Pettit Bay 2

Pettit Bay 2 provides convenient boat ramp access to Tenkiller Ferry Lake on the Illinois River in northeastern Oklahoma, located about 8 miles south of Tahlequah. The facility features boat ramps with courtesy docks and is situated within a well-maintained campground offering flush toilets, hot showers, a swim beach, and a nearby marina with concessions. This is an excellent access point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore the scenic Cookson Hills area.

The Illinois River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 9) with an average flow of 27,210 cubic feet per second and modest gradient of 0.3 feet per mile, making it suitable for various paddling skill levels depending on water conditions. The lake setting provides calmer paddling conditions compared to the flowing river sections. Amenities include a dump station for RVs and a playground, making this a family-friendly option. For current conditions, hours, and reservation information, contact the facility at 918-487-5252. The site is accessible via Highway 82 south from Tahlequah, then Indian Road and a paved access road—easy to locate for boaters heading to the lake.

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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