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Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!

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Master Bedroom
Bending Waters Estates
Main Floor Deck W/ Gas Grill
Gas Stove Top W/ Warming Drawer
Breakfast Nook

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 133800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Twin Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!

Discover Bending Waters

Nestled on five private wooded acres at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters is a serene escape just steps from the beautiful Illinois River. This modern, 3,800-square-foot home blends nature with contemporary elegance, comfortably accommodating up to 13 guests.

Luxurious Living Spaces

Bending Waters boasts four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and two family rooms with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto a deck with breathtaking river views. The primary suite features a private two-person Jacuzzi, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays and a rain-head, and a gas fireplace. It also offers direct access to the upper deck, where you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the river below.

Gourmet Kitchen and Dining

The fully equipped kitchen features a cozy eating area with stunning river views, a hearth room with a fireplace and television, and access to an upper deck with a gas grill for perfect outdoor dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, ideal for special gatherings.

Nature at Your Doorstep

Large windows throughout the home provide stunning views of the river and wooded acreage. The property is equipped with a security system for your peace of mind. Wildlife abounds here; you’ll spot hummingbirds, eagles, deer, turkeys, and more. The Illinois River offers exceptional fishing right in your backyard, with species like crappie, trout, bass, and catfish.

A True Escape

Bending Waters is surrounded by thousands of acres of Corps of Engineers land, accessible via a paved road and a solid rock drive. A pond with a waterfall and lilies welcomes you to this tranquil retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by dogwood forests and beautiful foliage.

Endless Adventures

Illinois River: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or rafting on 70 miles of scenic waters with outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
Fishing: Year-round fishing for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Fly-fishing classes and guided trips are available.
Lake Tenkiller: Just 0.5 miles away, offering clear waters for boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Marinas provide rentals, supplies, and floating restaurants.
Scuba Diving: Explore sunken vehicles, planes, boats, and historical artifacts in waters up to 165 feet deep.
Hunting and Wildlife: Enjoy state game management areas and wildlife observation opportunities, including migratory geese, ducks, bald eagles, and more.
Golfing: Scenic championship courses are nearby for a relaxing round of golf.
Nature and Hiking: Explore trails and parks, observing diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations.
Whether you're seeking tranquility on the back deck, adventure on the river, or fun on Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters offers an unforgettable retreat in nature. Come and create lasting memories at this beautiful home!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check in time is 4:00 PM on the date of your arrival Check out time is 11:00 AM on the date of your departure No Smoking allowed in the House
Date Changes require $50 Change Fee Early checkin/out require $50 +/- 2 hours
Check-in will require an accurate guest/pet count any additional un-reported guest/pets will be considered a breach of contract

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 40
Note from host: Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Tahlequah

Located in Tahlequah, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. George M. Murrell Home and Tsa La Gi Ancient Village - Cherokee Heritage Center are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Gruber State Game Management Area and Cherokee Landing State Park. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in TahlequahOpens in a new window
Map
Park Hill, OK

What's nearby

  • Tenkiller Ferry Lake - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Cherokee Casino Tahlequah - 12 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Cherokee National Capitol - 16 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Northeastern State University - 17 min drive - 17.0 km
  • Tsa La Gi Ancient Village - Cherokee Heritage Center - 18 min drive - 16.6 km

Getting around

  • Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Subway - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪White Wolf Steakhouse - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Fish's Bar B Que - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Red Moon - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!?

As of Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories! on May 13, 2026 start from $425, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Tenkiller Ferry Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of John Ross Museum and George M. Murrell Home. Cherokee Heritage Center and Cherokee Casino Tahlequah are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 156 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 156 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 156 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 156 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 156 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dane H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great accommodations, plenty of room, ample kitchen amenities, comfortable seating and bedding! Outstanding host!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Valarie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts were fantastic. The house was gorgeous. The view was wonderful. Everyone enjoyed watching all of birds that came to the bird feeders.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was great, very responsive. There were a few minor things that we were able to work around easily. Overall a super place with a great view
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katheryn J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place, very spacious and had everything we needed! Definitely would go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Syndee S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot for a relaxing getaway. Comfortable and well-equipped. Mornings and evenings spent on the deck enjoying the birds and the view. Deer out front in the morning. Great spot for the family to enjoy time together with easy day trips to hiking and sightseeing.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautiful and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bird watching paradise

Great space on a nice property
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Graduation Stay

This house was gorgeous and the perfect place for our family to gather during my kids 3 graduation ceremonies from NSU! The hosts were wonderful, super supportive, and very accommodating after another property had cancelled on us last minute. We will definitely be staying again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful retreat

The peace we needed. Amazing views.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eva T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!!!

