Pine Creek Cove recreation area

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

For Oklahomans seeking a peaceful, scenic retreat with excellent water access, **Pine Creek Cove Recreation Area** is a cherished jewel in the southeastern part of the state. Situated on the western shore of the 3,750-acre Pine Creek Lake, this US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) managed campground is celebrated for its quiet, natural beauty and high standards of cleanliness. The campground’s ambiance is so compelling that one visitor exclaimed, **"Just the tranquility! STOP IT NATURE... JUST STAUPH!!!"**—a true testament to the calming environment it provides.

Pine Creek Cove serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the beautiful region at the edge of the **Ouachita Mountains**. It offers a blend of convenient amenities and rugged natural features, making it perfect for RVs, families, and anglers. The park provides **41 campsites** with utility hookups and boasts a dedicated **swim beach** that is described as **very nice**. Whether you're drawn by the promise of excellent crappie, bass, and catfish fishing or simply looking for a quiet spot to sunbathe and build sandcastles, this recreation area promises an authentic and rejuvenating Oklahoma outdoor experience.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Pine Creek Cove Recreation Area is located conveniently near the main dam of Pine Creek Lake, south of the Little River and near the town of Valliant, Oklahoma.

The core address for the surrounding area is:

Address: Tommy Taylor Trail, Valliant, OK 74764, USA (Located on the western shore of the lake near the dam)

The park is easily accessible for travelers heading into southeastern Oklahoma. Directions typically involve traveling Pine Creek Road approximately 7 miles north from Valliant, OK, to the access road. The location near the dam is a strategic advantage, as it is often convenient for reaching **prime fishing spots** on the reservoir. Crucially, the campground offers **good distance between camping spots**, which enhances the feeling of seclusion and peace that visitors appreciate. While the area is wonderfully remote, visitors should be prepared to bring necessary supplies, as the closest store is approximately 10 miles away. Its location also places it within driving distance of major Oklahoma attractions, including **Beavers Bend State Park** and the historic ruins of **Fort Towson**.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

As a quality US Army Corps of Engineers facility, Pine Creek Cove provides robust and well-maintained services to ensure a comfortable stay for RV and tent campers alike.

• **Campsites with Utility Hookups:** The park features **41 campsites** where the majority are equipped with both **electric and water hookups**. At least one site is noted to offer **full hookups** (electric, water, and sewer).
• **Modern Comfort Facilities:** **Flush toilets** and **hot showers** are available, providing modern comfort in a natural setting.
• **RV Support:** A central **dump station** is conveniently located on-site for the disposal of grey and black water waste.
• **Group Amenities:** A dedicated **group camping shelter** with electric hookups is available for reservations, making it an excellent spot for family reunions or large gatherings.
• **Water Access:** A paved **boat ramp** is included, providing easy and reliable access for launching vessels onto Pine Creek Lake.
• **Site Diversity:** The park includes a variety of site types, from asphalt and concrete pads in Loops N and O (some of which are noted to be very level) to a limited number of non-electric sites.

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⭐ **Features / Highlights**

The standout appeal of Pine Creek Cove is the stunning natural environment, the quality of its recreational features, and the highly-praised peaceful atmosphere.

• **Unparalleled Tranquility:** The core highlight is the **tranquility** and atmosphere of serenity. For visitors seeking a super quiet and peaceful escape in Oklahoma, this location is hard to beat.
• **Beautiful Swimming Beach:** The **swim beach is very nice**, attracting families for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles on the clear lake waters.
• **Excellent Fishing near the Dam:** The campground's location is convenient for accessing **prime fishing spots**, with the lake known for a strong forage base supporting species like **crappie, largemouth bass, flathead catfish, and saugeye**.
• **Spacious and Shaded Sites:** Campers enjoy **good distance between camping spots**, enhancing privacy, and the **wooded areas** offer natural shade and scenic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountain foothills.
• **Birding Opportunities:** The rich natural environment and diverse shoreline are perfect for **birding**, attracting enthusiasts eager to observe local avian species.
• **High Maintenance Standards:** Visitors consistently report that the park is **very clean** and the staff are **very friendly and helpful**, ensuring a pleasant, well-managed experience.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For reservations (highly recommended during peak season, April 1 - September 30), inquiries about site-specific features, or current conditions, please use the main Corps of Engineers contact numbers for the Pine Creek Lake office:

Address: Tommy Taylor Trail, Valliant, OK 74764, USA

Phone: (580) 933-4215 (Pine Creek Lake Office)

Reservation Line: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

Pine Creek Cove Recreation Area is the perfect choice for the Oklahoman camper who demands a **quiet, full-service camping experience** coupled with **premium water access** in a beautiful, natural setting. If your priority is escaping the noise of city life and finding a park where the sites are well-spaced and the facilities are **very clean**, Pine Creek Cove delivers.

The primary value lies in the **41 electric and water hookup sites** near the prime fishing of Pine Creek Lake and the convenience of a **very nice swim beach**. Its official management by the USACE ensures reliability, clean bathrooms, and maintained roads, which is especially important during the winter when the park remains accessible. By choosing Pine Creek Cove, you are selecting a sanctuary where you can truly **relax**, enjoy some of the best fishing in Southeastern Oklahoma, and immerse yourself in the **tranquility** of the Ouachita foothills.