Pettit Bay
4.18136 reviews446977 EAST 980 ROAD, GORE, OK, 74435-9547, USA
Pettit Bay
$10.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Fees vary by site type and season. Standard electric sites range from $16 to $25 during peak season. Non-electric sites range from $12 to $16. Group shelter fees are $10 for non-electric and $50 for electric. First-come, first-served season has reduced rates.
About this campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Pettit Bay Campground, where pristine waters meet thoughtfully maintained facilities along the sparkling shores of Tenkiller Ferry Lake. This cherished destination draws families and outdoor enthusiasts back year after year with its exceptional boating access, prime fishing spots, and refreshing swimming areas. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line from the shore, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, Pettit Bay delivers the quintessential lake camping experience in a setting that feels both wild and welcoming.
The campground features sites with electric and non-electric hookups and group shelters. RV camping is commonly practiced, and tent camping is available.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with Cherokee heritage, just a short drive from historic Tahlequah, the enduring capital of the Cherokee Nation. This region tells stories of resilience and cultural preservation, while the nearby Illinois River—designated as an Oklahoma Scenic River—adds another layer of natural and historical significance to your camping adventure. Here, modern recreation meets ancient lands, creating a meaningful connection to both past and present.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons that transform this lakeside paradise throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water activities, with gentle breezes and occasional afternoon showers that cool the evening air. Winter reveals a different kind of beauty—crisp, clear days with moderate winds and dry conditions that make for comfortable cold-weather camping. As seasons shift, so do the lake levels and recreational possibilities, ensuring each visit offers something new to discover.
ElevationNestled gracefully in the foothills of the ancient Ozark Mountains, Pettit Bay occupies a sweet spot where highland forests meet lowland waters. While specific elevations remain nature's secret, visitors immediately sense the gentle rise and fall of the terrain—a landscape that creates both intimate coves and sweeping vistas across the lake.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in Oklahoma's celebrated Green Country, where dense oak-hickory forests cascade down to meet crystal-clear lake waters. Dramatic bluffs rise from the shoreline while rolling hills stretch into the distance, creating a photographer's paradise at every turn. This vibrant ecosystem serves as home to magnificent wildlife—watch for white-tailed deer browsing at forest edges, wild turkeys strutting through campsites, majestic bald eagles patrolling the skies, and graceful white pelicans gliding across the water. Each dawn and dusk brings new natural theater to this scenic wonderland.
Geological RegionWelcome to the enchanting foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeastern Oklahoma, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. This is Green Country at its finest—a region defined by dense oak-hickory forests that blanket towering bluffs and rolling hills. The clear, inviting waters of Tenkiller Ferry Lake fill the valleys between these ancient hills, creating a stunning interplay of forest, stone, and water that has captivated visitors for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityElectric hookups are available and some sites are ADA-accessible. However, a user reported an ADA site lacked sewer hookup despite being advertised as such.
Sites SizeVaries across the campground. Users described sites as 'large and clean usually,' with some offering spacious setups and shade trees.
Sites PrivacyMixed. Some campers found the sites quiet and private, while others noted their proximity led to noise disturbances from neighbors.
Total Campsites70 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites in Loop PBA2 offer larger spaces and waterfront views. Sites near the playground are family-friendly but may experience higher foot traffic.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include those with waterfront access, such as sites 48, 49, and 50, offering scenic views and proximity to the boat ramp.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
3:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard site capacity is not explicitly stated. Information about group and family sites indicates 4 adults and 4 children in some cases.
Groups
Group shelters are available for day use only.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of multiple loops, including PBA2 and PBAI. Sites vary in size and proximity to shared facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates on a seasonal basis, opening on April 1st and closing on September 30th for reservations. A first-come, first-served season runs from October 1st to October 31st.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Recreation.gov, available via website, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFrom October 1st to October 31st, a first-come, first-served season is in effect with reduced rates.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before arrival, subject to a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations or no-shows.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Pettit Bay offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, swimming, scuba diving, and hunting (regulated by federal and state laws). 'Fishing is good for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish.'
Hiking
Accessible hiking trails are available, but detailed trail descriptions are missing.Fishing
'Fishing is good for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish. The trout stream below the dam is one of only two year-round trout fisheries in Oklahoma.'Swimming
Swimming is available at a roped-off area near the campground. However, one user noted, 'Not a beach, just rocks, so bring sturdy lake shoes.'Boating
Boating is a popular activity with ramps and courtesy docks provided. Users appreciated the double-wide boat ramp but mentioned late-night disturbances from marina visitors.Wildlife viewing
The lake supports migratory birds including bald eagles and white pelicans. Wildlife such as deer and turkey can also be observed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
Opportunities for water skiing and scuba diving are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be contained within fire rings or provided grills. Firewood should be purchased locally to prevent pests.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as deer and snakes, uneven terrain, and limited water pressure during peak times. Some reviews mention flooding issues during heavy rains.
Active alertsFlooding may occasionally affect the campground, as noted by reviews. Sewer hookups have reportedly been out of order at some sites.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest hospital is in Tahlequah (approx. 10 miles away). Police services are available in Gore. Ranger stations are also nearby for campground assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1st to September 30th
Trash and recyclingTrash must be placed in provided dumpsters. Campers are responsible for cleaning their sites upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Tenkiller Ferry Lake, featuring 130 miles of shoreline. Adjacent marina provides boating access.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include poor facility maintenance, lack of sewer hookups, low water pressure, and noise from neighboring campers.
HostHosts have received mixed reviews, ranging from 'helpful and courteous' to 'lazy and unresponsive.' Some visitors report excellent experiences with specific hosts, while others note issues with rule enforcement.
Campground Map
446977 EAST 980 ROAD, GORE, OK, 74435-9547, USA
Driving directionsFrom Tahlequah, OK, go 8.25 miles south on Highway 82, turn right on Indian Road and go two miles south. Then turn left and go one mile southeast on the paved access road.
The access roads are paved and located near Highway 82. Driving directions recommend turning onto Indian Road and continuing south before turning left onto the paved access road.Nearby places
Tahlequah (approx. 10 miles), Vian (approx. 18 miles), Muskogee (approx. 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are best accessed in Tahlequah, approximately 10 miles away. Fuel stations are available in Gore and nearby towns.
Camper Reviews
4.2
136 reviews
Pettit Bay is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Opinions on Pettit Bay Campground are mixed, with ratings spanning from 1 to 5 stars. Positive reviews emphasize the scenic location, friendly staff, and accessibility to activities like swimming and fishing. Negative feedback includes complaints about maintenance, cleanliness, and enforcement of rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 136 reviews
What Campers Love
Frequent praise for the scenic views, friendly staff, and quiet atmosphere. Comments include, 'Beautiful campsite bathrooms hot as hell no AC,' and 'The park was clean and well managed.'
Based on 136 reviewsCommon Concerns
Numerous complaints regarding maintenance issues such as locked restrooms, broken playground equipment, and high grass. A user stated, 'Bathrooms need to be taken care of better.'
Based on 136 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring long water hoses as some sites may lack nearby water hookups. Avoid sites near the marina for quieter nights. Consider bringing sturdy lake shoes due to rocky swimming areas.
Based on 136 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer weekends are popular but crowded, and complaints about maintenance tend to be higher during peak seasons. Winter feedback indicates quieter conditions but limited activities.
Based on 136 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The lake view melted away my stresses like magic.' - Earl C, 5 stars. 2. 'Bring a splitter for the water hookup, you have to share with your neighbors.' - Casey W, 5 stars. 3. 'Shaded nicely,...
Based on 136 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 11 (Loop PBA2): 'Hosts did not enforce rules. Allowed dogs to roam off-leash even following complaints.' Site 21 (Loop PBA2): 'Low voltage at the electric hookup caused major inconvenience.'...
Based on 136 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Mixed feedback on accessibility. 'ADA-accessible site lacked advertised sewer hookup,' but wide spaces and proximity to amenities were appreciated.
Based on 136 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed experiences reported. Some users noted off-leash dogs were a problem, leading to incidents like attacks on smaller pets.
Based on 136 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025