Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park
🌤 Weather at Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–78 °F | 67–91 °F | 38–83 °F | 26–53 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Spavinaw, 6 mi away, elevation 685 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The Cherokee Area is part of Grand Lake State Park, at the Pensacola Dam near Langley in Mayes County, Oklahoma. It has four campgrounds, a lighted boat ramp, a 9-hole golf course and free admission.
Oklahoma State Parks runs Grand Lake State Park as a group of separate areas around Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. TravelOK, the travel site of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, gives the lake 46,500 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline. The Cherokee Area sits at the south end of the lake, where the Pensacola Dam holds back the Grand River. Two of its campgrounds lie on the lake side of the dam toward Disney, and two lie below the dam on the river. The park office is at the Grand Cherokee Golf Course.
Quick Facts
| Location | Below and beside the Pensacola Dam, near Langley, Mayes County, Oklahoma |
| Part of | Grand Lake State Park (Oklahoma State Parks) |
| Park office | 13000 E 387 Rd, Langley, OK 74350, phone 918-435-8066 |
| Entry fee | Free admission, not part of the Oklahoma State Parks parking pass program |
| Campgrounds | 4: Lakeside, Grand View, Riverside and Grand Cherokee, all reserved online |
| Golf | Grand Cherokee Golf Course, 9 holes, phone 918-435-8727 |
| Office hours | 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM in winter, 7 AM to 7 PM in summer |
Location & Getting There
TravelOK’s directions start at the junction of Highways 82 and 28 near Langley. Go south about 1 mile to Highway 28, turn east, and after about half a mile turn south on Highway 82A. Take the first left to the stop sign, turn east onto the river road and follow it across the river. The next right is the Grand Cherokee Golf Course, where the park office is. The park’s coordinates are 36.4689, -95.0309.
The closest other area of the park is the Disney and Little Blue area, about 2 miles east in a straight line. The Spavinaw Area is about 6 miles south.
Camping
TravelOK lists four campgrounds in the Cherokee Area. Every site has to be booked online through the Oklahoma State Parks reservation system. The reservation call center is 877-657-2757.
- Lakeside Campground: 12 RV sites and 15 tent sites, a swimming beach, a playground, a group shelter and a comfort station.
- Grand View Campground: 4 RV sites with electric service only, 45 tent sites, a group shelter and a comfort station.
- Riverside Campground: tent sites below the Pensacola Dam, a group shelter and a boat ramp to the river. This campground has pit toilets.
- Grand Cherokee Campground: RV sites with full hookups, including 50-amp electric, below the dam, and a comfort station with showers.
The Cherokee Area park map from Oklahoma State Parks also marks an RV dump station at Grand Cherokee. Pets are allowed, according to TravelOK.
Fishing, Boating & Swimming
TravelOK describes the Cherokee Area as known for its fishing and water sports. The area has a lighted boat ramp on the lake, and the Riverside Campground has its own ramp to the Grand River below the dam. You can swim at the beach of the Lakeside Campground. You need an Oklahoma fishing license unless you are exempt. Check current rules with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Eagle Watching Below the Dam
From late October through March, bald eagles gather on the Grand River below the Pensacola Dam to fish. TravelOK names the river below the dam as the best place to watch them and early morning as the best time. A golden eagle turns up now and then. Bring binoculars and stay on the roads and in the parking areas.
Grand Cherokee Golf Course
The 9-hole Grand Cherokee Golf Course lies against the backdrop of the Pensacola Dam. TravelOK describes tree-lined fairways, Bermuda greens and few water hazards. There is a driving range and a pro shop with cart and club rentals, snacks and drinks. You can book tee times online or call 918-435-8727 or toll-free 866-602-4653.
Other Areas of Grand Lake State Park
Grand Lake State Park has seven areas, and each one has its own profile on our site:
- Disney and Little Blue, east of the dam
- Spavinaw, below the Spavinaw Lake spillway
- Bernice, with a nature center on the northwest side of the lake
- Honey Creek, near Grove
- Twin Bridges, near Miami
Our Grand Lake State Park page gives an overview of all areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cherokee Area a separate state park?
No. It is one of the areas of Grand Lake State Park, which Oklahoma State Parks runs as a group of separate areas around Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees.
Is there an entrance fee at the Cherokee Area?
No. TravelOK lists free admission, and the area is not part of the Oklahoma State Parks parking pass program (as of October 2026). Campsites and golf cost extra.
Where is the park office?
At the Grand Cherokee Golf Course, 13000 E 387 Rd, Langley, OK 74350. The phone number is 918-435-8066.
When can you see bald eagles at Grand Lake?
From late October through March, best in the early morning on the Grand River below the Pensacola Dam.
Keep exploring: see all Oklahoma state parks.
Sources: TravelOK, Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park (overview, directions, maps and resources, checked October 20, 2026); Oklahoma State Parks park map of the Cherokee Area. Campgrounds, fees and hours as of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet required; pets must be under direct physical control unless in a designated fenced pet area
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins for $40 per night per pet; pets are prohibited in lodge rooms ($300 fee assessed if a pet is found in a lodge room)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $40 per night per pet for pet-friendly cabins; no fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required and must be readily available; pets running at large may be impounded
Are dogs allowed at Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park?
Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via travelok.com. More: Oklahoma state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
