Marina Del Rey Resort Grand Lake O' the Cherokees is located on the outskirts of Afton, Oklahoma, and found on the edge of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. The business offers five cabins, one cottage, and twenty-five RV sites, the latter of which are found in a separate location. Some of the amenities that every RV site is equipped with include water hookups, electrical hookups, access to a dump station, a fire pit, and a picnic table. It should also be noted that several boat slips are available for people to rent. Boat slips come free with a cabin reservation, however, an additional cost for a boat slip is required with the reservation of an RV site.
Marina Del Rey Resort offers a total of 31 units and is currently constructing additional RV spaces to accommodate more guests. Visitors are given the option of reserving one of the property’s twenty-five RV spaces, five cabins, or the cottage. The cabins and cottage each have two king-sized beds and a bunk room with two twin bunk beds, making them all capable of sleeping up to six people per night. They also come with a full kitchen, a private bathroom, a fire pit, a grill, and access to a boat slip. Those staying at an RV space may reserve a boat slip as well, though it does not come with the reservation. The RV sites come with a picnic table, a fire pit, and hookups for water and electricity. Each space has an electrical hookup that can generate 20, 30, and 50 AMPs of power. While there is no hookup for sewage lines at the RV spaces, the resort does have a dump station that patrons can use. About half of the RV slots are pull-through, and the other half are back-in only.
The business has two offices, one located at the RV park and the other located in the town, which is called The Marina Del Rey Resort Information Rental Office. There are also a variety of amenities that are available to patrons, including a laundry room with a washer and dryer. An outdoor pavilion with an outdoor kitchen can be rented for group outings or events. Moreover, a few amenities that are currently under construction are being added with the intent to provide guests with more on-site activities and facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ play area, and a bathhouse. Regarding the outdoor recreation that people can engage in without having to leave the grounds, fishing, boating, walking, jet skiing, and bike riding are some of the most popular activities that people often undertake. There are three boat slips available for rent, and the business owns a boat slip that visitors can use free of charge to get their boats in the water. The property is also characterized by many trees, and the owners mention that they frequently see wildlife on the grounds, including deer, foxes, and ducks.
Beyond the boundaries of Marina Del Rey Resort, Grand Lake O' the Cherokees can provide guests the chance to swim and use boats, jet skis, and other water vehicles. Fishing tends to be a popular pastime for patrons, and there is a variety of fish that people can catch from the lake, including bass and bluegill. Off-roading and driving ATVs are other activities that visitors can participate in, as there are many different trails in the vicinity. There are several holidays that occur throughout the year, and the town may host a variety of activities and celebrations. During the Fourth of July, the city celebrates by lighting fireworks, and during Welcome Back Weekend at the beginning of summer, they hold several events for people to enjoy that involve driving off-road vehicles around the lake and welcoming people back to the area for summer activities. The owners also enjoy telling visitors about some of the local eateries in the area. A few restaurants that they mention by name include Lighthouse Restaurant, The Cove Club, and Artichoke Restaurant & Bar.
The owners of Marina Del Rey Resort, KD and Tammy, would like their patrons to feel comfortable when staying at the establishment. KD remarks, "We want to offer a first-rate experience, peace, and comfort." In an effort to provide this desired environment, KD explains that the business is found in a "scenic area," and the surrounding nature is one thing that can help guests find peace. He mentions that he and the other workers tend to interact with patrons regularly, though they try not to be intrusive. KD comments, "They're here to relax, not to visit us, so I'll usually say 'hi' and offer my help, but I try not to take up much more time than that unless they want to talk."
Marina Del Rey Resort has several policies that visitors must abide by while they are staying at the business. Quiet time begins at 10:30 p.m. each night, and guests are asked to keep the noise to a minimum until the morning. Smoking is prohibited inside the cabins and cottages, but patrons staying in an RV space are allowed to smoke at their unit if they would like. Likewise, pets are not permitted inside the cottage or the cabins, but guests occupying an RV site are able to bring their pets as long as they remain on leashes when they are outside, and the pet owners clean up after them. The business also sometimes hosts events, including car shows, fundraisers, cookouts, and weddings.
Many people have visited the Marina Del Rey Resort, and several have left reviews of their experiences. Aspects of the property that are often mentioned in these reviews include the grounds, the wildlife, and the customer service. One patron noted, "We saw several deer, foxes, and fish we caught in the cove, just steps away from the cabins. Great setup for a family get-together or even a work outing. The owner came by to check on us and was available but not intrusive." The business is open year-round, and the busiest season of operation is generally during the summer due to the warmer weather and the lake. The typical demographic of guests tend to be families, many of which are usually visiting relatives in the area.
The current owners of Marina Del Rey Resort, whose names are KD and Tammy Hill, purchased the business in December 2020, but the cabins have been available for reservations for about 47 years. The company used to be called Port Carlos, which had two properties, the west side, and the east side. KD and Tammy purchased the east side and rebranded it to Marina Del Rey Resort. KD mentions that the establishment only had cabins, so he and his wife are responsible for building the RV spaces.
Regarding why they decided to purchase the business, KD explains that he has previous experience in hotel management and architecture. Throughout their life, his family has spent much of their time traveling to lakes and spending time boating, camping, and doing other outdoor activities. After moving to the area in June 2020, KD found the property for sale and decided to purchase it. KD mentions that one of his favorite aspects of running Marina Del Rey Resort is seeing "people enjoy the space and the joy that comes from that." The owners also hired Tobi, who is a marketing manager for the company. She explains that she has spent a significant amount of time at the cabins on the lake and has known KD and Tammy for some time. She remarks, "It's been an adventure, and I love it."
35043 S 4505 Rd
Afton, Oklahoma 74349
United States
Campground
KD and Tammy Hill
