Etta Bend

Etta Bend provides convenient access to Tenkiller Ferry Lake, a 12,500-acre impoundment on the Illinois River near Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The ramp is located at Pettit Bay Campground, which offers a full range of amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, a swim beach, and a dedicated boat ramp complex. This well-maintained facility is easily accessible from Highway 82 south of Tahlequah and serves as a reliable launch point for boating, fishing, water skiing, and paddling activities.

The Illinois River in this section is a major waterway with substantial flow averaging over 27,000 cubic feet per second and a relatively gentle gradient of 0.3 feet per mile, making it suitable for paddlers of various skill levels. The lake and upper river are sourced by scenic, cold-water rivers and are known for excellent water clarity. Anglers should note fishing regulations, including a 15-fish crappie limit (10-inch minimum), and that certain fishing methods are prohibited downstream of Horseshoe Bend boat ramp.

For camping or extended stays, Pettit Bay Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov (phone: 918-487-5252). The area offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, from paddling and fishing to swimming and wildlife viewing, making it an excellent basecamp for exploring Tenkiller Ferry Lake and the Illinois River system.

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...

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.

Read More Read Less