Short Mountain Cove

Star4.27
106 reviews
102 E BK 200 RD, Stigler, OK 74462
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

449 ft

Price

$23 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Short Mountain Cove
$23.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsites operate on a fee range of $23-$25 per night with electric hookup. Group shelter sites are $50 per night. Reservation fees and...
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Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 106 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews for Short Mountain Cove are mixed, with some highlighting the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent fishing opportunities, while others criticize maintenance issues, including unclean facilities and overgrown grass."

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Campground Map

102 E BK 200 RD, Stigler, OK 74462

Short Mountain Cove

102 E BK 200 RD, Stigler, OK 74462

Roads leading to Short Mountain Cove are paved and accessible. The campground is located on the Arkansas River within the Cookson Hills area, approximately 8 miles south of Sallisaw, OK.
Nearby places
Sallisaw, OK (8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be purchased in Sallisaw, OK, approximately 8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Short Mountain Cove

Experience the campground's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect temperatures for hiking, while summer's warmth is tempered by the cooling shade of mature trees that shelter the campsites. Many seasoned campers consider fall the crown jewel of seasons here, when crisp air carries the scent of woodsmoke and the surrounding hills burst into brilliant autumn colors, creating an atmosphere that's nothing short of magical.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm weather tempered by water activities; popular and sometimes busy in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct; pleasant temperatures and quieter seasons improve the experience.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 13% in OK

Spring wildflower blooms and ideal hiking/fishing weather make spring a top season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Feb (open Mar 1–Oct 31).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from March 1 to October 31. Reservations available from June 20 onward during the reservable season.

About Short Mountain Cove

Nestled along the tranquil, tree-lined shores of Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, Short Mountain Cove beckons adventurers seeking both relaxation and recreation. This hidden gem invites you to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, paddle through peaceful coves, or explore winding trails beneath a canopy of ancient oaks. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn or settling in for an evening by the campfire, this waterfront sanctuary offers the perfect blend of outdoor activities and natural serenity.
Short Mountain Cove accommodates a variety of campers with 42 campsites, including standard electric and group shelter electric options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
3:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Short Mountain Cove offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing is a highlight, with the reservoir known for record-size crappie, sand bass, catfish, and black bass. Boating and kayaking are facilitated by the boat ramp and courtesy dock, though some reviews note the dock needs repairs. Hiking trails wind through the hills and along the shoreline, offering additional opportunities for outdoor activity.
HikingHiking trails are available and vary in difficulty. One user mentioned a mountain trail described as steep and isolated, recommending hikers not go alone.
FishingFishing is highly praised, with one user noting, 'My favorite is fishing for catfish on jugs or drift fishing using shad for bait.' Record-size fish species like crappie and catfish are common.
SwimmingSwimming areas are present but receive mixed reviews. One user mentioned swimmers congregating near campsites, causing some inconvenience.
BoatingBoating is popular, supported by a boat ramp and courtesy dock. However, multiple users have highlighted the need for dock repairs.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, geese, squirrels, and eagles is frequently observed. One user noted, 'We enjoyed watching an eagle fly by us about the same time every morning.'
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack flies, geese droppings, and sloped pads on some sites are mentioned in reviews. Limited phone service is noted by some visitors.

Weather at Short Mountain Cove

Reviews

4.3
106 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Short Mountain Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Short Mountain Cove are mixed, with some highlighting the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent fishing opportunities, while others criticize maintenance issues, including unclean facilities and overgrown grass.
Review Summaries
Based on 106 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include friendly and helpful camp hosts, spacious and quiet campsites, and excellent fishing opportunities. Users also appreciated the presence of wildlife like deer, geese, and...
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Based on 106 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean bathrooms and showers, lack of supplies such as toilet paper, overgrown grass, and maintenance issues with the dock at the boat ramp. Some users also noted issues...
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Based on 106 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra supplies like toilet paper and soap due to reports of lacking bathroom amenities. Consider visiting during quieter periods for a more peaceful experience. If reserving a site, inspect it...
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Based on 106 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is quieter and more peaceful during the off-peak season but may be full and bustling during spring break and summer.
Based on 106 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We love this place. Quick getaway for us.' 2. 'Short Mountain Cove is nice and shaded in the summer months and is a great place to bring your family.' 3. 'Bathrooms were extremely dirty never was...
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Based on 106 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13: Noted for the inconvenience of trash disposal. Site #17: Narrow pad with a downhill slope, but close to the water and offers privacy. Site #40: Spacious, but with a slope off the pad,...
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Based on 106 reviews

Accessibility Features

A user expressed the need for handrails in bathroom stalls for better accessibility.
Based on 106 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed or penned at all times. One user mentioned enjoying the road alongside the forest for walking their dogs.
Based on 106 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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