Cookson on Lake Tenkiller

Cookson borders the northeast side of Lake Tenkiller, which lies on the Illinois River. Two distinct themes can help guide your trip planning: diving, fishing, and boating on the lake, as well as the landscape and wildlife of Cookson WMA east of town. If you’re looking for hotels in Cookson, you can weigh whether your interests lean more toward the water or a nature area.

Lake Tenkiller: Diving, Fishing, and Boating

At Lake Tenkiller’s underwater dive park, you can explore a sunken airplane, a helicopter, a school bus, and two boats. This also makes the lake interesting for travelers interested in underwater attractions. The installations may change over time.

Fishing offers a different way to enjoy the lake: you can fish for various types of bass, crappie, catfish, bream, walleye, and rainbow trout. Fish species and fishing conditions may vary seasonally. While the dive park is associated with specific sunken objects, fishing focuses on the fish species and the time of year.

Public access areas at Lake Tenkiller provide shoreline access via existing boat ramps. For a boating trip, Cookson Bend Resort & Marina rents pontoon boats on the lake; Cookson Resort & General Store offers on-site kayak rentals. These are two different types of boats to consider when planning. Rental availability may change, so it’s best to check in advance. Cookson Resort & General Store also sells groceries, fuel, and gifts; Cookson Cafe is located there as well.

Cookson WMA: Landscape and Winter Wildlife Viewing

Cookson WMA covers about 15,280 acres in southeastern Cherokee County and southwestern Adair County. It is about six miles east of Cookson on Bluetop Road. The landscape includes upland meadows, oak-hickory forests, and rolling, rocky, relatively steep hills. This mix makes the area scenically distinct from the focus on water activities at Lake Tenkiller.

Bald eagles occasionally winter at Buzzard Lake in Cookson WMA; sightings are not guaranteed. The WMA provides public access, including opportunities for archery deer hunting and some controlled deer hunts. Hunting opportunities and restrictions depend on the season and applicable regulations. Check current road conditions and hunting regulations before visiting.

Camping and Practical Information

Lake Tenkiller offers opportunities for tent camping and RV camping along 130 miles of shoreline. Cookson Bend Campground has 65 non-electric tent sites and 64 RV sites. Amenities include a swimming beach and a playground; there are also opportunities for hiking by the lake, as well as boating and fishing via boat ramps. Because availability and operating conditions may change, check them before making plans.

Two distinct options are available when choosing a destination: Lake Tenkiller, with its dive park, fishing, and boating opportunities, and Cookson WMA, with its meadows, forests, and occasional winter visitors at Buzzard Lake. This distinction can help you organize the themes of your Cookson trip before searching for a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Park Hill, Tahlequah.

For the broader travel overview: Cherokee.