Cowlington Point
4.1784 reviews21616 E CR 1175, Keota, OK 74941
Cowlington Point
$16.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $16 to $50 per night depending on site type and season. Additional fees may apply for modifications ($10) and cancellations ($10 plus...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$75.00
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Recreation.gov
Provider(918) 487-5252.
About this campground
Tucked away along the tranquil, tree-lined shores of Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, Cowlington Point beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront adventure and peaceful retreat. This 38-site campground serves as your gateway to endless water recreation, where mornings begin with mist rising off the lake and evenings end with spectacular sunsets over the water. Whether you're launching from one of two boat ramps, gathering the family for volleyball on sun-dappled courts, or watching children's laughter echo across the playgrounds, Cowlington Point creates the backdrop for memories that last long after you've packed up camp. Anglers find their paradise here, while families discover the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation beneath the protective canopy of mature trees.
Cowlington Point accommodates a range of camping styles with designated sites suitable for tent camping, RVs, and group camping. Electric hookups are available for RVs.
Historical SignificanceCowlington Point sits along waters that tell the story of Oklahoma's transformation. The Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam, which created this expansive reservoir, stands as a testament to mid-20th century engineering ambition and the vision of connecting America's heartland to the sea. As part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, these waters have witnessed the evolution from untamed river to vital commercial waterway, linking multiple rivers and opening eastern Oklahoma to barge traffic that carries the region's commerce to distant ports. Today, recreational boaters share these historic waters with commercial vessels, creating a unique blend of leisure and living history.
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Cowlington Point in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflowers dotting the hillsides and perfect fishing conditions, while summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and water sports. Fall transforms the surrounding Cookson Hills into a tapestry of amber and crimson, creating stunning reflections on the reservoir's surface. Even winter has its charm, offering peaceful solitude and excellent opportunities for cold-water fishing beneath crisp, clear skies.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation within the Cookson Hills, Cowlington Point offers gentle slopes that make accessing the water easy for all ages while providing just enough height to capture cooling breezes off the reservoir. The varied terrain creates natural privacy between campsites and offers multiple vantage points for taking in the surrounding beauty of eastern Oklahoma's rolling landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Cookson Hills embrace Cowlington Point in a natural amphitheater of rolling woodland and sparkling water. Ancient oaks and hickories provide generous shade throughout the campground, their branches creating a living cathedral above your campsite. Hiking trails meander through the hills like secret passages, revealing hidden coves, wildlife viewing spots, and pristine shoreline vistas. The interplay of forest and water creates diverse habitats where great blue herons stalk the shallows, eagles soar overhead, and deer emerge at dusk to drink from the reservoir's edge. Each bend in the trail promises new discoveries, from wildflower meadows to rocky outcrops perfect for sunset watching.
Geological RegionCowlington Point rests within the ancient Cookson Hills, where the Arkansas River has carved its way through Sequoyah, Le Flore, Haskell, and Muskogee counties in eastern Oklahoma. This geological wonderland showcases millions of years of Earth's history, with rolling hills that tell tales of ancient seas and river valleys shaped by countless seasons of flowing water. The diverse terrain creates a landscape photographer's dream, where wooded ridges give way to water vistas and rocky bluffs reveal layers of time written in stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited information is available on accessibility features, but users reported spacious sites that could accommodate larger groups and vehicles.
Sites SizeSites are described as 'nice large areas' and 'nicely spaced,' accommodating activities like playing games and riding jet skis.
Sites PrivacySites are described as peaceful and quiet with ample space for privacy.
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the playground or restroom may be more convenient for families according to user reviews.
Best Campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 6 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 3 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights allowed per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite allows one wheeled camping unit and up to three tents.
Groups
Group sites include picnic shelters and spacious areas for larger parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 38 sites spread across a wooded area with loops near the reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from March 1 to October 31 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are same-day reservable, and availability must be checked before setting up on a site.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime prior to the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (starting midnight the day before arrival) will incur additional fees, including forfeiture of the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Cowlington Point offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its location on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. The reservoir is highly regarded for fishing with record-sized crappie, sand bass, catfish, and black bass. Boating and kayaking are popular, with a boat ramp provided for easy access. Hiking trails wind through the hills and shoreline. The playground and volleyball court provide additional outdoor activities.
Hiking
A variety of hiking trails are available around the reservoir, providing scenic routes along the shoreline and through the hills.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight at Cowlington Point, with species like crappie, sand bass, catfish, and black bass reaching record sizes. User reviews frequently praise the quality of fishing.Biking
One user noted it was 'a good place to ride bikes,' though more details on biking trails or paths are unavailable.Boating
Boating and kayaking are popular activities at Cowlington Point. Two courtesy docks and ramps are provided for easy access to the reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include geese and other birds, as mentioned by users.Winter Activities
No winter activities such as skiing or ice fishing are specifically mentioned.Water Sports
Water-based activities like kayaking and jet skiing are popular. Users note spacious sites for playing games and riding jet skis.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be contained within provided fire rings or grills. Burning trash is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSafety considerations include narrow roads with low-hanging trees that may pose challenges to large RVs. Wildlife may be present in the area.
Active alerts.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations in Sallisaw, OK (8 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 1 to October 31
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to keep their sites free of trash and litter during occupancy and must clean their sites upon departure. Trash barrels are recommended around common areas like picnic sites and playgrounds by users.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, providing easy access to boating and fishing.
Common complaintsSome reviews report issues such as dirty bathrooms, lack of toilet paper, and malfunctioning facilities such as showers and water spigots. Complaints also mention poor maintenance of gravel campsites and rude behavior by hosts or staff.
HostHosts are described variably in reviews, with some campers praising their helpfulness while others report negative experiences such as rude behavior or lack of presence.
Campground Map
21616 E CR 1175, Keota, OK 74941
Driving directionsUse Highway 9, then turn north onto County N4580 Road, turn east onto East County 1175, which becomes D1171 and leads directly to the campground entrance. This route is newly paved and clear of trees. Roads from the east through Cowlington are narrow and not suitable for large RVs.
The primary access road from the southwest is newly paved and free from obstructions, making it suitable for large RVs. Roads from the east, particularly through Cowlington, are narrow, have low-hanging trees, and are not recommended for RVs or trailers.Nearby places
Sallisaw, OK (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Sallisaw, OK, approximately 8 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.2
84 reviews
Cowlington Point is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cowlington Point receives mixed reviews from users. Positive feedback highlights the cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly camp host. Complaints include maintenance issues such as dirty bathrooms, unavailable facilities, and rude campground staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 84 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praised the cleanliness of the campground, spacious sites, and the helpfulness of the camp host. 'Not one piece of trash in campground,' wrote one reviewer. Another noted, 'Fishing...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised by users include dirty or locked bathrooms, unavailable amenities, rude or unhelpful staff, and maintenance problems like power surges causing damage to RV equipment. 'Restrooms need...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing local firewood to protect forests and staying as far north as possible on the south boat ramp to avoid a pothole. One reviewer advised approaching the campground from the...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Positive reviews are more common during warmer months when fishing and boating are more accessible. Negative feedback primarily focuses on maintenance issues and weather-related disruptions such as...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Cowlington Point is very clean and the nicest place to camp,' wrote one reviewer. Another stated, 'Restrooms were probably the cleanest I’ve ever seen them.' However, complaints included, 'The host...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user noted, 'We were in spot number 28 and it was nice until the people came in behind us with fighting dogs.' Another user reported, 'Site turned out to be small; host graciously moved us to...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Limited reviews mention accessibility, but one user noted the camp host was quick to address electrical issues, indicating a helpful approach to resolving problems.
Based on 84 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must be leashed or penned at all times. One reviewer praised the campground as peaceful and noted their dogs were always welcome.
Based on 84 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025