How much does camping cost at Applegate Cove?

Camping fees at Applegate Cove are $23 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Applegate Cove first-come first-served or reservation?

Applegate Cove accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Applegate Cove before I book?

Yes! Applegate Cove has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Applegate Cove?

Applegate Cove is open March 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Applegate Cove?

Yes, Applegate Cove has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Applegate Cove have?

Applegate Cove has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Applegate Cove?

Yes, pets are allowed at Applegate Cove. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Applegate Cove?

Applegate Cove offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Applegate Cove

Q: Can I have a campfire at Applegate Cove?

Fire policies at Applegate Cove: Gates open at 6AM and close at 10PM Check out Time 3PM, Check in Time 6PM Quiet Hours: 10PM to 6AM Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. Each campsite is limited to 1 wheeled camping unit with up to 3 tents. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30 day period. This applies to all members of the camping party and the camping unit. Campers must occupy the campsite at least once during each 24 hour period. Abandoned personal property may be subject to impoundment after 2. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.99

169 reviews

102 E BK 200

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

489 ft

Price

$23 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Season runs from Mar...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

489 ft

Price

$23 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Season runs from Mar...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Applegate Cove

$23.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

30 Amp Electric and Water: $23.00; 50 Amp: $25.00; Group Picnic Shelter Electric: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/A

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Applegate Cove

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

102 E BK 200

Applegate Cove

102 E BK 200

Nearby places

Sallisaw (8 miles), Stigler (approx. 25 miles)

Weather at Applegate Cove

Current alerts(2)

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
When you have reserved and are occupying your campsite, a volunteer will check you in during their daily rounds. Thank you.

Best Time to Camp at Applegate Cove

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best overall experience at Applegate Cove: crisp, comfortable days (about 60–75°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make hiking, wildlife viewing, and shoreline fishing especially pleasant. The Cookson Hills show good color in October, boating remains enjoyable into early fall, and insect activity drops so evenings are more comfortable. Crowds typically taper after Labor Day, so you get peak scenery and recreation with a quieter, family-friendly campground. Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview lists fall as best season: crisp days, cool nights, excellent hiking and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season runs from March 1 to October 31. Reservations are available from June 19 to peak season close.

About Applegate Cove

Applegate Cove sits on the Arkansas River's Robert S. Kerr Pool near Sallisaw, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus group camping options, all surrounded by wooded shoreline in the Cookson Hills. Visitors fish, boat, and watch wildlife along the lake, though bathroom maintenance can be inconsistent.

Applegate Cove accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping, as well as group sites. The campground features 27 campsites with options for standard electric and group electric sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best overall experience at Applegate Cove: crisp, comfortable days (about 60–75°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make hiking, wildlife viewing, and shoreline fishing especially pleasant. The Cookson Hills show good color in October, boating remains enjoyable into early fall, and insect activity drops so evenings are more comfortable. Crowds typically taper after Labor Day, so you get peak scenery and recreation with a quieter, family-friendly campground. Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation489 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded shoreline at 489 feet elevation, where the reservoir's coves meet the rolling ridges of the Cookson Hills. Mature trees shade most sites. White-tailed deer graze near campsites at dusk, and squirrels are abundant. The reservoir itself dominates the view, its waters calm enough for swimming and bordered by forested hills. October brings decent fall color to the surrounding slopes. The landscape is heavily wooded, with shoreline access that varies by site.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information is provided on hotel-style lodging or additional accommodations. Campground primarily caters to tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 1 wheeled camping unit and up to 3 tents per site.

Groups

Group sites are available and feature electric hookups. The specific number of people and vehicles allowed at group sites is not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its app, or by contacting their call center.

AccessibilitySome sites are level and accessible, but specific details about ADA-compliant features are not mentioned. One reviewer commented on sites being "nice level RV sites," but others noted that lower sites might be uneven.

Site SizeVaried site sizes, including large spaces. One user stated, "Space #13 was very large," while another described sites 2-5 as having concrete pads and being "nice wide spaces.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites are spacious and well-separated, while others are close together. A user noted, "Sites are amply spaced," while another mentioned that sites were "close to each other.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 2-5 for cement pads and level surfaces. Site 13 offers privacy and easy backing for larger RVs but requires leveling blocks. Site 11 is praised for its view and space.

Best CampsitesSite 13 gets consistent praise for its size and views. Sites 2–5 have concrete pads and good spacing, making them solid choices for larger RVs. Sites 11 and 13 offer proximity to the water. Some sites share water spigots with neighbors, so check hookup configurations when booking. Lower-numbered sites tend to have better access to the boat ramp.

