Guide to Tenkiller State Park Adventure

Published On March 7, 2023

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canoeing at lake tenkiller in oklahoma

Tenkiller State Park is known as Oklahoma’s “heaven in the hills.” The sparkling blue waters of Lake Tenkiller provide an abundance of recreational opportunities for all ages. Boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and camping are all popular water-based activities at this park. It has over 130 miles of shoreline and is a great place for kids and adults to have fun.

With all of this fun, staying at Marval Resort is the perfect home base for your Tenkiller State Park adventures. We are just 8 miles southwest of the park!

Highlights of Tenkiller

Tenkiller State Park is a top Oklahoma vacation destination for those who love boating, fishing and scuba diving. The sparkling blue waters of Lake Tenkiller, referred to as “Oklahoma’s Clear Water Wonderland,” offer year-round recreation and plenty of fun.

The lake has 10 marinas and 20 launching ramps, offering boating, fishing and scuba diving opportunities. In addition, Pine Cove Marina offers fuel, snacks and boat rentals, along with the floating Clearwater Cafe.

In addition to the water, Tenkiller State Park has a swimming pool, amphitheater, scuba diving park, playgrounds and volleyball courts. It also has a nature center, group picnic shelters, and lighted boat ramps.

Best Hikes

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging one, Tenkiller State Park has plenty of options. You can enjoy a paved trail that runs a mile and a half around the park or take the Whispering Leaves Trail, which is a 2.2-mile round trip that takes you through wooded areas and along bluffs.

If you’re not up for a long walk, try a free guided hiking tour of the park. Guests can meet at the Driftwood Nature Center for a 1:00 pm introductory hike led by park naturalist Leann Bunn.

If you’re interested in getting up close and personal with the lake’s wildlife, consider signing the family up for a loon tour with a skilled guide. Skilled guides lead visitors to the area’s best spots for viewing common, pacific and yellow-billed loons.

Sunrise & Sunset Spots

Tenkiller State Park is one of the best spots in Oklahoma to watch a spectacular sunset. Set up camp, bring a picnic and enjoy a front-row seat along the shoreline for a view that will take your breath away.

There are also many other scenic areas throughout the park where you can witness the stunning color changes of a sunset or watch the sunrise over the lake. The park also offers a number of activities and programs to keep you busy during your stay, such as hiking, swimming, boating, disc golf, fishing and much more!

The lake is the clearest in Oklahoma and offers a wide variety of water sports, including sailing, scuba diving, jet-skiing, inner-tubing, fishing and cruising. Several marinas, including Simon’s Pine Cove, Barnacle Bills, Burnt Cabin and Sixshooter Resort, offer food, fuel and water sports rentals.

Natural Landmarks

Tenkiller State Park is a veritable playground for those who enjoy outdoor recreational pursuits that place them right in the heart of nature. Located just under a two-hour drive from Tulsa, this beautiful lake is home to no less than 10 campgrounds and a whole lot of activities.

One of the most popular attractions at Tenkiller State Park is Lake Tenkiller, which boasts 13,000 surface acres and 130 miles of shoreline. The crystal clear waters are ideal for scuba diving, and the awe-inspiring underwater features are sure to impress even experienced divers.

The lake is also a popular fishing destination, with many visitors from Oklahoma and the surrounding states coming here to cast their lines. The Pine Cove Marina offers fuel, snacks and boat rentals.

Tenkiller State Park also has a scuba diving park, as well as other facilities like a volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pit and amphitheater. It also has group picnic shelters, swimming beaches and a kids’ fishing pond. There are also paved hiking trails and lighted boat ramps.