Entire home

Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!

4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 13

Popular amenities

Garage parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Barbecue

Explore the area

Park Hill, OK

Place, Tenkiller Ferry Lake
‪2 min drive‬
Place, John Ross Museum
‪7 min drive‬
Place, George M. Murrell Home
‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Living Room 1

1 Single Bunk Bed

Lower Level Guest Room

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Lower Level Guest Room

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Main Floor Guest Room

2 Single Beds

Primary Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

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

Number of living rooms

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!

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!

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Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)

Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee

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

Property # 468139vb

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 that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Tahlequah

Located in Tahlequah, this holiday 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. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.

View more Holiday homes in Tahlequah

Park Hill, OK

What's nearby

Tenkiller Ferry Lake - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
John Ross Museum - 7 min drive - 8.7 km
George M. Murrell Home - 9 min drive - 10.2 km
Cherokee Heritage Center - 10 min drive - 11.2 km
Cherokee Casino Tahlequah - 14 min drive - 15.2 km

Getting around

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! 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 - Summer Getaway!?

As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! on 19 June 2026 start from AU$1,080, 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 at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

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

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! located?

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

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

22 Apr 2026

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

We were very happy with the home. It was clean and secluded. My family enjoyed the view and access to the beautiful clear water behind the home! Thank you!

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

Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2023

Erin so happy that you enjoyed your stay. I have traveled the world and have never found a more peaceful spot than that deck at Bending Waters. My family and friends love the safe harbor that they find there and glad now I can add you and your family to that list too!

Verified

6/10 Okay

Nolan B.

13 June 2023

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.

3 Sept 2023

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

randy p.

14 Aug 2020

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

Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2023

Sorry you had such a hard time accessing the river below but the page on the counter marked important information shows the path to the water with the steps to get to the river.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim Q.

26 July 2023

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

About the host

Hosted by Ken Lightcap

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!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!

Photo gallery for Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Living Room 1

Lower Level Guest Room

Lower Level Guest Room

Main Floor Guest Room

Primary Bedroom

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

About this property

Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

Similar properties

Near everything Tahlequah and Northeastern State University - NSU have to offer

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Tahlequah

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

9.8/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Mary S.

10/10 Excellent

Dian F.

Dian F.

10/10 Excellent

Dane H.

Dane H.

10/10 Excellent

Valarie M.

Valarie M.

10/10 Excellent

William M.

William M.

10/10 Excellent

Katheryn J.

Katheryn J.

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Michael T.

10/10 Excellent

Syndee S.

Syndee S.

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

Bird watching paradise

Kevin C.

10/10 Excellent

Natalie C.

Graduation Stay

Natalie C.

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

Beautiful retreat

Laura K.