The real Goat Island

For us Oklahomans, exploring the nooks and crannies of our beautiful state often reveals hidden treasures, and "The Real Goat Island" on Lake Tenkiller is undoubtedly one of them. Nestled in Pettit Bay near Park Hill, this isn't your typical campground, but rather a remarkable natural attraction that offers a truly unique outdoor experience. Imagine paddling across the clear waters of Lake Tenkiller, only to be greeted by a friendly herd of goats grazing on an island! It’s a quirky, charming, and utterly Oklahoman adventure that you won't find just anywhere.

This isn't a place with traditional RV hookups or developed campsites in the conventional sense. Instead, The Real Goat Island is about a different kind of camping experience – one that involves kayaking or boating out to a small island and enjoying a picnic on the rocks with these adorable, resident goats. It's a place where nature and an unexpected dash of whimsy converge, providing a memorable escape for those looking for something beyond the ordinary. Reviews from fellow Oklahomans highlight the joy of discovering this spot, with many sharing stories of finding goats and enjoying the peaceful, unique environment.

Indeed, the "Goats class of '21 have survived humans, the winter anndddd are multiplying!" according to one delighted visitor, showcasing the resilience and growing charm of the island's most famous inhabitants. While it might feel like a little secret you want to keep to yourself, it’s a treasure too good not to share with other locals eager for a distinctive outdoor adventure right here in our own backyard.

The Real Goat Island is situated at 29561 S Bayside Lane, Park Hill, OK 74451, USA. More specifically, it’s located in Pettit Bay on the western portion of Lake Tenkiller. Lake Tenkiller itself is a renowned reservoir in eastern Oklahoma, nestled in the Cookson Hills. Known as "Oklahoma's Clear Water Wonderland," the lake boasts 130 miles of shoreline and 13,000 surface acres, making it a popular destination for various water activities.

What makes The Real Goat Island particularly unique is its accessibility – or rather, its controlled accessibility. You can't just drive up to it. The island is only accessible by watercraft, typically a boat or kayak. This adds to its allure as a slightly off-the-beaten-path destination, ensuring a more secluded and intimate experience for visitors. Pettit Bay is a common entry point to Lake Tenkiller and offers various services, including a campground, swimming areas, a beach, and an on-site marina, making it a convenient place to launch your adventure to the island.

For Oklahomans, Lake Tenkiller is a well-known and cherished recreational area, making The Real Goat Island a familiar and accessible destination for a day trip or an extended stay within the broader Lake Tenkiller region. The drive from major Oklahoma cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City is manageable, leading you to the scenic beauty of the Ozarks foothills.

It's important to clarify that "The Real Goat Island" is not a commercial campground in the traditional sense, offering amenities like RV hookups, showers, or restrooms on the island itself. Based on available public information and customer reviews, the services offered are more about the unique experience of visiting a natural island habitat rather than staying at a developed facility. Therefore, visitors should consider the following as the "services" or opportunities available:

• Island Access for Watercraft: The primary "service" is the ability to access the island by boat, kayak, or canoe. This means you need to bring your own watercraft or rent one from nearby marinas on Lake Tenkiller.
• Picnic and Day Use Area: The island serves as a unique spot for day use, particularly for picnics. Visitors enjoy stopping on the rocks to have a meal in the company of the goats.
• Goat Viewing: The main attraction, of course, is the chance to see and interact with the resident goat population. These goats are accustomed to human visitors and are often seen grazing or coming down to greet those who land on the island.
• Unique Photo Opportunities: The picturesque setting of the island, combined with the presence of the goats, offers exceptional opportunities for unique photos and memorable social media content.
• Seclusion and Natural Setting: The "service" of a primitive, undeveloped, and naturally beautiful setting is a significant draw. It’s a place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature in a very specific, quirky way.

Given its undeveloped nature, visitors should be entirely self-sufficient, bringing their own food, water, and trash bags, as there are no facilities on the island. The experience is about raw nature and the unscripted interaction with the goats.

The Real Goat Island stands out not for its amenities, but for its truly distinctive and charming natural features. These are the elements that draw visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond:

• Resident Goat Population: This is the absolute star of the show! The island is famously inhabited by a thriving community of goats. Visitors consistently rave about encountering these friendly animals, making for an unforgettable and heartwarming experience. The fact that they are "multiplying" only adds to the island's charm.
• Lake Tenkiller's Clear Waters: The island's location within Lake Tenkiller, known for its exceptionally clear waters, enhances the overall experience. The clarity of the water makes kayaking and boating to the island even more enjoyable and picturesque.
• Secluded and Peaceful Environment: Because it's only accessible by water, Goat Island offers a level of seclusion and tranquility not always found at more developed lake spots. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking quiet reflection amidst nature.
• Unique Picnic Spot: The rocky shores and natural landscape of the island provide an unparalleled setting for a picnic. Enjoying your meal with curious goats nearby is an experience truly unique to this Oklahoma locale.
• Kayaking and Boating Destination: The journey to the island itself is a highlight. Paddling or boating across the lake to reach this specific destination adds an adventurous element to the visit, perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
• "Only in Oklahoma" Appeal: The very existence of an island populated by goats in the middle of an Oklahoma lake creates a sense of wonder and local pride. It's one of those quirky, unexpected treasures that makes our state special.
• Wilderness Interaction: While the goats are accustomed to humans, the experience is still one of interacting with animals in a semi-wild environment, offering a glimpse into a unique ecosystem.

