Plan your
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Lake Tenkiller

Discover Oklahoma's Clear Water Wonderland at Tenkiller LakE

Nestled amidst the picturesque Cookson Hills of eastern Oklahoma, Tenkiller Lake stands as a breathtaking natural gem, earning the well-deserved title of "Oklahoma's Clear Water Wonderland." Spread across nearly 13,000 surface acres, this pristine lake offers a tranquil escape for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

With its inviting marinas and numerous public boat ramps, Tenkiller Lake beckons visitors to embark on an array of aquatic adventures. Fishing aficionados can cast their lines into the clear waters, seeking an abundance of bass, crappie, and catfish. Boating enthusiasts can cruise along the peaceful expanse, taking in the scenic vistas and relishing the serenity that the lake bestows.

For those with an adventurous spirit, Tenkiller Lake presents a unique opportunity for scuba diving, inviting exploration of its mesmerizing underwater landscapes and diverse aquatic life. The crystal-clear waters offer unparalleled visibility, creating an enchanting environment for diving enthusiasts.

As the sun sets over the tranquil waters of Tenkiller Lake, a sense of tranquility envelops the surroundings, making it a perfect destination for unwinding and connecting with nature. Whether it's a day of fishing, a leisurely boat ride, or an exhilarating scuba diving expedition, Tenkiller Lake promises an unforgettable experience for all who seek solace in the embrace of Oklahoma's natural beauty.

Boat Rentals

  • Close-up of rippling water surface with reflections.

    Cookson Bend Resort & Marina

    19644 W Cookson Bend Rd
    Cookson, OK 74427

    Offering year-round boat rentals of pontoons, tritoons, and boating accessories .

  • Aerial view of a marina on a lake with several docked boats and green-roofed boat shelters, surrounded by forested hills and a parking lot.

    Burnt Cabin Marina & Resort

    35190 S 497 Rd
    Park Hill, OK 74451

    Full-service marina — dining, fuel, snacks — with boat rentals.

  • A waterfront building with a metal roof and outdoor seating area, situated on a dock over a body of water, under a clear blue sky.

    Strayhorn Marina

    446547 E 965 Rd
    Gore, OK 74435

    The marina offers a full range of boat, paddle board and kayak rentals, as well as a waterfront convenience store, a gift shop and marine fuel services year-round.

  • Close-up of water surface with blue and orange reflections.

    Pine Cove Marina

    97724 S 4485 Rd.
    Vian, OK 74962
    New fleet for boat rentals each year.

  • Aerial view of a marina with multiple boat docks in a forested area near a river or lake, with parked cars and roads visible.

    Six Shooter Marina & Cabins

    20144 W Sixshooter Rd.
    Cookson, Okla. 74427

    Boat Rentals

Shop Local

  • Exteriors of "Morning Sky Boutique" and "Evening Shade Mercantile" stores at dusk with illuminated signs and storefronts.

    Morning Sky • Vian

    Lifestyle boutique in downtown Vian, Okla. featuring women's clothing, accessories, jewelry, gifts and home decor.

  • A person standing in front of "The Field House" store with a Lululemon logo on the glass door.

    The Field House • Vian

    The Fieldhouse was born in hopes to allow people a place where they come to build their mind, body and confidence.

    Shop Lululemon or work out with a day-pass.

  • Woman in black, sparkly gown in a fitting room with full-length mirror and wooden floor.

    Glory Prom • Vian

    Glory Prom is not only Oklahoma's newest and best stop for prom, it’s also a family business located in a historic, beautifully restored building in downtown Via, Okla.

    With more than 2,000 dresses on site, the by-appointment system offers stupendous customer service.

  • Front view of a store with "Anne-Paige" signage, green and orange exterior, and decorative plants outside.

    Anne-Paige • Gore

    Boutique featuring brads like Brighton, Consuela, Swig, Hobo, Copper Peal, and more.

  • Woman in a floral dress blowing confetti against a purple and pink background.