We stayed here for our daughter's graduation from NSU. We had a great stay! We hope to come back in the future to enjoy the river!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephanie S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Trip

It was very nice and spacious! Communication was so easy and accommodating. The kids loved fishing off the river and the journey down and up the pathway. Was a bit of a hike but still manageable. The rooms do not have curtains or blinds so the sunrise gets you moving!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nate P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice getaway

Beautiful views, very quiet, pet friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Very nice views of the river and wild life

Im going to stay again when i go back to oklahoma too see family.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing River Views

Great home for our family stay! Enjoyed the views of the river, wildlife, and birds! We even caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle soaring over the river!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angel W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Place

We had a great time! Home was beautiful! Didn’t want to leave!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home!

The property is beautiful and the deer come right up in the yard! The house is very spacious and cleverly built plenty of places to relax, will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Genevieve F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long weekend!

House is nice. The trail down to the water is steep, but views from the house are terrific!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer vacay

We had a very relaxing time. The house was very comfy! Thanks
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect relaxation escape

We were in need of a getaway and this place was just perfect peaceful fun for the kids. Right on the water. The home was huge we each could get away to be alone or come together and hang out. We loved this location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nolan B.

River stay

House was as advertised. Very communicative owner and the property manager was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family stay for Powwow

Beautiful property. A little drive to anything but that made it better. It was very secluded, like walking into a nature wonderland..
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Graduation

Excellent property! Fit our needs perfectly and was a bird watchers dream!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location

We loved our stay here. The river was a treat that we all enjoyed even though it's not the easiest to get down to. The home was large enough to accommodate our group of 11 very comfortably. It was well stocked and the owners/property manager were very attentive.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

randy p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family getaway

Great stay , nice home,, the only thing would have improved the stay , would have been to have easier access to the river below the house,, steps , rails , something to get ya to the bottom
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Courtney S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Right on the River

The House ia very spacious and just a short hike to the river. Very secluded and wildlife everywhere including snakes and a Bald Eagle!! View is great! The manager Debbie is very helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Ken Lightcap

Host profile image
I love coming and literally smelling the roses of our Bending Waters Estate. I live very busy and demanding live that I truly love. For me, there is nothing like coming here because this is a beautiful serene place where the stresses of life just seem to float away down the river. The majestic views from our beautiful home inspire my creativity and romance while rejuvenating my souls. Living on the land and enjoying the scenic clear waters is refreshing and exhilarating, while providing lots of fun and adventure for me and my entire family. As I leave this safe harbor, I am always strengthened and rejuvenated to face the stormy sea of life once again!

Why they chose this property

I discovered this sublime secluded piece of property that inspired me to personally design, build and furnish my dream home to complement the beauty of God's majestic handiwork in this place of serenity. This elegant home I call, Bending Waters, is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, surrounded with dogwood forests, hilly terrain and beautiful foliage from spring through fall with the scenic crystal clear waters of the Illinois River boarding the back of the wooded acreage.

What makes this property unique

Bending Waters is a private retreat of vegetation and wildlife where you can enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature. This is a place of refreshing tranquility and peace! We like taking our kayaks to the water's edge of our back acreage for a brisk ride down the river to Lake Tenkiller, just 1/2 mile away. The lake provides lots of fun, adventure and excitement for the whole family! I know you will enjoy your stay as you soak in as much of the relaxation and fun that you have time for while remembering there is more to offer that can be experienced in your next trip to our amazing home, Bending Waters!

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