Marval Resort

This place is outstanding. Just about everything you can imagine for the kids. We got a spot backing right up to the river and the kids spent the weekend fishing, swimming, playing putt-​putt, making arts & crafts, playing in the video arcade, playing basketball, riding their bikes, scavenging for firewood, etc. The staff was pretty amazing too.
Every few weeks since this trip, the boys ask when we’re going back. It’s definitely on their list of favorites now.

We have enjoyed vacations at MarVal for many years, and it seems to get better every time. The front office is ALWAYS helpful, kind, and courteous. They do not hesitate to come to your campsite or cabin if there is a concern. The activities are fun for the entire family. The only thing I wish was better is the wifi connectivity. It has improved over the years, but is still kinda hit and miss. Overall, I highly recommend MarVal when you need to get away and have a relaxing experience!

Nothing about this place I don’t like. Reminds me of Dirty Dancing. I’ll bet this place rocks in summer

Delightful, rustic get-​away for families and couples alike! For lodging, MarVal offers cabins and RV parking — We stayed in one of the «one room deluxe cabins» (see pics) — Very pleasantly surprised! Small for sure, but definitely fit the basic needs, plus some! Cabin had a tiny (but functional) kitchen (impressively equipped with stove, microwave, mini-​fridge, coffee maker, and toaster), a queen size bed, futon to act as a couch or as an extra bed, a fold-​out dining table, TV (with cable), gas fireplace and a fully enclosed back porch (and of course a bathroom (with shower)). The campground even provides free wi-​fi (a bit spotty at times, but super nice to have). The cabin we stayed in was right on the Illinois river, so «going fishing» was literally just stepping outside. Such a beautiful place! MarVal definitely caters to families — lots of family activities, including bike rentals (the ones the kiddos were all riding looked like something similar to a green machine), what looked like a basketball fun zone, and even an arcade. Our agenda was pretty simple: catch trout. Sadly, it seems the trout had a different agenda… With that said, even after 2 full days of catching nothing but one perch, I 100% still enjoyed myself. There’s something awe inspiring about witnessing the sun burn off the river fog at sunrise. And I have to give additional props to MarVal for their general store — With the semi-​isolation, I was expecting wallet-​gouging prices, but found them to be extremely reasonable. The only con was that the cabins aren’t particularly sound-​insulated, so folks staying up to chat around their fire pit can definitely affect your ability to fall asleep. With that said, this is a sure-​win for those looking to get away for a fishing trip and/​or for a family reunion — Definitely recommend!

This is a great campground for families located on the lower Illinois River just a couple miles south of Lake Tenkiller Dam. They offer rv, tent sites and cabins. There is a swimming pool and horseback riding and the river is close for any fishermen. We stayed over the 4^th a couple years back. There was a red white and blue parade-​all the kids decorated up their bikes and golf carts, etc. for the parade around the campground. There was many kid activities, we all made tie-​dye t-​shirts one day for instance. The horseback riding was fun through the woods. The horses follow the same path head to tail but if you have never done it, its an easy time and the kids will like it