Cookson Bluff

Cookson Bend Campground offers access to Tenkiller Ferry Lake, a scenic 13,000-acre reservoir on the Illinois River nestled in the Cookson Hills. The site is known for its dramatic 200-foot limestone bluffs and clear waters, making it popular for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, and scuba diving. Located 17.5 miles southeast of Tahlequah via Highway 82, the access point provides a well-developed facility with camping, electric hookups, restrooms with hot showers, and a swim beach.

**Important Note:** Recent reports indicate that the Cookson Bend boat ramp has been closed to the public due to low lake levels. Before visiting, contact the facility at 918-487-5252 to confirm ramp availability and current water conditions. Alternative public boat ramps at nearby locations like Chicken Creek South Complex, Snake Creek, Strayhorn Landing, and Cato Creek may be available, though boaters are advised to launch at their own risk during low water conditions.

The Illinois River at this location is a major waterway with significant flow (averaging 27,210 cubic feet per second) and a gentle gradient, making it suitable for recreational paddling. Paddlers should be prepared for moderate current and check current water levels before launching.

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...

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.

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