Cherokee Landing State Park

Tucked along the southern shore of Tenkiller Ferry Lake in Cherokee County, Cherokee Landing State Park offers 146 acres of wooded Ozark foothills meeting clear, deep water. Established in 1954, this park has served generations of Oklahoma families drawn to one of the state’s most scenic reservoirs — a lake known for its striking blue-green color and exceptional underwater visibility.

Cherokee Landing is first and foremost a water park. The lake’s steep, rocky shoreline drops off quickly, making it a favorite among scuba divers who explore submerged rock formations and old roadbeds beneath the surface. Boaters and anglers will find well-maintained launch ramps and dock access, with Tenkiller’s largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish drawing serious fishermen year-round. Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding round out the on-water options.

On land, the park’s hilly terrain is threaded with trails through post oak and hickory forest — good for short hikes and wildlife watching, particularly during spring wildflower season or fall foliage in late October. Picnic areas with lake views make for easy afternoon stops.

Camping details should be confirmed directly with the park, as site availability and amenities can vary by season. The park has historically offered both tent and RV sites near the waterfront.

The best window to visit is late spring through early fall, when lake temperatures are comfortable for swimming and the surrounding hills are at their greenest. Weekdays offer notably quieter access to the water compared to busy summer weekends.

Explore Nearby

• Clayton Bypass Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Route 66 National Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Clayton Lake State Park — Dark Sky Site in New Mexico
• Ouachita National Forest — National Forest in Arkansas, Oklahoma