Cherokee Nation celebrates opening of Sallisaw Creek Park

The Cherokee Nation opened the 100-acre Sallisaw Creek Park on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, a site protected under the tribe's 2021 parks law. The park includes RV campgrounds, luxury cabins, a four-lane boat ramp and recreational facilities, and it is open seven days a week.

The Cherokee Nation held an opening ceremony for Sallisaw Creek Park on Wednesday. The 100-acre park is located on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir and is covered by the Cherokee Nation Park, Wildlands, Fishing and Hunting Preserve Act of 2021, authored by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Major investments in the site began under former Principal Chief Bill John Baker and were continued under Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. The park is presented as a place that combines conservation, cultural connection and outdoor recreation. Key details: - Size and location: The park covers 100 acres on the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir. - Overnight facilities: Two RV campgrounds with a total of 74 sites and five luxury cabins, including two- and three-bedroom cabins and one six-bedroom cabin for groups up to 16. - Recreation and amenities: A new four-lane boat ramp, a 35-acre catch-and-release fishing pond, archery hunting areas, horseback riding trails, a welcome center, restrooms and laundry facilities. - Infrastructure and operations: Development included more than 40 miles of underground infrastructure and an onsite water treatment plant; support staff and security are onsite and the park is open seven days a week. - Governance: The park is protected under the tribe's 2021 parks law and further development and management were delegated to CNB. Summary: The opening establishes a managed outdoor space combining conservation and recreation under Cherokee Nation oversight, with facilities for camping, cabins, boating and other activities. Management and further development have been placed under CNB, and future plans beyond current operations are undetermined at this time.