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OklahomaRoadTrips.com

Oklahoma's lakes offer a great camping, canoeing and kayaking alternative when the rivers run low in August.  

  • Canoe and kayak rental available at Green Leaf State Park
  • Assorted paddle craft for rent on Tenkiller Lake
  • Boating at Burnt Cabin Resort 
  • This lake is an Oklahoma favorite due to its rocky (rather than muddy) bottom and it's handy location in the Cookson Hills.
  • The Illinois River, Oklahoma's most popular float trip destination feeds Tenkiller.

 

Click to enlarge picture

Kayaking on Tenkiller Lake

More Flat Water Paddling in Oklahoma

On a hot Oklahoma day, kayaking is a great way to get some exercise and stay cool. See our Eufaula Lake Page for other flatwater paddling options in Oklahoma!

Lake Tenkiller often claims to be the 'clearest lake in Oklahoma' and we saw nothing to dispute that claim in our brief visit. Dianne and I picked up a primitive camping spot close to the water at Burnt Cabin Resort which is not too far from Gore, Oklahoma. This part of Tenkiller Lake is also quite close to another Favorite Camping Spot of ours: Green Leaf Lake.

Burnt Cabin Resort offers cabins (un-burnt), full RV hookups or primitive camping for lodging. The bath and shower house we visited was in good working order and very tidy. Their marina has a nice little store for t-shirts, sunscreen, drinks, ice, bait and advice. They have a wide range of boats for rent including: Pontoon Boats, Fun-Yaks, Water Bikes, Canoes and more! 

Funyak.jpg (57529 bytes)
Funyak for Rent at Burnt Cabin Resort

We didn't rent any boats this time, but I can tell you that the marina cafe: Dr. BBQ's is NOT right out of a horror movie as the lettering on their sign might suggest (see picture below). In fact, the folks were real nice.

Dr. BBQ - Marina Cafe at Burnt Cabin Resort Marina on Lake Tenkiller
Dr. BBQ - Burnt Cabin's marina cafe

We arrived rather late in the afternoon, just as the hottest part of the day was ending. Shortly after we had gotten camp setup, we were blessed by a brief but refreshing rain shower that cooled us down enough to immediately set off for an evening paddle!

Tenkiller Lake paddling at Burnt Cabin Resort near Gore, OK
Tenkiller Lake Kayaking

I wish I knew something about taking pictures at night because that evening the skies really put on a show for us.  One side of the sky was full of distant lightning, the other side was clear and starry with the occasional shooting star.  

Despite the distant thunder we never saw enough rain to put our little Wal-Mart Tent to any significant tests.  


I woke up at about 5:30am eager for the morning paddle.  Frankly, I am a bit too much of a technology geek to ever become a really committed camper.  It is the promise of a sunrise morning paddle that puts me in my little Wal-Mart tent on weekends. 

Do not dismiss the gentle sport of Lake Kayaking until you have paddled a kayak at dawn.

After that I like to paddle around and fish a little.

Beat the heat by Bass Fishing in a kayak
Kayak fishing on Lake Tenkiller 

Life is sweet, enjoy some this weekend!


Usually when Dianne and I want to go canoeing in this area we grab a cabin on the Illinois River. There are a large number of outfitters offering lodging along Highway 10. Try this page for a list of outfitters: http://www.oklahomaroadtrips.com/Illinois-River-Floats.htm.

Fishing Hot Spots - Illinois River

 

If you are set on going to Lake Tenkiller, here are some folks offering lodging for groups:

Terri's Sixshooter B&B provides a unique lodging experience overlooking beautiful Tenkiller Lake. Many customers have claimed that Terri's has the nicest rooms on the lake and at reasonable prices. Phone: 918-457-7933.

Five Oaks Manor - This 4000+ square ft. house is the perfect retreat for your large group or family reunion. It has 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, a large recreation room with several game tables, two living areas and a huge shaded deck. It will comfortably sleep 28. Small group rates also available. The house is located just minutes from Strayhorn Marina and across the road from Fin and Feather Resort. Phone: 918-487-9887 or Toll Free 1-800-487-9887

Fin and Feather Resort is a family resort. Located in beautiful Southeastern Oklahoma on Lake Tenkiller, Fin and Feather provides the perfect setting for family reunions, weddings, church retreats, business meetings or just a weekend get away. Phone: 918-487-5148

Tenkiller State Park Cabins - Offers 39 cabins. Some cabins offer a lake view while others have a park view. The cabins sit high atop limestone cliffs at the south end of Lake Tenkiller in a beautiful state park setting. They also have one(1) three bedroom cabin, sleeping 10. This cabin features a deck across the back and a lake view. A hide-a-bed in the living room and full size appliances are part of the furnishings. Phone: 918-489-5643 or 918-489-5641.

 

Gifts and Gear for Canoe & Kayak Paddlers


See more at the OU Sooner Fan Store

 

...Complete Oklahoma Area Float Trip Outfitters List


 

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