Pettit Bay Camp Ground

For us Oklahomans who appreciate the tranquility of nature and the allure of clear, sparkling waters, Pettit Bay Campground offers an idyllic escape. Located on the beautiful Tenkiller Ferry Lake, often hailed as "Oklahoma's clear water paradise," this campground provides a well-kept and serene environment perfect for unwinding and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid angler, a scuba diving enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, Pettit Bay Camp Ground caters to a wide range of preferences, making it a cherished spot for locals.

Tenkiller Ferry Lake, a 12,500-acre reservoir nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeastern Oklahoma's Green Country, is truly a recreational paradise. Known for its exceptional water clarity, abundant wildlife, and dense surrounding forests, the lake offers a stunning backdrop for any camping adventure. Pettit Bay Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is one of several campgrounds that dot its 130 miles of shoreline, recognized for its natural beauty and convenient amenities.

While some past reviews have noted areas like road repair, the consistent feedback highlights the campground's significant advantages: "I love the mature trees and shaded sites close to the lake." Another visitor remarked on "Plenty of space to see the beautiful scenery and the view of the lake is spectacular easy access to the water plenty of parking spots and very peaceful and quiet." These sentiments underscore the core appeal of Pettit Bay Camp Ground – a place where natural beauty, peace, and easy lake access take center stage. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Pettit Bay Camp Ground an ideal choice for your next Oklahoma outdoor adventure, covering its location, services, unique features, and essential contact information.

Pettit Bay Camp Ground is located at 20794 W Pettit Bay Rd, Park Hill, OK 74451, USA. This address places it directly on the northwestern shore of Tenkiller Ferry Lake in Sequoyah County, near the community of Pettit. The campground is also conveniently located less than a half-hour from Tahlequah, the historic capital of the Cherokee Nation.

Accessibility to Pettit Bay Camp Ground is generally straightforward for Oklahomans. The park can be reached via well-maintained state highways, with clear directional signage guiding visitors. From Tahlequah, you would typically head south on Highway 82, then turn onto Indian Road, and finally onto the paved access road leading to the campground. The internal roads within the campground are designed to accommodate RVs and other vehicles, though one review noted that roads "need repair," suggesting some areas might be rougher than others. However, parking spots are generally ample.

The campground's prime lakeside location is a significant draw, offering spectacular views and easy access to the water for swimming, boating, and fishing. The surrounding area, part of Oklahoma's Green Country, features rolling hills and dense oak-hickory forests, creating a picturesque and secluded atmosphere while still being reasonably close to essential services in nearby towns like Tahlequah or Gore.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: Pettit Bay Campground offers sites with electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp options). Some sites are also non-electric, catering to different camping preferences.
• Full Hookup Sites: Some sites reportedly offer full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer connections.
• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: The campground provides modern flush toilets and hot showers for visitor comfort. However, one review mentioned issues with water pressure and mildew in showers, suggesting variability in maintenance.
• Water Hydrants: Water hydrants are available throughout the park for convenient access to potable water.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
• Boat Ramps with Courtesy Docks: Multiple boat ramps and courtesy docks offer easy access to Tenkiller Ferry Lake for boating.
• Swim Beach: A designated swim beach allows for safe and enjoyable swimming in the clear lake waters. One review noted the swimming area is "just rocks, so bring sturdy lake shoes" and can be shallow when the lake is low.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Playground: A playground is available for children's recreation.
• Adjacent Marina with Concessions: A marina is conveniently located next to the campground, offering concessions, and potentially boat and jet-ski rentals.
• Group Shelters: The campground has group shelters with electricity for day-use gatherings.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Pettit Bay Campground, but must remain restrained on a leash or penned at all times and are not permitted on swim beaches or in bathrooms.

