Snake Creek Cove

Snake Creek Cove is a full-service access point on the east side of Tenkiller Ferry Lake, a 12,500-acre reservoir known as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The facility features two boat ramps and a marina with concessions, making it convenient for launching kayaks, canoes, and larger vessels. Located 15 miles northeast of Gore on Highway 100, the site offers modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, a swim beach, and a dump station, with an adjacent marina that rents boats and jet skis.

The lake is fed by the scenic Illinois River and Baron Fork, both designated Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. The broader Illinois River system is a major waterway (Stream Order 9) with an average flow of 27,210 cubic feet per second and modest gradient of 0.3 ft/mile, creating generally manageable paddling conditions. Prevailing winds and secluded coves throughout the lake provide varied paddling opportunities, and the clear water supports abundant fishing and wildlife viewing.

Snake Creek is reservable as a campground through Recreation.gov (918-487-5252), making it ideal for multi-day paddling trips. The combination of protected coves, full facilities, and nearby marina support services makes this a popular base for recreational boaters and paddlers exploring Tenkiller Ferry Lake.

Overview
Snake Creek Park is one of the most popular campgrounds on Tenkiller Ferry Lake. With modern facilities, convenient access to boating, and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife, it's no wonder campers come here 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...

Overview
Snake Creek Park is one of the most popular campgrounds on Tenkiller Ferry Lake. With modern facilities, convenient access to boating, and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife, it's no wonder campers come here 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
All campsites are equipped with electrical hookups, and the group shelters also have electricity. The park has flush toilets, hot showers, water hydrants, a swim beach, playground, dump station and boat ramps. 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 near Gore offers prime trout fishing.

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