Nestled on a peninsula that juts dramatically into Lake Tenkiller, Cherokee Landing State Park is a spectacular 146-acre public recreation space in the Cookson Hills. Despite being a relatively small area, this Oklahoma State Park, which is located just to the south of Tahlequah, is known for accommodating some of the best lakeside camping in the entire Oklahoma state park system. Blessed with outstanding natural beauty, it enjoys a picturesque setting, flanked by the verdant woodland of the Cookson Hills and the lake’s rocky shoreline. It also has a rich, Native American, cultural history too, which is reflected by the fact that Tahlequah serves as the capital of the Cherokee Nation. The perfect place to reconnect with nature, Cherokee Landing State Park is the kind of place where you can ‘breathe’ again. If you ever find yourself wondering where to go on your next camping trip away. We can’t recommend this place highly enough.
Location
Cherokee Landing State Park is one of 32 state parks in Oklahoma. It is located near the unincorporated community of Park Hill in Cherokee County. The park is relatively easy to get to from most of the major cities in the immediate surroundings. For instance, you can get there from Oklahoma City in just a two hour and 30 minute drive west, while Tulsa is only an hour and 15 minutes away. Likewise, from Fort Worth and Memphis it will take between four hours and 30 minutes and 5 hours to complete the journey. So it is quite accessible overall.
Activities
Given its position on a peninsula at the north end of Lake Tenkiller, the park offers plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy water based recreational activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing and swimming. In addition, the park offers good trails to explore via hiking or biking, which showcases a diverse range of flora and fauna. Other activities like disc golf and volleyball are popular past times too.
Fishing At Cherokee Landing State Park
Anglers flock to the clear waters of Lake Tenkiller for its wonderful sport fishing. With the likes of crappie, catfish and bass all being in abundance. The Cherokee Area also has a boat ramp, as well as a boat dock. While there is also a fishing dock in the park’s wildcat point area.
Swimming At Cherokee Landing State Park
The sparkling, deep blue waters of Lake Tenkiller is a popular Oklahoma snorkeling and scuba diving spot. You will also find a swimming area in the Cherokee Campground, although, as it is not patrolled by lifeguards, you enter the water at your own risk. Alcohol is strictly forbidden in the main swimming beach area.
Hiking at Cherokee Landing State Park
While the lake gets much of the plaudits, Cherokee Landing State Park does offer some very good hiking and walking opportunities. One of the main trails in the park is the Red Fox trail which showcases some of the park’s most impressive natural scenery. You’ll definitely want to take your camera with you should you decide to tackle this section of the park.
Disc Golf At Cherokee Landing State Park
Disc golf is a popular activity at Cherokee Landing State Park and there is a lovely 18 hole course onsite for you to enjoy a round at. Most of the holes are under 300 feet and are set within areas that have lovely scenery.
Nature & Wildlife
The park is a noted sport for nature and wildlife. It is also a renowned, year-round spot for bird watching, with the likes of waterfowl, migratory birds, raptors and several species of songbirds calling it home.
Native American history at Cherokee Landing State Park
The nearby city of Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It has some wonderful historic buildings and museums which honor, commemorate and showcase their fascinating history and culture.
Pets At Cherokee Landing State Park
The Cherokee Landing State Park is a pet friendly park which allows pets into the park under certain conditions. It’s worth confirming with the park office as to what these conditions are.
Camping At Cherokee Landing State Park
As the southern end of the park is often affected by flooding, camping at Cherokee Landing State Park is restricted to its northern end. Overall there are 107 campsites in the park, which includes 61 semi modern RV sites that come with 30 – 50 amp electricity and water. There is also a handicapped accessible RV site situated in the Creek Campground. All of these RV sites can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet long. They all have concrete pads and some offer stunning views of Lake Tenkiller. For those interested in tent camping, there are 46 unimproved sites dotted along both the main road and Wildcat Point area. All of these tent sites come with grill facilities and picnic tables, and are close to water sources.
Amenities At Cherokee Landing State Park
Visitors to the Cherokee Landing State Park will find a number of very good amenities for them to use. This includes totally accessible comfort stations replete with showers, which are located in both the Cherokee and Creek parts of the Park. The ADA Compliant park also has a dump station, a camp store, gift shop, a playground and several picnic areas. This includes four picnic shelters for groups that come with electricity, grills and tables that can each seat up to 100 people. The park also has a park ranger onsite too.
Park Location
Cherokee Landing State Park 28610 Park 20 Park Hill, OK 74451 Phone: 918.457.5716 Website Reservations You should be able to reach them during office hours, which is from 8 am to 4.30 pm every day of the week.
Map
Video
Below is a brief YouTube video showcasing different things to do at Cherokee Landing State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Oklahoma state parks free?
Yes, Oklahoma state parks are free to enter for day use. There are no vehicle permits or entrance fees. Camping, cabin, and lodge fees apply separately.
What are the best state parks in Oklahoma?
Top parks include Beavers Bend (mountain forested river), Natural Falls (77-foot waterfall), Robbers Cave (historic outlaw hideout), Turner Falls (swimming waterfall), and Roman Nose (red mesa canyon).
Can I swim at Turner Falls in Oklahoma?
Yes, Turner Falls Park features a 77-foot waterfall with a natural swimming pool at its base. It is Oklahoma’s oldest park and one of the most popular swimming destinations in the state, especially in summer.
Are there lodges at Oklahoma state parks?
Yes, many Oklahoma state parks feature excellent lodges and restaurants. Beavers Bend, Quartz Mountain, and Roman Nose lodges are popular. Reservations recommended, especially for holiday weekends and fall foliage season.
Explore More Oklahoma State Parks
Cherokee Landing State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oklahoma. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oklahoma guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Tenkiller State Park is a short drive away, and Tenkiller State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cherokee Landing 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 Landing 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 Location
Plan your gear for Cherokee Landing State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
