About TALL CHIEF COVE
Overview Located on beautiful Skiatook Lake in northeast Oklahoma, Tall Chief Cove is one of the most popular campgrounds in the region. The campground has a variety of sites along the forested lakeshore, and visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, swimming, picnicking and fishing from the facility.Recreation Families enjoy the convenience of this facility's swim beach, picnic areas, nature trail, playground and educational programs. Sport fishing for largemouth bass, black and white crappie, channel catfish and several species of sunfish offers anglers many hours of enjoyment on the lake. About 6,000 acres of public land in the lake area are open to hunters wishing to pursue whitetail, quail, rabbit and squirrel. Facilities Tall Chief Cove offers 50 individual sites with electric hookups and one group picnic shelter for day use that can host up to 200 people. All guests with reservations can utilize our professional style volley ball court, basketball court, disc golf course, or horseshoe pits. The campground provides covered picnic tables, restrooms and showers.Natural Features Gentle rolling hills of blackjack and post oak trees intersperse with tall grass prairie around the glistening lake. The shoreline is accentuated by steep picturesque bluffs which offer views of the water.
How to Get There
From Tulsa, Oklahoma, take Highway 75 north to State Highway 20. Take the Skiatook exit, turn west on State Highway 20 and drive about 15 miles. Turn left on Lake Road and proceed about five miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to TALL CHIEF COVE
Heading to TALL CHIEF COVE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for TALL CHIEF COVE?
No central reservation system listed for TALL CHIEF COVE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233645) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to TALL CHIEF COVE?
From Tulsa, Oklahoma, take Highway 75 north to State Highway 20. Take the Skiatook exit, turn west on State Highway 20 and drive about 15 miles. Turn left on Lake Road and proceed about five miles to the campground.
How do I contact TALL CHIEF COVE?
You can reach the park at phone: 918-288-6820.
References & Official Resources
