Within Tenkiller Ferry Lake's protected waters, Petit Bay operates as a US Army Corps of Engineers campground with two distinct sections and year-round access. The facility accommodates RVs up to 98 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections, while tent campers can choose from sites with varying amenities.
Each section features its own boat ramp and marina access, though reviewers note differences in site quality between the areas. N I. explains that "section II is an older version" with sites "not in as good a shape." The campground provides flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and a swim beach, though one camper found the designated swimming area lacking and preferred the boat ramp side for water access.
Sites along the peninsula offer direct lake and marina views, with some providing electric-only hookups for a more secluded experience. Multiple reviewers mention the well-spaced layout and forested setting, which attracts returning visitors and provides habitat for various bird species. A marina with concessions operates adjacent to the campground, and construction activity may occasionally impact the atmosphere.
Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds near Park Hill or consider nearby Cherokee State Park Campground. Reserve waterfront sites well in advance, as they fill quickly during peak season.
Description
Overview
Pettit Bay Campground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake is a recreational paradise for visitors looking for a well-kept waterfront facility, which offers convenient access for boating, swimming and wildlife viewing. It is located near the historic town of Tahlequah and attracts many campers who return year after year.
Recreation
Boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and swimming are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Prevailing winds and secluded coves create an ideal environment for sailing. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's clear waters and high visibility. 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 federal and state laws.
Facilities
The campground has sites with electric hookups, and some sites are non-electric. The park has flush toilets, hot showers, water hydrants, a swim beach, playground, dump station, and boat ramps with courtesy docks. A marina with concessions is adjacent to the campground. Of the ten marinas with concessions located on the lake, most offer boat and jet-ski rentals, and several have floating restaurants.
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. It is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. This area, known as Green Country, is surrounded by dense oak-hickory forests, tall bluffs, and rolling hills. The lake has 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It 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 capital of the Cherokee Nation. The scenic upper Illinois River near Tahlequah is great for canoeing and rafting, and the lower Illinois River near Gore offers prime trout fishing.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPetit Bay - Tenkiller Ferry Lake is located in Oklahoma
Directions
From Tahlequah, OK, go 8.25 miles south on Highway 82, turn right on Indian Road and go two miles south. Then turn left and go one mile southeast on the paved access road.
Address
446977 EAST 980 ROAD
Gore, OK 74435-9547
Coordinates
35.7536111 N
94.9477778 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Tulsa, OK
- 1 hr 18 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 1 hr 18 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 19 min from Joplin, MO
