Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma

Created in 1953 by construction of the Tenkiller Ferry Dam on the Illinois River, the lake in eastern Oklahoma covers 12,650 acres. On the south side of the lake near the dam is the 1,190-acre Tenkiller State Park. Besides diving, visitors will find camping, cabins, a swimming pool, boat ramps, nature center, hiking trail, and a full-service marina with floating restaurant. Divers will find gradual slopes of 20 feet (6 m) to sheer cliff drop-offs. The two main dive sites at Lake Tenkiller are Old DX Landing and Crappie Point. In addition to viewing the cliffs, divers can explore a town left behind when the lake was formed. Home sites are still accessible, where you can find artifacts such as horseshoes, buggies and farm equipment. There is also a jailhouse, wagon wheels and Native American pottery and jewelry. The items are protected by state law, and may not be removed.

Depths to: 165 feet (50 m)

Visibility: 8-35 feet (3-11 m)

Water temperature: reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) in the summer and dips to 30 F (minus 1 C) in the winter.

Marine life: black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, bream and walleye

Fees: $1 per person, but not more than $4 per vehicle, is charged at developed swimming beaches. A fee of $3 is charged at selected boat launching ramps that have additional amenities.

On-site amenities: The park has 40 cabins, 10 cottages, and more than 200 campsites in 10 camping areas.

For more info: Call Tenkiller State Park at (918) 489-5641. There are a number of dive stores in easy driving range from Tulsa and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Local dive centers include Gene’s Aqua Pro Shop, (918) 487-5221, and Nautical Adventures in Cookson, Oklahoma, (918) 457-DIVE.

Getting there: Ten miles north of the Vian exit on Oklahoma Highway 82. Turn left on Highway 100 West.
Travel three miles to the park entrance, which is on the right side of the road.