Need help booking Applegate Cove?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Applegate Cove provides basic amenities that cater to a variety of campers. There are 27 campsites equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and electric hookups. Water hookups are also available, though some sites share water spigots with neighboring sites. The campground features two playgrounds, a boat ramp, and a courtesy dock. Reviewers frequently noted the presence of mature trees and spacious campsites, but also highlighted maintenance issues with amenities like water and bathrooms. One user commented, "Paid for electric and water and both were broken at our site," while another mentioned, "Bathrooms were older but clean and serviceable." Gates operate from 6 AM to 10 PM, and quiet hours are enforced between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Applegate Cove

Applegate Cove offers a variety of activities centered around its location on Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. With 250 miles of shoreline, popular activities include fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking. A boat ramp is available for water access, and the area has multiple hiking trails.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing is a major attraction; crappie, sand bass, catfish and bass cited; reservoir renowned for fishing.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent deer, rabbits, squirrels; deer graze near campsites at dusk; wildlife sightings common.

Water Sports3.5/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, wildlife and dark-sky stargazing offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyGates open at 6AM and close at 10PM Check out Time 3PM, Check in Time 6PM Quiet Hours: 10PM to 6AM Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. Each campsite is limited to 1 wheeled camping unit with up to 3 tents. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30 day period. This applies to all members of the camping party and the camping unit. Campers must occupy the campsite at least once during each 24 hour period. Abandoned personal property may be subject to impoundment after 2

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10PM to 6AM

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities appear inadequate. One user noted, "Please put more dumpsters and/or trash cans." Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies depending on the provider. One reviewer noted, "Not very good phone signal as far as AT&T goes. In spots, Verizon provided much better signal." This indicates inconsistent service depending on the carrier.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Applegate Cove

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.0

169 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Applegate Cove has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Applegate Cove are mixed, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Positive feedback highlights the campground's scenic location, peaceful atmosphere, and wildlife presence. Negative feedback primarily addresses maintenance issues, such as unclean bathrooms, barking dogs, and insufficient management.

Review Summaries

Based on 169 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 169 reviews.

Site 27Loved
Sites 2-5 have concrete pads and are described as "nice wide spaces." Site 27 was highlighted as "almost perfect" for its spaciousness and proximity to the…
Site #13Issues noted
Site #13 was noted as "very large" but had a poorly placed fire pit and table.

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's natural beauty, with comments like "Lovely views" and "Beautiful lake." Wildlife sightings and shaded campsites are frequent highlights. Facilities like the playground...

Based on 169 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean bathrooms, maintenance issues with water and electric hookups, unmanaged barking dogs, and loud noise from other campers. Some users also criticized the swimming...

Based on 169 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring leveling blocks for RVs as some sites are uneven. Opt for sites with dedicated water hookups to avoid shared spigots. Consider booking first-come, first-served sites to choose the best options....

Based on 169 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews vary by season. Winter visitors often appreciated the quiet and well-maintained facilities, while summer visitors reported more issues with maintenance, noise, and overcrowding. Spring and...

Based on 169 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were nice and warm which was nice for the cold weather during our stay." "The swimming beach is more like a 6-foot access of sand with super shallow, nasty water." "Lovely views, but sites...

Based on 169 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for disabled campers, but some sites are noted as level, which may aid accessibility.

Based on 169 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Issues with unleashed dogs and barking were frequently reported, causing dissatisfaction among some users. One user recommended enforcing leash rules to prevent conflicts.

Based on 169 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Applegate Cove

$23.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

30 Amp Electric and Water: $23.00; 50 Amp: $25.00; Group Picnic Shelter Electric: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/A

Go if

You want lakefront camping with hookups and appreciate fall color in the Cookson Hills.

Skip if

You need pristine restrooms or 24-hour gate access for late arrivals.

Nearby Campgrounds

21616 E CR 1175, Keota, OK 74941

Cowlington Point sits on the Arkansas River's Robert S. Kerr Pool near Sallisaw, Oklahoma, offering mid-sized tent and RV camping with electric and water hookups. The campground operates seasonally during peak months and features a boat ramp, making it a hub for fishing, boating, and swimming when lake levels are high. Group sites are available, and a camp host is on-site to maintain the grounds.

Applegate Cove

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Applegate Cove

Campground Map

Weather at Applegate Cove

Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Applegate Cove

Planning Tips

About Applegate Cove

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Applegate Cove?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Applegate Cove

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Ask Camp Sage about Applegate Cove

Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Applegate Cove

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Applegate Cove?

Amenities available

Things to do at Applegate Cove

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns