Located on the Illinois River just south of Tahlequah, Lake Tenkiller offers a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities. Also known as Tenkiller Ferry Lake, this natural Cookson Hills feature reaches up into Sequoyah and Cherokee Counties. Anglers can spend hours baiting bass species, crappie, catfish, bream, walleye and rainbow trout. West of the lake, hunters can look out for deer, quail, dove, duck, geese, rabbit and squirrel living within 2,590 acres of Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's project land.
Stay awhile at Lake Tenkiller, and pitch a tent or park your RV along 130 miles of shoreline. Guests can easily access the lake via facility boat ramps, and all ages are invited to make a splash at the swimming beaches. Be sure to prepare a picnic lunch and cool off with drinking water available before hitting the nature trails, playground and swimming pool. Visitors can take advantage of additional onsite amenities, including group shelters, restrooms, showers, electric outlets, concession services, marinas, cabins, enclosed fishing docks and boat rentals.
Scuba divers also consider Lake Tenkiller one of the best places to dive into the state, as its waters are clear from eight to twenty-eight feet. Tenkiller Scuba Park is a diver's dream, with sunken vehicles, planes and boats awaiting underwater exploration. In some areas of the lake, divers can discover the remains of homesteads and artifacts left behind from times before the lake was formed. After glimpsing local history at the bottom of Lake Tenkiller, divers can take in the diverse underwater terrain, ranging from mildly sloping hills to rock cliffs. The water reaches 165 feet deep at its peak, and with an Oklahoma fishing license, divers seeking a thrill can try their luck at spearfishing for non-game fish. Two diving pro shops are located on the lake, offering training, certification and equipment rental.
Northeastern Oklahoma lakes offer plenty of fishing opportunities near outdoor recreation adventures and amazing restaurants. Cast a line on the Oklahoma Fishing Trail’s Northeastern Loop in search of several bass species, crappie, catfish and paddlefish, and discover bonus attractions along the way.
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With more than 200 lakes and over one million surface acres of water, Oklahoma is the perfect place to cast your line. Our scenic lakes, rivers and ponds are home to more than 40 documented species of fish. No matter your method of take—from rod and reel to juglines, limblines, gigging and noodling—you’re in for an angling adventure of a lifetime when you fish Oklahoma’s plentiful waters. Below you’ll find a rundown of some of the Sooner State’s most abundant species and the best places to find them.
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Northeastern Oklahoma is lake country, pure and simple. There are plenty of reasons to visit this part of the state—the phenomenal cities, tallgrass prairies and wildlife preserves are just a few of them—but lakeside fun and relaxation is far and away the area’s biggest draw. We profiled the popular Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in our overview of Oklahoma's top lakes, but there are so many more fantastic lakes to be found in the region. Since it can be hard to figure out what lake is perfect for your next getaway, we’ve made it easier by overviewing some of the region’s top lakes and highlighting their most unique attractions. If you’re not already planning your next Green Country lakeside getaway, this rundown might be just the inspiration you need.
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Whether you’re looking for an activity that will get your adrenaline pumping or simply seeking a quiet escape into nature, you’ll find it in Oklahoma. Check out these great adventure hot spots with ready-made trip ideas.
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Oklahoma has played host to a variety of Hollywood films - heart-wrenching dramas, zany comedies and high impact thrillers have all been filmed here. Whether you’re a cinema buff or just catch the occasional flick, you’ll have fun exploring these filming locations in the Sooner State.
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