    Sweet Miracles H+M • Gore

    Lifestyle boutique in Gore, Okla. featuring unique graphic T-shirts, accessories, jewelry, gifts, and office decor.

Local Dining

  • Interior of a rustic-themed bar with a wooden ceiling, booths on the left, bar with stools on the right, and multiple TVs on the walls.

    Rustic Cantina • Vian

    Top-tier Tex-Mex in a top-shelf environment.

  • The Tiki Cabana • Gore

    Fresh shaved ice sno cones and drinks. (Seasonal)

  • Outdoor sign for "Bottoms Up Tiki Bar" with a slogan that says "It's Hip To Skinny Dip," featuring a beach theme with palm trees and a sun.

    Bottoms Up Bar & Grill at Cookson Bend Marina

    Drop by the Bottoms Up Bar & Grill at Cookson Bend Marina on Tenkiller Lake for food, drinks and good times day or night in the tropical tiki themed bar & grill.

  • Plate of loaded cheese fries with bacon

    Soda Steves • Paradise Hill

    Located at Lake Tenkiller in Northeast Oklahoma, Soda Steve's is a casually Spectacular Vacation Food Eatery created by Certified Executive Chef, Steve Pool. (Seasonal)

  • Iced coffee with chocolate syrup in a clear plastic cup, on a wooden table, with a straw on top, inside a coffee shop with a logo on the wall.

    Dee’lightful Brew • Vian

    Visit Dee’lightful Brew for coffee, teas, lemonades, home-baked sweets, and more.

  • A hand holding an iced coffee with a muffin on top, syrups in the background.

    Boujee Brew • Vian & Gore

    Visit the coffee truck in Gore, or the brick and mortar shop in Vian.

    Boujee Brew is a local coffee shop and treats.

Fishing Guides

  • Fishing rods against a sunset over ocean water

    Donavan Clary Fishing Service

    Covering all of Oklahoma and Southern Missouri for multiple species on the fly, Donavan Clary Fishing Service specializes in conventional trips for small mouth and largemouth bass and offer float trips on the scenic Illinois river near Tahlequah, Okla. Boat trips on several different lakes utilizing gamin live scope technology.

  • Person holding a fishing rod over a calm lake with sunlight reflecting on the water.

    Experience Fishing

    Specializing in large, striped bass(stripers) from the Lower Illinois River near Gore, Okla., Tom Thornton also fishes trout and white bass (Sandbass) in the same area for those who prefer to catch these smaller fighting fish.

Scuba Diving

  • Silhouette of a scuba diver underwater with bubbles and rocky formation.

    Nautical Adventures Scuba

    Covering all of Oklahoma and Southern Missouri for multiple species on the fly, Donavan Clary Fishing Service specializes in conventional trips for small mouth and largemouth bass and offer float trips on the scenic Illinois river near Tahlequah, Okla. Boat trips on several different lakes utilizing gamin live scope technology.

  • Underwater scene with a scuba diver

    Gene's Aqua Pro

    Gene's Aqua Pro was founded in 1971 by Gene Frusher - a legend and pioneer in the scuba diving community. A couple years ago, Gene handed over the reigns to John Cotherman, a career firefighter, lifelong Lake Tenkiller resident, and PADI Instructor since the late 80s.

Things to Do

  • Bald eagle flying with a fish in its talons against a clear blue sky.

    Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

    Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 and consists of 20,800 acres. It is an overlay project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. The wildlife and habitat it protects are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the only national network of lands and waters managed for the benefit of wildlife.

    Auto tour routes offer a great all-season way to see wildlife and habitats from the comfort of your car. By using your car as a viewing blind, you can often see more wildlife than you can see on foot.

    Learn about activities and hiking trails.

  • Lake Vian Trail System

    The Lake Vian Trail System offers mountain bikers rugged terrain and wooden pathways through the greenery. Hop on the trails, and enjoy scenic lake views while riding alongside the shoreline. Choose between several trail options for a true mountain biking challenge rewarded with stunning landscapes and ample opportunities for air jumps.

