How much does camping cost at Applegate Cove?

Camping fees at Applegate Cove range from $23-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Applegate Cove first-come first-served or reservation?

Applegate Cove accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Applegate Cove before I book?

Yes! Applegate Cove has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Applegate Cove?

Applegate Cove is open March 1 to October 31.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Applegate Cove?

Yes, Applegate Cove has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Applegate Cove?

Fire policies at Applegate Cove: Fires must be contained within designated fire rings or grills. Fireworks are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Applegate Cove have?

Applegate Cove has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Applegate Cove?

Yes, pets are allowed at Applegate Cove. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Applegate Cove?

Applegate Cove offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Applegate Cove?

Popular activities at Applegate Cove include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Applegate Cove

4.01

169 reviews

102 E BK 200

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

489 ft

Price

$23 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Season runs from Mar...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

489 ft

Price

$23 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Season runs from Mar...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Applegate Cove

$23.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Individual campsites range from $23 to $25 per night during peak season. Group shelter electric sites are $50 per night. Additional reservation fees...

Standard Site Fee$23.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

918-487-5252

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What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 169 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulshadelake

Some mention

noise

"Reviews of Applegate Cove are mixed, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Positive feedback highlights the campground's scenic location, peaceful atmosphere, and wildlife presence. Negative feedback primarily addresses maintenance issues, such as unclean bathrooms, barking dogs, and insufficient management."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

102 E BK 200

Applegate Cove

102 E BK 200

Nearby places

Sallisaw (8 miles), Stigler (approx. 25 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available at Pier 7 General Store (2.4 miles) and nearby stores in Sallisaw (8 miles).

Driving directionsHead south on US-59 out of Sallisaw, OK for 7 miles, turn right at Pier 7 General Store onto E1140 Rd for 2.4 miles, where road forks, keep left towards Applegate Cove Marina and you will dead end at your destination of Applegate Cove Campground.

Accessible via US-59 and E1140 Rd. Roads are paved and generally in good condition, though user reviews mention that signage and road maintenance could be improved.

Best Time to Camp at Applegate Cove

Fall delivers the best experience here. October days run 60–75°F with nights in the 40s–50s, making hiking and fishing comfortable while the Cookson Hills show their best color. Insect activity drops, and the campground quiets after Labor Day. Summer is hot and humid, good for swimming but buggy. Spring sees wildflowers and active wildlife, though thunderstorms roll through frequently. Winter is mild enough for occasional warm spells. One Christmas Day hit 75°F. But crowds disappear and some facilities may close.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings active wildlife, pleasant weather and strong fishing/boating seasonal activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season runs from March 1 to October 31. Reservations are available from June 19 to peak season close.

About Applegate Cove

Applegate Cove sits on Robert S. Kerr Reservoir in Oklahoma's Cookson Hills, offering 27 campsites with electric hookups at $23–50 per night. The compact campground draws families for its lake access, boat ramp, and newer playground. With showers, flush toilets, and a dump station on-site, it's a functional base for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Reviews note the scenic setting and peaceful vibe, though bathroom cleanliness and barking dogs are recurring complaints.

Applegate Cove accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping, as well as group sites. The campground features 27 campsites with options for standard electric and group electric sites.

Historical Significance

The campground sits along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, completed in the 1970s to connect Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico. Modern barges still navigate these waters, visible from the shoreline. The reservoir itself was created as part of this ambitious water management project, transforming the Arkansas River corridor into a series of recreational lakes.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best experience here. October days run 60–75°F with nights in the 40s–50s, making hiking and fishing comfortable while the Cookson Hills show their best color. Insect activity drops, and the campground quiets after Labor Day. Summer is hot and humid, good for swimming but buggy. Spring sees wildflowers and active wildlife, though thunderstorms roll through frequently. Winter is mild enough for occasional warm spells. One Christmas Day hit 75°F. But crowds disappear and some facilities may close.

ElevationSet at the gentle elevations characteristic of eastern Oklahoma's rolling terrain, the campground offers comfortable camping conditions year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded shoreline at 489 feet elevation, where the reservoir's coves meet the rolling ridges of the Cookson Hills. Mature trees shade most sites. White-tailed deer graze near campsites at dusk, and squirrels are abundant. The reservoir itself dominates the view, its waters calm enough for swimming and bordered by forested hills. October brings decent fall color to the surrounding slopes. The landscape is heavily wooded, with shoreline access that varies by site.

Geological RegionDiscover the rugged beauty of Oklahoma's Cookson Hills, where ancient geological forces carved a landscape of rolling ridges and hidden valleys. Applegate Cove rests within this scenic region near the historic Arkansas River corridor, where the waters of Robert S. Kerr Reservoir have transformed the terrain into a recreational wonderland. The surrounding hills tell a story millions of years in the making, their weathered slopes now covered in dense forests that shelter abundant wildlife and offer endless opportunities for exploration.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

6PM

Check-out

3PM

Stay Limit

14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 1 wheeled camping unit and up to 3 tents per site.

Groups

Group sites are available and feature electric hookups. The specific number of people and vehicles allowed at group sites is not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 27 sites spread across a compact loop with varied spacing. Some sites sit close together while others offer more separation. Concrete pads exist at several sites, but many spots are uneven. Bring leveling blocks for RVs. Shared water spigots serve multiple sites in some areas. The boat ramp and dock are nearby, and shaded pathways connect the loop to facilities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its app, or by contacting their call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served options are available, though details about the number of sites and fill patterns are not provided.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in) forfeit the first night’s fee.

AccessibilitySome sites are level and accessible, but specific details about ADA-compliant features are not mentioned. One reviewer commented on sites being "nice level RV sites," but others noted that lower sites might be uneven.

Site SizeVaried site sizes, including large spaces. One user stated, "Space #13 was very large," while another described sites 2-5 as having concrete pads and being "nice wide spaces.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; some sites are spacious and well-separated, while others are close together. A user noted, "Sites are amply spaced," while another mentioned that sites were "close to each other.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 2-5 for cement pads and level surfaces. Site 13 offers privacy and easy backing for larger RVs but requires leveling blocks. Site 11 is praised for its view and space.

Need help booking Applegate Cove?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Applegate Cove offers a variety of activities centered around its location on Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. With 250 miles of shoreline, popular activities include fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking. A boat ramp is available for water access, and the area has multiple hiking trails.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as snakes and overhanging dead branches during storms. Water access has been described as shallow and sometimes unclean.

Fire PolicyFires must be contained within designated fire rings or grills. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Sallisaw, OK, approximately 8 miles north. These include hospitals, police, and fire stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities appear inadequate. One user noted, "Please put more dumpsters and/or trash cans." Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, offering easy access to water for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Some sites are close to the water with excellent views.

Camp HostCampground hosts are generally described as friendly and helpful, but some reviewers report issues such as unkempt host sites and lack of enforcement of rules like leash and noise regulations.

Weather at Applegate Cove

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

169 reviews

Satisfactory

Applegate Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Applegate Cove are mixed, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Positive feedback highlights the campground's scenic location, peaceful atmosphere, and wildlife presence. Negative feedback primarily addresses maintenance issues, such as unclean bathrooms, barking dogs, and insufficient management.

Review Summaries

Based on 169 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's natural beauty, with comments like "Lovely views" and "Beautiful lake." Wildlife sightings and shaded campsites are frequent highlights. Facilities like the playground...

Based on 169 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean bathrooms, maintenance issues with water and electric hookups, unmanaged barking dogs, and loud noise from other campers. Some users also criticized the swimming...

Based on 169 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring leveling blocks for RVs as some sites are uneven. Opt for sites with dedicated water hookups to avoid shared spigots. Consider booking first-come, first-served sites to choose the best options....

Based on 169 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews vary by season. Winter visitors often appreciated the quiet and well-maintained facilities, while summer visitors reported more issues with maintenance, noise, and overcrowding. Spring and...

Based on 169 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were nice and warm which was nice for the cold weather during our stay." "The swimming beach is more like a 6-foot access of sand with super shallow, nasty water." "Lovely views, but sites...

Based on 169 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 was noted as "very large" but had a poorly placed fire pit and table. Sites 2-5 have concrete pads and are described as "nice wide spaces." Site 27 was highlighted as "almost perfect" for...

Based on 169 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for disabled campers, but some sites are noted as level, which may aid accessibility.

Based on 169 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Issues with unleashed dogs and barking were frequently reported, causing dissatisfaction among some users. One user recommended enforcing leash rules to prevent conflicts.

Based on 169 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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