Pettit Bay 1

Pettit Bay offers convenient boat ramp access to Tenkiller Ferry Lake on the Illinois River in northeastern Oklahoma, located about 8 miles south of Tahlequah. The facility includes boat ramps with courtesy docks, flush toilets, hot showers, and a swim beach. A marina with concessions is adjacent to the campground. Camping is available on-site with full hookups. For current facility status and reservations, contact the campground at 918-487-5252.

The Illinois River at this location flows through a scenic area in the Cookson Hills known for excellent boating and fishing opportunities. As a major river system (Stream Order 9), the Illinois maintains an average flow of over 27,000 cubic feet per second with a modest gradient of 0.3 feet per mile, making it generally manageable for paddlers, though water conditions can vary seasonally. The lake offers multiple recreation options including boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

**Note:** Check with the facility before visiting, as ramp closures have been implemented at some Tenkiller access points in recent years. This helps ensure you have the most current information about availability and any access restrictions.

Overview
Pettit Bay Campground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake is a recreational paradise for visitors looking for a well-kept waterfront facility, which offers convenient access for boating, swimming and wildlife viewing. It is located near the historic town of Tahlequah and attracts many campers who return year after year.Recreation
Boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and swimming are some of the...

Overview
Pettit Bay Campground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake is a recreational paradise for visitors looking for a well-kept waterfront facility, which offers convenient access for boating, swimming and wildlife viewing. It is located near the historic town of Tahlequah and attracts many campers who return year after year.Recreation
Boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and swimming are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Prevailing winds and secluded coves create an ideal environment for sailing. Scuba divers enjoy the lake's clear waters and high visibility. 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, and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Hunting is also permitted in parts of the lake area, in accordance with federal and state laws.Facilities
The campground has sites with electric hookups, and some sites are non-electric. The park has flush toilets, hot showers, water hydrants, a swim beach, playground, dump station, and boat ramps with courtesy docks. A marina with concessions is adjacent to the campground. Of the ten marinas with concessions located on the lake, most offer boat and jet-ski rentals, and several have floating restaurants.Natural Features
Tenkiller Ferry Lake is often referred to as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise." The 12,500 acre lake is sourced by the Illinois River and the Baron Fork, which are both designated as Oklahoma Scenic Rivers. It is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. This area, known as Green Country, is surrounded by dense oak-hickory forests, tall bluffs, and rolling hills. The lake has 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It serves as one of the flyways of migratory birds, including bald eagles, common loons, and white pelicans.
Nearby Attractions
Visit the Tenkiller State Park for its nature center and scuba diving park, the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge near Vian, or the historic city of Tahlequah - the capital of the Cherokee Nation. The scenic upper Illinois River near Tahlequah is great for canoeing and rafting, and the lower Illinois River near Gore offers prime trout fishing.

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