Snake Creek Campground

Nestled along the shores of the breathtaking Lake Tenkiller, often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise," Snake Creek Campground in Cookson, OK, stands out as a top-tier destination for outdoor enthusiasts across the state. This popular campground offers a blend of modern conveniences and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned RV travelers and tent campers looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of Green Country. Snake Creek Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant hub for all things water-related, complemented by the serene backdrop of the Ozark foothills.

For Oklahoma locals, Snake Creek Campground provides a convenient and well-equipped gateway to one of the state's most cherished lakes. Whether your passion lies in fishing, boating, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water's edge, this campground serves as a perfect base for creating unforgettable outdoor memories with family and friends. Its commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment, despite common outdoor challenges like insects, ensures a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all who visit.

Snake Creek Campground is conveniently located at RT 1 BOX 259, Cookson, OK 74427, USA. This places it directly on the eastern side of Lake Tenkiller, one of Oklahoma's most prominent recreational lakes. The campground is nestled within the scenic "Green Country" region of northeastern Oklahoma, characterized by its lush, dense oak-hickory forests, rolling hills, and dramatic bluffs.

Access to Snake Creek Campground is straightforward for most visitors. From Gore, Oklahoma, travelers can typically follow Highway 100 northeast for approximately 15 miles, then turn left onto a paved access road for about half a mile to reach the park entrance. The roads leading to and within the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating both cars and recreational vehicles of various sizes. Its location provides relatively easy access from major Oklahoma cities like Tulsa (approximately 1 hour 18 minutes drive) and Fort Smith, Arkansas (around 53 minutes drive), making it a popular choice for weekend getaways and longer vacations for residents across the region. While remote enough to offer a peaceful escape, it remains connected enough for convenient travel.

Snake Creek Campground is known for its comprehensive range of services, designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of its campers. It stands out from more primitive sites by offering a robust selection of amenities that cater to various camping styles.

• Electrical Hookups: All campsites are equipped with electrical hookups, with a mix of 30 Amp and some 50 Amp sites available, catering to most RVs.
• Water Hydrants/Hookups: Potable water is readily available through water hydrants at sites or shared spigots, ensuring campers have access to fresh water. Some sites also offer full water hookups.
• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: The campground provides modern comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers, a highly valued amenity for a comfortable camping experience. There are even newer areas with private shower rooms.
• Dump Station: An on-site waste dump station is available for RVs, making waste disposal convenient for campers.
• Swim Beach: A designated swim beach allows for safe and enjoyable swimming in Lake Tenkiller, perfect for cooling off during warmer months.
• Playground: A playground area is available for children, providing a dedicated space for fun and play.
• Boat Ramps and Courtesy Dock: Multiple boat ramps provide easy access for launching boats onto Lake Tenkiller. Courtesy docks are also available for temporary mooring.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically outfitted with a picnic table and a fire ring, often with a grill, for outdoor dining and campfires (always check for burn bans).
• Group Shelters: Covered group shelters are available, some with electricity, making them suitable for larger gatherings or family reunions.
• Adjacent Marina with Concessions: A marina with concessions is conveniently located adjacent to the campground, offering fuel, snacks, and sometimes boat or jet-ski rentals.
• Pet-Friendly (with considerations): The campground generally welcomes pets, though visitors should be mindful of the natural environment, as some reviews mention issues with sand burrs in grassy areas, suggesting pets might be more comfortable on concrete surfaces.

The combination of essential and modern services makes Snake Creek a highly appealing option for those seeking comfort alongside their outdoor adventure.

Snake Creek Campground's prime location on Lake Tenkiller offers a multitude of features and highlights that draw visitors seeking diverse outdoor activities:

• Lake Tenkiller's Clear Waters: Known as "Oklahoma's clearest lake," Lake Tenkiller boasts impressive visibility, ranging from 8 to 28 feet. This makes it an exceptional destination for various water sports.
• Premier Scuba Diving: The lake's clarity makes it a top spot for scuba diving, featuring unique underwater attractions like a sunken airplane fuselage, a school bus, a helicopter, and remnants of old homesteads. Diving pro shops are available on the lake for training and equipment.
• Excellent Fishing: Lake Tenkiller is renowned for its outstanding fishing, with abundant populations of black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. The lower Illinois River below the dam offers one of Oklahoma's only year-round trout fisheries, regularly stocked with rainbow trout.
• Boating and Water Sports: The lake is ideal for all forms of boating, including water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and sailing, with numerous coves and vast open water.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding dense oak-hickory forests and the lake's position as a flyway for migratory birds provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, including deer, turkey, bald eagles, common loons, and white pelicans.
• Hiking Opportunities: While the campground itself is well-manicured, trails are accessible from the area, including those that lead to scenic cliffs and rock ledges, offering a chance to explore the natural terrain.
• Close Proximity to Other Attractions: Snake Creek is conveniently located near other attractions, including Tenkiller State Park (with its nature center and additional amenities), the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, and the historic Cherokee Nation capital of Tahlequah, offering cultural and natural day-trip options.
• Floating Restaurants: Several marinas on Lake Tenkiller, including one adjacent to Snake Creek, feature floating restaurants, providing a unique dining experience right on the water.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Visitors frequently commend the park rangers and staff for taking good care of the property, ensuring a pleasant and clean environment, despite challenges like ants or sand burrs in certain areas.

For inquiries, reservations, or up-to-date information regarding Snake Creek Campground at Lake Tenkiller, the following contact details are provided:

• Address: RT 1 BOX 259, Cookson, OK 74427, USA (This is the physical address for Snake Creek Campground).
• Phone: (918) 487-5252 (This is the primary contact number for campground inquiries and general information).
• Mobile Phone: +1 918-487-5252 (This number serves as an alternative contact).
• Online Reservations: Campsites at Snake Creek Campground can often be reserved online through Recreation.gov, the official reservation platform for many federal campgrounds. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
• Website: For the most current information on fees, availability, rules, and any alerts (such as fire restrictions or weather advisories), visitors should refer to the official Recreation.gov page for Snake Creek, Tenkiller Ferry Lake, or relevant U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or Oklahoma State Parks websites.

It is always a good practice to call ahead or check online resources before your visit to confirm operating hours, current conditions, and any specific requirements or restrictions.

For Oklahoma residents, Snake Creek Campground at Lake Tenkiller stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. Its convenient location within the state's picturesque Green Country makes it easily accessible for a quick weekend getaway or a more extended family vacation, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

What truly sets Snake Creek apart for locals is its comprehensive offering of amenities combined with direct access to Lake Tenkiller's celebrated clear waters. Whether it's the thrill of scuba diving among underwater attractions, the relaxation of a day spent fishing for bass and crappie, or the simple joy of swimming at the designated beach, the campground provides ample opportunities for diverse water-based recreation. The availability of electric hookups, hot showers, and well-maintained facilities caters to a comfortable camping experience, appealing to a broad range of campers, including those with RVs and families with children. Despite minor natural nuisances like ants or sand burrs, the overall positive visitor feedback on staff attentiveness and site maintenance underscores a commitment to guest satisfaction. Snake Creek Campground embodies the best of Oklahoma's outdoor offerings, making it an ideal choice for residents looking to create cherished memories in the beautiful "heaven in the hills."

Snake Creek Campground

RT 1 BOX 259, Cookson, OK 74427, USA