These features combine to make "The Real Goat Island" a must-visit for anyone in Oklahoma seeking a memorable, nature-filled adventure with a charming, unexpected twist.

As "The Real Goat Island" is a natural island formation on Lake Tenkiller and not a commercial campground or business in the traditional sense, there are no formal "promotions or special offers" like discounted rates or loyalty programs. Its primary appeal lies in the free and open access to a unique natural phenomenon.

However, the inherent "offer" of visiting Goat Island is the cost-free opportunity to experience a truly unique wildlife interaction and scenic beauty. The only expenses associated with a visit would be those related to accessing Lake Tenkiller and renting or providing your own watercraft if you don't own one. These incidental costs might include:

• Boat or Kayak Rentals: Many marinas around Lake Tenkiller, particularly in Pettit Bay, offer kayak, canoe, pontoon, or other boat rentals. While not a direct promotion from Goat Island, these rental services enable the visit.
• Lake Access Fees: Depending on the specific launch point or park you use to access Lake Tenkiller, there might be day-use fees for boat ramps or park entry. These are standard fees for using state park or Corps of Engineers facilities around the lake.

The "special offer" of The Real Goat Island is its existence: a captivating, cost-free natural attraction where you can observe and enjoy the unique presence of an island full of goats. Visitors are encouraged to treat the island and its inhabitants with respect, keeping the environment clean and refraining from feeding the goats anything harmful. This preservation ensures the "offer" remains available for future generations of Oklahomans.

Since "The Real Goat Island" is a natural feature on Lake Tenkiller and not a commercially operated campground with staff on-site, there isn't a direct phone number or dedicated contact person for the island itself. The address provided, 29561 S Bayside Lane, Park Hill, OK 74451, USA, is a general location on Lake Tenkiller near Pettit Bay, which is the common access point for visiting the island.

For any inquiries related to visiting the area or accessing Lake Tenkiller, it's best to contact the nearest Lake Tenkiller State Park office or local marinas. They can provide information on lake conditions, boat rentals, and public access points:

• General Lake Tenkiller Information: You can typically find information through Oklahoma State Parks or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the lake.
• Tenkiller State Park: For camping and general lake information, Tenkiller State Park is a primary resource. Their contact number is generally around (918) 776-8180 (though specific numbers may vary by section).
• Local Marinas in Pettit Bay: Marinas like Pettit Bay Marina would be able to assist with boat or kayak rentals and provide local knowledge about accessing Goat Island. Search online for current contact details for these businesses.

Remember that the island itself is undeveloped, so plan your visit with self-sufficiency in mind. The "contact" is more about preparing for your journey to this unique Oklahoma landmark.

For us Oklahomans, "The Real Goat Island" on Lake Tenkiller is more than just a place; it’s an iconic, quirky slice of our state’s natural charm, making it an incredibly suitable and exciting destination for a local adventure. We pride ourselves on unique experiences and hidden gems, and this island perfectly embodies that spirit. It offers a genuine escape from the everyday, providing a tranquil yet wonderfully unexpected encounter with nature and wildlife right in our own backyard.

The allure of kayaking or boating across the clear, inviting waters of Lake Tenkiller to discover an island populated by friendly goats is a story worth telling and an experience worth having. It’s an ideal day trip or picnic spot that combines outdoor activity with a delightful surprise. For families, it’s an unforgettable outing that will spark curiosity and create lasting memories, far beyond the typical playground or museum visit. The goats themselves are a testament to the resilience and unique character of Oklahoma's wild spaces, and observing them in their natural habitat is a truly special opportunity.

Furthermore, its location within the beautiful Lake Tenkiller region means that a visit to Goat Island can be easily combined with other recreational activities, such as fishing, swimming, or hiking in the surrounding state parks. It encourages us to explore the natural beauty of our state’s eastern hills, offering a refreshing break without the need for extensive travel. The fact that it remains a relatively undeveloped, natural attraction adds to its appeal, preserving its peaceful atmosphere and allowing for a genuine connection with the environment.

In short, The Real Goat Island is an essential Oklahoma experience. It’s a testament to the unexpected delights our state holds, inviting us, the locals, to embrace adventure, enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, and witness a truly one-of-a-kind spectacle that makes us proud to call Oklahoma home. Pack your picnic, grab your kayak, and go meet the island's most charming residents!