Pettit Bay

Star4.18
240 reviews
446977 EAST 980 ROAD, GORE, OK, 74435-9547, USA
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

696 ft

Price

$10 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

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
Pettit Bay
$10.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type and season. Standard electric sites range from $16 to $25 during peak season. Non-electric sites range from $12 to $16. Group...
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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

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Provider
918-487-5252
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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 240 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanstaff

Some mention

noise

"Opinions on Pettit Bay Campground are mixed, with ratings spanning from 1 to 5 stars. Positive reviews emphasize the scenic location, friendly staff, and accessibility to activities like swimming and fishing. Negative feedback includes complaints about maintenance, cleanliness, and enforcement of rules."

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Campground Map

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

Pettit Bay

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

Driving directionsFrom Tahlequah, OK, go 8.25 miles south on Highway 82, turn right on Indian Road and go two miles south. Then turn left and go one mile southeast on the paved access road.
The access roads are paved and located near Highway 82. Driving directions recommend turning onto Indian Road and continuing south before turning left onto the paved access road.
Nearby places
Tahlequah (approx. 10 miles), Vian (approx. 18 miles), Muskogee (approx. 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are best accessed in Tahlequah, approximately 10 miles away. Fuel stations are available in Gore and nearby towns.

Best Time to Camp at Pettit Bay

Experience four distinct seasons that transform this lakeside paradise throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water activities, with gentle breezes and occasional afternoon showers that cool the evening air. Winter reveals a different kind of beauty—crisp, clear days with moderate winds and dry conditions that make for comfortable cold-weather camping. As seasons shift, so do the lake levels and recreational possibilities, ensuring each visit offers something new to discover.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, swimming and fishing; warm days ideal but weekends can be crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Four distinct seasons and scenic foliage; fewer crowds make fall appealing for vistas and fishing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens April 1; spring offers good weather for water activities and attracts many visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Quieter winter conditions but limited activities and reservations closed for part of season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1st to September 30th. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates on a seasonal basis, opening on April 1st and closing on September 30th for reservations. A first-come, first-served season runs from October 1st to October 31st.
  • Current Alerts: Flooding may occasionally affect the campground, as noted by reviews. Sewer hookups have reportedly been out of order at some sites.

About Pettit Bay

Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Pettit Bay Campground, where pristine waters meet thoughtfully maintained facilities along the sparkling shores of Tenkiller Ferry Lake. This cherished destination draws families and outdoor enthusiasts back year after year with its exceptional boating access, prime fishing spots, and refreshing swimming areas. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line from the shore, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, Pettit Bay delivers the quintessential lake camping experience in a setting that feels both wild and welcoming.
The campground features sites with electric and non-electric hookups and group shelters. RV camping is commonly practiced, and tent camping is available.
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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 nights within any 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Pettit Bay offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, swimming, scuba diving, and hunting (regulated by federal and state laws). 'Fishing is good for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish.'
HikingAccessible hiking trails are available, but detailed trail descriptions are missing.
Fishing'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.'
SwimmingSwimming is available at a roped-off area near the campground. However, one user noted, 'Not a beach, just rocks, so bring sturdy lake shoes.'
BoatingBoating is a popular activity with ramps and courtesy docks provided. Users appreciated the double-wide boat ramp but mentioned late-night disturbances from marina visitors.
Wildlife viewingThe lake supports migratory birds including bald eagles and white pelicans. Wildlife such as deer and turkey can also be observed.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as deer and snakes, uneven terrain, and limited water pressure during peak times. Some reviews mention flooding issues during heavy rains.
Active AlertsFlooding may occasionally affect the campground, as noted by reviews. Sewer hookups have reportedly been out of order at some sites.

Weather at Pettit Bay

Reviews

4.2
240 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Pettit Bay is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Opinions on Pettit Bay Campground are mixed, with ratings spanning from 1 to 5 stars. Positive reviews emphasize the scenic location, friendly staff, and accessibility to activities like swimming and fishing. Negative feedback includes complaints about maintenance, cleanliness, and enforcement of rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 240 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent praise for the scenic views, friendly staff, and quiet atmosphere. Comments include, 'Beautiful campsite bathrooms hot as hell no AC,' and 'The park was clean and well managed.'
Based on 240 reviews

Common Concerns

Numerous complaints regarding maintenance issues such as locked restrooms, broken playground equipment, and high grass. A user stated, 'Bathrooms need to be taken care of better.'
Based on 240 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring long water hoses as some sites may lack nearby water hookups. Avoid sites near the marina for quieter nights. Consider bringing sturdy lake shoes due to rocky swimming areas.
Based on 240 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weekends are popular but crowded, and complaints about maintenance tend to be higher during peak seasons. Winter feedback indicates quieter conditions but limited activities.
Based on 240 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake view melted away my stresses like magic.' - Earl C, 5 stars. 2. 'Bring a splitter for the water hookup, you have to share with your neighbors.' - Casey W, 5 stars. 3. 'Shaded nicely,...
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Based on 240 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 (Loop PBA2): 'Hosts did not enforce rules. Allowed dogs to roam off-leash even following complaints.' Site 21 (Loop PBA2): 'Low voltage at the electric hookup caused major inconvenience.'...
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Based on 240 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback on accessibility. 'ADA-accessible site lacked advertised sewer hookup,' but wide spaces and proximity to amenities were appreciated.
Based on 240 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences reported. Some users noted off-leash dogs were a problem, leading to incidents like attacks on smaller pets.
Based on 240 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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