Pettit Bay

Tenkiller Ferry Lake

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.

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.

Notifications and Alerts

Beginning November 1, 2024, the park will be partially open for day use and boat ramp access only. The park will be winterized, and there will be no camping allowed. First come/first served campsites will be available March 1, 2025, and reservations will begin April 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.

Need to Know

Check-out time: 3:00 pm. Check-in time: 6:00 pm. You must stop and register at the Gate Shack upon arrival.
Quiet hours: 10:00 pm - 6:00 am. Entrance gates will be closed during this time.
Grey water and sewage must be properly disposed of in the provided dump station receptacle. Disposal of any water or waste on the ground is prohibited.
Pets must remain restrained on a leash or penned at all times. Pets are not allowed on swim beaches or in bathrooms.
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Group shelters are day use only.
Limit 3 tents, or 1 wheeled camper and 2 tents per camp pad.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Fishing and hunting are regulated by federal and state laws.
Campers must occupy the campsite at least once during each 24 hour period. Abandoned personal property may be subject to impoundment after 24 hours.
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30 day period. This applies to all members of the camping party and the camping unit.
Fires must be contained within the fire ring or grill provided. These are NOT trash receptacles, please leave them free of food and litter upon departure.
Campers shall keep their sites free of trash and litter during the period of occupancy and shall remove all personal equipment and clean their sites upon departure. Trash must be placed in the provided dumpsters.

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.

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.

Contact Information

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446977 EAST 980 ROAD GORE OK 74435-9547

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 918-487-5252

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving 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.

Available Campsites

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