Float the Illinois River

  • A serene forest river bordered by lush green trees reflecting on the calm water surface.

    Arrowhead Resort

    Rafting and kayaking

  • Group of people with colorful inflatable rafts by a riverbank, with a parked bus nearby.

    Diamondhead Resort

    Rafting, kayaking, live music, and the only bar and grill on the Illinois River.

  • Riverbank scene with trees and cloudy sky at sunset.

    War Eagle Resort

    Enjoy your Float Trip comfortably in a Raft, Kayak, or Canoe

Stay Local

  • Open-concept living room and kitchen with beige sofas, decorative pillows, a wooden dining table, dark cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances.

    The Blue Loon • Cookson

    The Blue Loon is a beautiful house, and private boat dock, and is a perfect getaway for families, a large group of friends, work retreats and yoga retreats.

    16+ guests, 4 bedrooms, 7 beds, 3.5 baths

  • Brick building with "Brockman's Store" sign, exterior lighting, and large windows, during twilight.

    Old Brockman’s Store

    Find exceptional accommodations, stylish and comfortable, and in addition a saloon-like space for private events in the very recently restored historic building in downtown Vian, Okla.

    13 miles from 1684 Venue | Resort

  • Modern living room with large windows, brown leather sofa, tree trunk coffee table, books, and a view of greenery outside.

    Architectural Masterpiece Lake House • Vian

    This architectural masterpiece will make you feel like you are in a treehouse, but no ordinary treehouse; the design redefines elegance and takes your breath away. Three distinct living areas, connected by covered breezeways and wraparound decks make this a unique property that allows togetherness…and solitude.

    3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5

  • Stone sign reading "The Lodge" in a wooded area, with a house in the background.

    The Lodge @ Strayhorn • Paradise

    The Lodge is a one of a kind waterfront home featuring 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, large game room with pool and poker tables. The great room features an enormous fireplace made of stone from a 100-plus year old building in Vian and fabulous authentic elkhorn chandelier.

    The gourmet kitchen is fully equipped. Primary bedroom has a king sized bed and master bath with walk in shower and claw foot tub.Four other bedrooms feature queen sized beds. The bunk room has three sets of bunk beds, two have full sized lower and twin upper beds. The house comfortably sleeps 20-22 when game room sleeper sofa and other couches are utilized. Outside there are three levels of decks, kayaks are included in your rental.

    13 miles from 1685 Venue | Resort

  • Open concept kitchen and living room with a modern layout. Features include a white kitchen with a stovetop and coffee maker, a living area with a stone fireplace, and black chairs. The room is decorated with a "Nest" sign and has a ceiling fan and a TV mounted on the wall.

    The Nest • Paradise Hill

    Fully-renovated cabin with spectacular views of Lake Tenkiller. Brand new renovation from top to bottom. New appliances (dishwasher, fridge, stove) and cozy but modern feel. Large outdoor deck with new 4 seat hot tub, enjoy a good soak with a great view.

    3 bedrooms, sleeps 6
    13 miles from 1684 Venue | Resort

  • Two neatly made twin beds with yellow blankets and decorative pillows are positioned side by side in a cozy bedroom. A wooden nightstand with a lamp sits between the beds. Framed artwork hangs above each bed, and the room features an exposed wooden beam ceiling and a patterned area rug.

    Blue Doors At Tenkiller • Gore

    Description goeBlue Doors at Tenkiller is one of Gore's best-kept secrets. It's tucked away in the trees just minutes from Tenkiller State Park and Lake.A few casitas may accommodate up to a 4 person occupancy with sleeping arrangements between two full beds. Other casitas are appointed with a king bed and may accommodate two guests.

    12.1 Miles from 1684 Venue | Resort

1684: The Ultimate wedding and event venue in Oklahoma.

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