• "Oklahoma's Clear Water Paradise": Tenkiller Ferry Lake is renowned for its exceptional water clarity, making it a prime destination for swimming, snorkeling, and especially scuba diving (often considered the state's most popular scuba diving spot).
• Mature Trees and Shaded Sites: A significant highlight noted by campers is the presence of mature trees that provide ample shade, keeping sites cooler and more comfortable, particularly during warm Oklahoma summers.
• Spectacular Lake Views: The campground offers beautiful scenery and spectacular views of Tenkiller Lake, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Excellent Fishing: The lake is a popular fishing destination with abundant populations of black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. The trout stream below the dam is also a year-round trout fishery.
• Diverse Water Recreation: Beyond swimming and fishing, Tenkiller Lake is excellent for boating, water skiing, and sailing, thanks to its clear waters and prevailing winds.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently praise the campground for its peaceful and quiet environment, offering a true escape from noise and crowds.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding dense oak-hickory forests and shoreline are home to plenty of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and various migratory birds like bald eagles and white pelicans.
• Proximity to Tahlequah: The historic capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, is nearby, offering cultural attractions and additional services.
• Managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: This management often implies well-maintained facilities and adherence to federal recreation standards.

As a campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pettit Bay Camp Ground operates under a standardized fee structure, and generally does not offer commercial-style "promotions" in the way a private business might. Fees are set for nightly campsite rentals based on the type of site (e.g., non-electric, electric, or full hookup). Current rates are typically around $18 for 30-amp electric sites, $19 for 50-amp sites, and $20 for full hookup sites.

However, visitors may be eligible for discounts through federal passes. The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, specifically the Senior Pass (for those aged 62+) or the Access Pass (for individuals with permanent disabilities), often provides a 50% discount on standard amenity fees, including camping. It's crucial to present these passes upon check-in to receive the discount.

For the most current and accurate information on rates, availability, and applicable federal pass discounts, prospective campers should utilize the official Recreation.gov website for reservations or contact the Tenkiller Lake Project Office directly. Any specific seasonal offers or policy changes for Corps of Engineers campgrounds would be communicated through these official channels.

Address: 20794 W Pettit Bay Rd, Park Hill, OK 74451, USA (Note: While the provided address was P3X2+GX, Pettit, OK 74451, USA, the more specific and commonly found address for Pettit Bay Campground in public data is 20794 W Pettit Bay Rd, Park Hill, OK 74451, which is functionally the same area.)

Phone: (918) 487-5252 (This is the general phone number for the Tenkiller Lake Project Office, which manages Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Pettit Bay.)

Mobile Phone: No separate mobile phone number is typically provided for Corps of Engineers campgrounds; the main office line serves as the primary contact.

For reservations, inquiries about specific site availability, current conditions, or any detailed questions about Pettit Bay Camp Ground, contacting the Tenkiller Lake Project Office or visiting Recreation.gov is the most effective method.

For us Oklahomans, Pettit Bay Camp Ground on Tenkiller Ferry Lake is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a local outdoor getaway. Its location in Green Country, with relatively easy access from various parts of the state, means that a rejuvenating experience in "Oklahoma's clear water paradise" is within convenient reach, allowing for more time enjoying the lake and less time traveling.

What truly makes Pettit Bay ideal for local users is its combination of natural beauty and essential amenities. Campers consistently rave about the "mature trees and shaded sites close to the lake," which provide a comfortable and cool environment, especially during the warmer months. The "spectacular" views of Tenkiller Lake, coupled with easy access to its incredibly clear waters for swimming, boating, and world-class fishing, make it a true recreational hub for our state's residents. Anglers, in particular, will appreciate the abundant fish populations, while water sports enthusiasts will find ample space for their activities.

Despite some minor concerns raised in past reviews regarding road conditions or shower maintenance, the overall picture of Pettit Bay Camp Ground is one of peace and natural abundance. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it provides reliable basic facilities and a family-friendly environment, complete with a playground. The proximity to Tahlequah also adds opportunities for cultural enrichment and access to additional services, enhancing the overall appeal for a local trip.

In essence, Pettit Bay Camp Ground offers a quintessential Oklahoma lakeside camping experience. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the daily grind, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Tenkiller Lake, and create lasting memories with family and friends, all within the familiar and welcoming landscapes of our own state. It stands as a testament to the quality outdoor adventures available right here in Oklahoma.