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Oklahoma
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Oklahoma State Parks

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Oklahoma
Northeast Region
Tenkiller State Park
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It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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TENKILLER STATE PARK
TENKILLER STATE PARK
448159 E 979 Drive
Vian, Oklahoma   74962
(lat:35.6017 lon:-95.0358) map location

Phone: 918-776-8180
Lake Tenkiller is considered one of the best places in the state for scuba diving, as its waters are clear from eight to 28 feet. Tenkiller Scuba Park is a diver's dream, with a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats to explore underwater. In some areas of the lake, divers can see the remains of homesteads and artifacts left behind from before the lake was formed. The Fisherman's Point Area provides access to a swim beach, dive park, and boat ramp. The lake's underwater terrain ranges from mildly sloping hills to rock cliffs, and the water goes up to 160 feet deep in places. With an Oklahoma fishing license, divers can try their luck at spear fishing for non-game fish. Two diving pro shops, Gene's Aqua Pro and Nautical Adventures, are located on the lake and offer training, certification and equipment rental.

Tenkiller State Park is known as Oklahoma's heaven in the hills. The sparkling blue waters of Lake Tenkiller offer water enthusiasts an abundance of recreational opportunities between 130 miles of shoreline and 13,000 surface acres. The parks plentiful amenities make it a favorite destination for all ages.
Nature of the Area
Tenkiller State Park in Vian is a haven for all water sports including water skiing, fishing, boating, tubing and scuba diving. Outdoor facilities include a volleyball court, basketball court, two playground areas, four group picnic pavilions and 172 picnic tables. An outdoor swimming pool is available seasonally at the park and includes a water slide and splash pad. Additional amenities include a community building, three hiking trails and the Driftwood Nature Center.
History of the Area
Located in Oklahoma, the park was established after a dam created Lake Tenkiller in 1953. Named for the prominent Cherokee family, Tenkillers', it's known as "heaven in the hills". The area offers various recreational activities such as fishing and boating. It also features camping sites and cabins for visitors to stay overnight. Over time, additional amenities like swimming pools were added to enhance visitor experience.

Cabins
In addition to the tent and RV campgrounds, Tenkiller State Park guests may choose from 38 cabins, ranging from one to three-bedroom styles. All the cabins, except for the three-bedroom models, are duplexes. Cabins are equipped for the maximum number of guests with linens, full kitchens, heat, air conditioning and satellite television. In addition, some cabins are pet friendly. There are a total of 22 one-bedroom cabins, 14 two-bedroom cabins and two three-bedroom cabin.
Camping
Tenkiller State Park offers RV and tent sites scattered between 10 campgrounds. Primitive campgrounds include Bluff View, Eagle Point, and Hickory Flats with Day use area's at Fisherman's Point, Goose Neck Bend North and South . RV campgrounds with 30-amp electric and water hookups include Blue Jay Knob and Flying Squirrel. The Shady Grove and Fox Squirrel campgrounds both offer full hookups, with 50-amp electric service. A total of seven comfort stations with restrooms and showers are available in the park, and there are two on-site waste dump stations.
Swimming
1. Tenkiller State Park offers two designated swimming areas for visitors.
2. The park's clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim during warm months.
3. Swimming is unsupervised, so safety precautions should be taken seriously.
4. Life jackets are recommended and can be rented at the marina store if needed.
5. Besides traditional swimming, snorkeling is also popular due to visibility in crystal-clear water conditions of Lake Tenkiller.
6. The Pine Cove Marina within the park provides access points into deeper parts of lake suitable for experienced swimmers only.

Boating
Boating options within this park are plentiful, with a wide variety of watercraft available for rent including pontoon boats and paddleboats. The area is known for its clear waters which make it ideal for boating activities. There's also the Driftwood Nature Center that offers eco-friendly boat tours to explore local wildlife habitats around the lake. Additionally, there are several marinas in close proximity offering services such as fueling stations, slip rentals and fishing supplies.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing in a variety of locations, including the lake and river. Species include bass, catfish, and crappie. There are also trout stocked below the dam for year-round angling opportunities. Fishing from boats is allowed but there's plenty of shoreline access too.


Location
Tenkiller State Park is located near Muskogee, Sallisaw

Picnicking
Tenkiller State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills. Some sites have stunning views of the lake.
Trails
Tenkiller State Park features two multi-use trails and one nature trail. The Tenkiller Multi-Use Trail is a handicap accessible paved trail 1.5 miles in length.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. The park's diverse habitats attract numerous birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers may also see raptors during migration seasons. There are several trails for bird-watching hikes.

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