065	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
066	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
067	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
068	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
069	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
070	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
071	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
072	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
073	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
074	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
075	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
076	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
077	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
078	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
079	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
080	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
081	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
082	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
083	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
084	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
085	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
086	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
087	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
088	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
089	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
090	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
091	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
092	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
093	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
094	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
095	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
096	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
097	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
098	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
099	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
100	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
101	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
102	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
103	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
104	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
105	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
106	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
107	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
108	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
109	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
110	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
111	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
112	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
113	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
114	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
115	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
116	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
117	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
118	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
119	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
120	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
121	0512	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
G001	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
G002	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	34 ft	8	🐾
G003	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
G004	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
G005	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
G006	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
G007	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
G008	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
G009	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
G010	0512	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
S001	0512	Group Shelter Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50	🐾
S002	0512	Group Shelter Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50	🐾
001	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	25 ft	8	🐾
002	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	21 ft	8	🐾
003	CBEN	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	8	🐾
004	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	32 ft	8	🐾
005	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
006	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	26 ft	8	🐾
008	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	28 ft	8	🐾
009	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	34 ft	8	🐾
010	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	32 ft	8	🐾
011	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
012	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
013	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	24 ft	8	🐾
016	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	34 ft	8	🐾
020	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	105 ft	8	🐾
021	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
022	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
023	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
024	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	36 ft	8	🐾
025	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	36 ft	8	🐾
026	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
027	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
028	CBEN	Standard Electric	—	Gravel	160 ft	8	🐾
029	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	68 ft	8	🐾
030	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
031	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
032	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	69 ft	8	🐾
033	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
034	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	63 ft	8	🐾
035	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
036	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
037	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
038	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
039	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	57 ft	8	🐾
040	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
041	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
042	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
043	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
044	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
045	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
046	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
047	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
048	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
049	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
050	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
051	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	40 ft	8	🐾
052	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	36 ft	8	🐾
053	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
054	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
055	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
056	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
057	CBEN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	42 ft	8	🐾
N/A	CBEN	Standard Electric	—	Gravel	70 ft	8	🐾
XXX	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	Back In	Gravel	25 ft	8	🐾
XXX1	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—
XXX2	MANAGEMENT SITES	Management	—	—	—	—

Getting there

From Tahlequah, OK go 17.5 miles southeast on Highway 82. Look for sings for Tenkiller and turn right, then go two miles west on the paved access road.

35.70667, -94.96000 · 35°42'24.0"N 94°57'36.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	3.0	2.7	4.5	4.9	5.8	4.6	4.0	3.7	4.6	4.5	4.2	3.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Cookson Bluff across from Cookson Bend Park — Photo: Sheryl R. Townsend · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Cookson Bend

Can you reserve a site at Cookson Bend?: Yes, Cookson Bend is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Cookson Bend have?: 134 sites in total, of which 131 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Cookson Bend?: 160 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Cookson Bend?: Yes, pets are allowed at Cookson Bend.
Does Cookson Bend have hookups?: Electric, Water.

Camping near Cookson Bend

Chicken Creek 1.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pettit Bay 3.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Snake Creek 4.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Elk Creek Landing 4.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Strayhorn Landing 8.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dam Site (Fort Gibson Lake) 18.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Wahoo Bay 22.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Taylor Ferry 24 mi · Campground · we watch it
Tullahasse Loop 30.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Rocky Point (FT Gibson) 31.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Flat Rock Creek 31.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Blue Bill Point 31.4 mi · Campground · we watch it

Comments

Contact

Phone 918-487-5252
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-01.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.