Applegate Cove
3.9771 reviews102 E BK 200
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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$73.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider918-487-5252
About this campground
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, Applegate Cove beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover its intimate charm. This cozy retreat features 27 thoughtfully appointed campsites, each equipped with electric hookups, grills, and picnic tables for memorable outdoor meals. The campground's small size creates a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere where children can safely explore and families can unwind together. Shaded pathways wind through the grounds, offering peaceful spots to relax while the gentle lapping of reservoir waters provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay.
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 SignificanceApplegate Cove stands as a gateway to the remarkable McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, a testament to American engineering that transformed the heartland's waterways. This vital navigation corridor has connected Oklahoma to the world's oceans since its completion, supporting commerce and creating recreational opportunities along its path. Today, visitors can watch modern barges navigate these historic waters while enjoying the recreational paradise that emerged from this ambitious water management project.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the ever-changing beauty of eastern Oklahoma's seasons at Applegate Cove. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and boating adventures on the reservoir, while spring and fall paint the landscape in vibrant colors with comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter offers a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds, and Mother Nature occasionally surprises visitors with unseasonably warm holiday weather—one memorable Christmas Day reached a delightful 75°F, turning traditional winter camping into an unexpected gift of sunshine and outdoor comfort.
ElevationSet at the gentle elevations characteristic of eastern Oklahoma's rolling terrain, the campground offers comfortable camping conditions year-round.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Cookson Hills, where Applegate Cove's mature canopy of trees creates a cathedral of shade and serenity. Morning mist rises from Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, revealing mirror-like waters that reflect the surrounding forest. White-tailed deer emerge at dusk to graze near campsites, while playful squirrels dart through the branches overhead. The shoreline invites exploration, with hidden coves and scenic vantage points offering ever-changing views of the reservoir's vast expanse and the gentle hills beyond.
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.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites 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."
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose 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.
Best CampsitesSites 11 and 13 are frequently highlighted for their size, views, and proximity to water. Sites 2-5 are noted for their cement pads, making them good options for RVs.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is compact with 27 sites. It includes loops with shared water access between some sites and a boat ramp and dock nearby.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason runs from March 1 to October 31. Reservations are available from June 19 to peak season close.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
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
Hiking trails wind through the hills and along the shoreline. Specific trail details such as difficulty levels or distances are not provided, but the natural scenery and wildlife make it a notable activity.Fishing
Fishing is a major attraction at Applegate Cove, with species like crappie, sand bass, catfish, and black bass present. The reservoir is renowned for its "record size" fish.Swimming
Swimming facilities are minimal and have received poor feedback. One reviewer described the swimming beach as "more like a 6-foot access of sand with super shallow, nasty, super warm water."Boating
Boating and kayaking are popular activities, with a boat ramp and courtesy dock provided for water access. Details about boat rentals or docking facilities are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are frequent, with deer, rabbits, and squirrels commonly seen. One user noted, "Deer were there to greet us in the mornings."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground remains open for camping.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports, supported by the boat ramp and reservoir access.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be contained within designated fire rings or grills. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as snakes and overhanging dead branches during storms. Water access has been described as shallow and sometimes unclean.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Sallisaw, OK, approximately 8 miles north. These include hospitals, police, and fire stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 1 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities appear inadequate. One user noted, "Please put more dumpsters and/or trash cans." Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to 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.
Common complaintsMany reviews cite poor bathroom conditions, with complaints of dirt, spider webs, and lack of supplies. Noise from other campers and barking dogs are frequently mentioned issues. Broken or poorly maintained amenities like water hookups and basketball hoops are noted.
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.
Campground Map
102 E BK 200
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.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).
Camper Reviews
4.0
71 reviews
Applegate Cove has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 71 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 71 reviewsShow more
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 71 reviewsShow more
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 71 reviewsShow more
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 71 reviewsShow more
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 71 reviewsShow more
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 71 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features for disabled campers, but some sites are noted as level, which may aid accessibility.
Based on 71 reviewsPet-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 71 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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