Cookson Bend

Star4.35
162 reviews
446977 EAST 980 ROAD, GORE, OK, 74435-9547, USA
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$12 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

130 campsites

Season

Open April 1 through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov 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
Cookson Bend
$12.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fees vary by season and site type. Peak season rates range from $16 for non-electric tent sites to $50 for group shelters with...
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Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
918-487-5252
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 162 reviews

92 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocationlake

"Reviews for Cookson Bend Campground vary widely, with some campers praising the beautiful lake views, clean facilities, and friendly staff, while others criticized maintenance issues and overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

446977 EAST 980 ROAD, GORE, OK, 74435-9547, USA

Cookson Bend

446977 EAST 980 ROAD, GORE, OK, 74435-9547, USA

Driving directionsFrom Tahlequah, OK go 17.5 miles southeast on Highway 82. Look for signs for Tenkiller and turn right, then go two miles west on the paved access road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal flooding may affect access, and certain sites near the entrance gate are reportedly difficult to navigate with larger vehicles due to tree cover and gravel.
Nearby places
Tahlequah, OK: 17.5 miles, approximately 30 minutes
Vian, OK: 25 miles, approximately 40 minutes.
Nearby supplies
For supplies, the Cookson Marina is within walking distance and offers concessions. Additional grocery and camping supplies are available in nearby towns like Tahlequah or Vian, Oklahoma.

Best Time to Camp at Cookson Bend

Spring awakens Cookson Bend with perfect camping weather, as wildflowers bloom across the hillsides and temperatures invite outdoor adventures. While winter brings crisp air with temperatures dipping between 33°F and 47°F, the moderate winds and generally dry conditions make for cozy campfire evenings. Early summer delivers those golden days that camping memories are made of—warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and ideal conditions for both water sports and hiking the surrounding trails.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season with high use; reviewers report overcrowding and maintenance issues in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off‑peak and quieter; pleasant temperatures and peaceful stays reported in fall/off‑peak.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 13% in OK

Described as 'perfect camping weather' with wildflowers and ideal temperatures in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

No regular winter reservations (Apr–Sep peak; Oct FCFS); little winter activity information.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 through September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 1 through September 30 for reservations. Off-peak season (October 1-31) operates as first-come, first-served.
  • Current Alerts: Flooding has been reported in past years, impacting accessibility to certain sites.

About Cookson Bend

Perched along the pristine shores of Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Cookson Bend Campground invites you to wake up to stunning vistas of towering 200-foot limestone bluffs reflected in crystal-clear waters. This lakeside haven offers thoughtfully terraced campsites, each positioned to capture breathtaking water views while providing modern comforts including electrical hookups and clean restroom facilities. Adventure seekers will find their basecamp here, with direct access to endless water activities and a full-service marina where you can fuel up on supplies or grab a bite between lake explorations.
Cookson Bend enables a mix of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
3:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Cookson Bend offers an array of recreational activities suitable for various interests, including water sports, hiking, and wildlife observation.
HikingWhile there are no dedicated hiking trails, the campground's paved roads are suitable for walking. Donald R. described them as enjoyable for casual strolls.
FishingFishing opportunities include black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. The trout stream below the dam is stocked with rainbow trout. 'The lake is one of the prettiest in Oklahoma,' according to Donald R.
SwimmingSwimming is available in designated swim beach areas. Nancy D. described feeling like she had her 'own private swim beach.' Safety measures are not explicitly mentioned.
BikingBiking is possible on the campground's paved roads. Stuart S. enjoyed biking alongside other activities like kayaking.
BoatingTwo boat ramps enhance boating activities, and the nearby marina offers rentals and floating restaurants. Jeremy B. mentioned 'beautiful views of the lake' and marina amenities, enhancing the boating experience.
Wildlife viewingWildlife observation opportunities include deer, migratory birds such as bald eagles and pelicans, and loons. Steve A. shared a memorable experience of observing a bald eagle.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal flooding may affect certain sites. Sites near the entrance gate can be difficult to access with larger vehicles.
Active AlertsFlooding has been reported in past years, impacting accessibility to certain sites.

Weather at Cookson Bend

Reviews

4.4
162 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cookson Bend is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Cookson Bend Campground vary widely, with some campers praising the beautiful lake views, clean facilities, and friendly staff, while others criticized maintenance issues and overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 162 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews highlighted the scenic lakefront locations, clean sites, and family-friendly atmosphere. One user, Stuart S., described it as 'really beautiful,' while another, Dana H., said, 'This is...
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Based on 162 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focused on maintenance issues, including closed shower houses, inadequate bathroom facilities, and lack of water hookups as mentioned by Brandon B. and Brian K. Several reviews also noted...
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Based on 162 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggested choosing lakeside sites for views, checking water spigots before setting up, and avoiding busy holiday weekends due to crowds and maintenance shortages.
Based on 162 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months saw a spike in maintenance complaints due to overcrowded facilities, while off-peak times were described as quieter and more relaxing. For example, Jeffrey H. noted a peaceful...
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Based on 162 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Peaceful, quiet, relaxing. Hardly anyone else there.' - Jeffrey H. 'Wonderful view, well kept campgrounds.' - Samuel P. 'Bathrooms were out of order part of the time.' - Mike O.
Based on 162 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 002 was criticized for being crowded and poorly maintained. Campsite 049 received praise for its 'beautiful views' and clean surroundings. Group sites were noted for good lake views but...
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Based on 162 reviews

Accessibility Features

No significant accessibility details are provided other than general comments about paved roads being suitable for walking.
Based on 162 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must be restrained. Cheryl W. expressed concern over larger dogs roaming free, despite leash requirements.
Based on 162 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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