Overview

Short Mountain Cove sits along the shady banks of Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. 

Facilities

Short Mountain Cove contains 42 campsites, 2 playgrounds, a basketball goal, boat ramp and courtesy dock. 

Natural Features

Robert S. Kerr Reservoir is located within the Cookson Hills, on the Arkansas River in Sequoyah, Le Flore, Haskell, and Muskogee counties in eastern Oklahoma, US. It is about eight miles south of the nearest major town, Sallisaw, Oklahoma. The reservoir is impounded by Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam at river mile 336.2 (km 541.1) on the Arkansas River, just a few miles below its confluence with the Canadian River. The lock and dam are part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, which provides for barge navigation on the Arkansas River and some of its tributaries.

Recreation

With over 250 miles of shoreline and 43,000 surface acres, R.S. Kerr has long been recognized for its outstanding fishing. Crappie, sand bass, catfish, and black bass in the lake reach record size. Boating and kayaking are popular activities in the area. A boat ramp is provided at the campground for easy access to the water. A variety of hiking trails wind throughout the hills and along the shoreline, offering additional activities for campers.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• • Gates open at 6AM and close at 10PM
  • Check out Time 3PM, Check in Time 6PM
  • Quiet Hours: 10PM to 6AM
  • Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. 
  • Each campsite is limited to 1 wheeled camping unit with up to 3 tents. 
  • Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30 day period. This applies to all members of the camping party and the camping unit.
  • Campers must occupy the campsite at least once during each 24 hour period. Abandoned personal property may be subject to impoundment after 24 hours.
  • Each campsite may not have its own water spigot, some share with adjacent sites.
  • Campers shall keep their sites free of trash and litter during the period of occupancy and shall remove all personal equipment and clean their sites upon departure.
  • Fires must be contained within the fire ring or grill provided. These are NOT trash receptacles, please leave them free of food and litter upon departure. 
  • Pets must remain restrained on a leash or penned at all times. Pets are NOT allowed on swim beaches or in bathrooms.
  • Grey water and sewage must be properly disposed of in the provided dump station receptacle. Disposal of any water or waste on the ground is prohibited.  
  • Fireworks are prohibited.
  • Fishing and hunting are regulated by federal and state laws.

• Once you have reserved and are occupying your campsite, if a Gate Attendant is on duty (Friday - Wednesday 4PM - 10PM), please take the time to check-in with them, otherwise a volunteer will check you in during their daily patrol of the campground. Thank you.

• Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Notifications and Alerts

• The park has been winterized and is closed to camping for the winter. It will remain open for boat ramp use only.

Contact Information

Phone: N/A

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip