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Entire home

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

Riverfront vacation home with kitchen and balcony

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

Exterior
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Interior
Interior
Nestled among five private wooded acres, Bending Waters is a serene escape where nature and contemporary elegance blend. Unwind by the wood-burning fireplaces, indulge in gourmet meals with river views or enjoy direct access to the Illinois River for endless adventures.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 133800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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!

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 3 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,800 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
3 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

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

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
Park Hill, OK

What's nearby

  • Cherokee Heritage Center - 12 min drive - 6.3 miles
  • Cherokee Casino Tahlequah - 15 min drive - 7.9 miles
  • Cherokee National Capitol - 20 min drive - 10.4 miles
  • Northeastern State University - 21 min drive - 11.7 miles
  • Tsa La Gi Ancient Village - Cherokee Heritage Center - 21 min drive - 10.4 miles

Getting around

  • Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

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

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).

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Reviews

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

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 129 out of 152 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 152 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 152 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 152 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 152 reviews

Reviews

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Justin R., Tomball, TX

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

Awesome

Great!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great Family Trip

We really enjoyed our stay here. It is a beautiful property - very quiet and comfortable. The owner and property manager were very responsive and helpful with any questions we had. A windstorm came through the first night, and the owner called the next morning to ensure everything was ok. There is a very nice area with easy access to the river just few minutes down the road for those that don't want to go down the steps at the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eileen K.

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

Amazing House w Amazing Views

Our host, Ken, was incredible. Very communicative and helpful. The house is beautiful and well stocked, The walk to the river from the house was difficult with all the leaves covering the steps so w drove to the river, less than 5 minutes. Packed a lunch and the dog. We have a wonderful time. We will come back again
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Carla B.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location

Access to river

The house was nice but getting down to the river with small children was not easy at all. You are basically walking down a cliff. The water is very nice once you get to it. The kayaks were great and the accessibility of the boat ramp was convienent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara K., Winter Park

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

Respite at Lake Tenkiller

My sister, niece, and I stayed here for 4 nights. We had the best time. The set up of the home was perfect for our needs and had all the necessary amenities. I loved the setting of the house in the woods. It was beautiful and peaceful. We tried tubing one day on the Illinois River but the water was so low that it was not great tubing. One day we went to the Cherokee State Park and swam with tubes off the rocky beach. It was so much fun! Lunch at Nancy's Homemade Pies and Cafe provided us with delicious homemade pies for lunch. Ken was a super good host. The property manager was great, too, keeping up with our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Seana D.

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

Beautiful country house!

Beautiful views from the house and the winding drive in! Great house with lots of space for our family to spread out! Well laid out kitchen with a nice cooktop and double ovens as well as a warming drawer. (And as with all rentals, if you are picky about your tools, bring them! There is decent stainless cookware and sufficient baking pans.) As mentioned before, the access to the river is a bit adventurous but a short climb down to the river. Tahlequah is a cute town nearby with a good grocery store as well as Walmart. Cute coffee shops and yummy food are available as well. Local merchants are welcoming and friendly - be sure to check out downtown! Hope to come back - we enjoyed our December trip so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Adelle B.

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

Wonderful place for a family vacation

Bending Waters was an immaculate home to stay in for our family vacation. The lower level was perfect for our adult children and their significant others. The main floor made me feel at home. With 6 adults and one child, I never felt cramped, and I didn't have to wait in line to use the bathroom. The little one wanted to spend all the time down at the river, and though the hike was a little tricky, we were able to get down & back up again pretty well. The location feels very secluded, & that is what we were looking for. We were able to tow our boat & jet ski onto the property using a little caution on the one switchback like turn. A boat larger than 20ft, may be more difficult if you're not experienced. There's a gas station & Dollar General right down the road, and Lake Tenkiller was a relatively quick drive away. I don't have anything negative to say about this property, managers, or communication. The managers were very proactive with letting us know they were available if we had any questions or problems.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Aaron C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property with lovely river views. There are a lot of very nice upgrades and amenities at the house- for instance primary shower. Woodwork in house is lovely and kitchen is well-stocked. It appeared to be one of the only houses with access to the river. We enjoyed playing in the river there. The path is a little treacherous, but my 4-year old and my parents in their 60s all made it down and up safely. Check out processes were minimal, which was appreciated. There are some missed opportunities to make it a really excellent stay. But they didn’t keep us from enjoying the weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey C.

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

Nice Spot Near Tahlequah

Nice property. Lots of space and beds. Close to the access for the river (2 minute drive/15 minute walk). Communicative host. And great location. I think the only thing I'd say I wish was out of their control. The river was pretty low. Where you walk down to get to the river from the property was really just stagnant water followed by super high weeds/grass area so you couldn't really get to water whereas I thought I'd be able to sit and fish or something. I'm sure it's better when the river is higher but that was the only thing that bummed me out. It was still sweet because we just hopped over to the access area which has a ton of space to park and fish. Again, out of their control and still an extremely great place and I wouldn't drop any stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

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

Birthday Paradise

The stay at Bending Waters for a birthday celebration was wonderful. The views were amazing. Sitting on the back deck and seeing the river and watching the birds was a treat. The kitchen was a dream-literally everything was provided to prepare meals. The additional fridge in the garage was a blessing! The open spaces made it very comfortable for ten people. The drive to the lake was very easy and convenient. All we needed was another day or two...or more. It's a trip we will all with hold dear to our hearts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023