Short Mountain Cove
4.2778 reviews102 E BK 200 RD, Stigler, OK 74462
Short Mountain Cove
$23.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Individual campsites operate on a fee range of $23-$25 per night with electric hookup. Group shelter sites are $50 per night. Reservation fees and service charges may apply.
About this campground
Nestled along the tranquil, tree-lined shores of Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, Short Mountain Cove beckons adventurers seeking both relaxation and recreation. This hidden gem invites you to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, paddle through peaceful coves, or explore winding trails beneath a canopy of ancient oaks. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn or settling in for an evening by the campfire, this waterfront sanctuary offers the perfect blend of outdoor activities and natural serenity.
Short Mountain Cove accommodates a variety of campers with 42 campsites, including standard electric and group shelter electric options.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds on the shores of a remarkable feat of engineering and vision. Robert S. Kerr Reservoir stands as a vital link in the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, a waterway that transformed eastern Oklahoma's economy and connected the heartland to the sea. This historic navigation project not only shaped regional development but created the recreational paradise that welcomes visitors today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect temperatures for hiking, while summer's warmth is tempered by the cooling shade of mature trees that shelter the campsites. Many seasoned campers consider fall the crown jewel of seasons here, when crisp air carries the scent of woodsmoke and the surrounding hills burst into brilliant autumn colors, creating an atmosphere that's nothing short of magical.
ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain provides easy access to both water activities and comfortable camping, with sites positioned to take advantage of natural shade and lake breezes.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Oklahoma's Cookson Hills, where Short Mountain Cove sits gracefully along the meandering Arkansas River. The expansive Robert S. Kerr Reservoir stretches before you, its miles of intricate shoreline creating countless hidden coves and fishing hotspots. This aquatic playground, renowned among anglers for its abundant bass, crappie, and catfish populations, is framed by rolling hills that showcase the raw beauty of eastern Oklahoma's landscape.
Geological RegionDiscover the unique character of the Cookson Hills region, where ancient geological forces carved a landscape of rolling hills and river valleys across Sequoyah, Le Flore, Haskell, and Muskogee counties. This corner of eastern Oklahoma, shaped by the mighty Arkansas River over millennia, offers a distinctive terrain where forested ridges meet fertile bottomlands, creating diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas that change with every bend in the road.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited information is available on accessibility features. A user review requested handrails in the bathroom stalls for better accessibility.
Sites SizeSites vary, with some being spacious and others narrow. For example, one user describes site #17 as narrow with only 18 inches of pad outside the door and a steep slope.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels differ across sites. Some sites, like #17, are noted for being 'about 30 feet away from the water' with no other sites close to the front door, while other reviews suggest campers are close enough to affect the experience negatively.
Total Campsites42 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #17 offers proximity to water and privacy but has a sloped pad. Site #40 is noted for its quiet setting and spaced layout.
Best CampsitesSpecific sites are praised for scenic views and proximity to water, such as #13 and #17.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
3:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite is limited to one wheeled camping unit with up to three tents.
Groups
The group shelter electric site is available at a rate of $50 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are laid out with varying spacing and proximity to the water, some offering privacy while others are closer to activity hubs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from March 1 to October 31. Reservations available from June 20 onward during the reservable season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled with specific fees. For individual sites, a $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation 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
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Short Mountain Cove offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing is a highlight, with the reservoir known for record-size crappie, sand bass, catfish, and black bass. Boating and kayaking are facilitated by the boat ramp and courtesy dock, though some reviews note the dock needs repairs. Hiking trails wind through the hills and along the shoreline, offering additional opportunities for outdoor activity.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available and vary in difficulty. One user mentioned a mountain trail described as steep and isolated, recommending hikers not go alone.Fishing
Fishing is highly praised, with one user noting, 'My favorite is fishing for catfish on jugs or drift fishing using shad for bait.' Record-size fish species like crappie and catfish are common.Swimming
Swimming areas are present but receive mixed reviews. One user mentioned swimmers congregating near campsites, causing some inconvenience.Boating
Boating is popular, supported by a boat ramp and courtesy dock. However, multiple users have highlighted the need for dock repairs.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer, geese, squirrels, and eagles is frequently observed. One user noted, 'We enjoyed watching an eagle fly by us about the same time every morning.'Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-motorized boating activities are popular, facilitated by the large reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be contained within designated fire rings or grills provided.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack flies, geese droppings, and sloped pads on some sites are mentioned in reviews. Limited phone service is noted by some visitors.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 93%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are closest in Sallisaw, OK, approximately 8 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 1 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but some users have noted inconvenience, such as having to drive half a mile to access a dumpster from site #13.
Proximity to water featuresBoaters can enjoy direct access to the reservoir via a boat ramp and courtesy dock. Some campsites are only feet away from the water.
Common complaintsDirty bathrooms, maintenance issues like locked facilities, odor concerns potentially linked to improperly disposed sewage, and crowded or narrow campsites.
HostHosts are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. Reviews highlight their helpfulness.
Campground Map
102 E BK 200 RD, Stigler, OK 74462
Roads leading to Short Mountain Cove are paved and accessible. The campground is located on the Arkansas River within the Cookson Hills area, approximately 8 miles south of Sallisaw, OK.
Nearby places
Sallisaw, OK (8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be purchased in Sallisaw, OK, approximately 8 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
78 reviews
Short Mountain Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Short Mountain Cove are mixed, with some highlighting the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent fishing opportunities, while others criticize maintenance issues, including unclean facilities and overgrown grass.
Review Summaries
Based on 78 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include friendly and helpful camp hosts, spacious and quiet campsites, and excellent fishing opportunities. Users also appreciated the presence of wildlife like deer, geese, and...
Based on 78 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unclean bathrooms and showers, lack of supplies such as toilet paper, overgrown grass, and maintenance issues with the dock at the boat ramp. Some users also noted issues...
Based on 78 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra supplies like toilet paper and soap due to reports of lacking bathroom amenities. Consider visiting during quieter periods for a more peaceful experience. If reserving a site, inspect it...
Based on 78 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is quieter and more peaceful during the off-peak season but may be full and bustling during spring break and summer.
Based on 78 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'We love this place. Quick getaway for us.'
2. 'Short Mountain Cove is nice and shaded in the summer months and is a great place to bring your family.'
3. 'Bathrooms were extremely dirty never was...
Based on 78 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #13: Noted for the inconvenience of trash disposal. Site #17: Narrow pad with a downhill slope, but close to the water and offers privacy. Site #40: Spacious, but with a slope off the pad,...
Based on 78 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
A user expressed the need for handrails in bathroom stalls for better accessibility.
Based on 78 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed or penned at all times. One user mentioned enjoying the road alongside the forest for walking their dogs.
Based on 78 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025