Blackgum Landing

Blackgum Landing is a public boat ramp providing access to Tenkiller Ferry Lake on the Illinois River in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. Located approximately 14 miles southeast of Tahlequah via Highway 82, this launch site offers convenient access to a major recreational lake known for its scenic 200-foot limestone bluffs. The facility is part of a network of public-use areas along the lake designed to accommodate kayakers, canoeists, and motorized boaters.

The Illinois River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 9) with an average flow of approximately 27,210 cubic feet per second and a gentle average gradient of 0.3 feet per mile, making it suitable for various water activities. Tenkiller Ferry Lake itself is popular for fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, and swimming. Note that web reports indicate some boat ramps on the lake, including Blackgum Landing, may have variable conditions—boaters are advised to check current launch conditions before arriving.

For more information and to check on current facility conditions, contact the nearby Elk Creek Landing Park at 918-487-5252. The area offers multiple recreation opportunities and good access to both the lake and surrounding natural features in the Ozark Plateau region.

Overview
Elk Creek Landing Park is a nice, quiet, enjoyable campground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake. It has modern facilities and handy access to the lake. The region features breathtaking views of 200-foot limestone bluffs rising from the lake.Recreation
Fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, and swimming are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Prevailing winds and secluded coves create an...

Overview
Elk Creek Landing Park is a nice, quiet, enjoyable campground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake. It has modern facilities and handy access to the lake. The region features breathtaking views of 200-foot limestone bluffs rising from the lake.Recreation
Fishing, boating, 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
About half the campsites are equipped with electric hookups, and the two group shelters are nonelectric. The park has flush toilets, hot showers, water hydrants, dump station and a boat ramp. A marina with concessions is near 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 near Gore offers prime trout fishing.

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