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Oklahoma's lakes offer a great camping, canoeing and kayaking
alternative when the rivers run low in late summer.
- Canoe and kayak rental available at Greenleaf 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.
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The Illinois River, Oklahoma's most popular float trip
destination feeds Lake Tenkiller.
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At the end of October: Lake Eufaula, Dripping Springs, Lake
Thunderbird, Tenkiller State Park & Western Hills Guest Ranch
parks are hosting Halloween events that include anything from
haunted hayrides to hikes and horseback rides along spooky
trails & fun costume parties.
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Click to enlarge picture
Kayaking on Tenkiller Lake |
More Flat Water Paddling
in Oklahoma
On a hot Oklahoma day, recreational 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: Greenleaf 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 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. We tent camped and
paddled our own kayaks around for some kayak fishing.

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 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. Sunrises and sunsets over Lake Tenkiller are worth
bringing the camera along for, especially if you enjoy
kayak photography.
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.

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.
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. For reservations: Call Rena (918) 696.7225
(office/home); or cell (626) 274.2555. Email: fiveoaksmanorok@aol.com
Web: www.fiveoaksmanorok.com.
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.
...Complete
Oklahoma Area Float Trip Outfitters List
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