LAKE MURRAY
Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Murray. Fishing, boating and all water sports are found at Lake Murray. Lake Murray Lodge offers guest rooms and suites, cabins, meeting space, The Apple Bin restaurant, and the Parlor. Other activities include golfing, picnics, camping, horseback riding, hayrides, hiking, biking, rollerblading, swimming, miniature golf and paddle boating. Sports facilities include an 18-hole golf course with a pro shop, tennis courts, softball fields, baseball diamond, horseshoe pits, badminton and volleyball nets. Wonderful ATV area for 3/4 wheelers, motorcycles and dirt bikes. Other facilities found in the park include an airstrip, bait and tackle shop, marina with rentals, swimming pool with a changing house, swimming beach, riding stable, remote control air field for hobbyists, miniature golf course and Frisbee golf. The Tucker Tower Nature Center features local artifacts, nature programs and activities conducted by the state park naturalist. Nine RV campgrounds with over 300 RV sites and unlimited tent sites throughout the park with full hookups, restrooms and showers. Cabin Rental & Lodge Rooms Toll Free (800) 257-0322 or Direct Line (580) 223-6600, Pro Shop (580) 223-6613, Tucker Tower Nature Center (580)223-2109, Park Office (580) 223-4044, Park Office Fax Number (580) 223-4052.
Established in 1937, this body of water is located south of Ardmore. It was named after William H. Murray, Oklahoma's ninth governor.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the lake during the Great Depression as part of a nationwide public works program.
It covers approximately 5,700 acres and has been popular for recreational activities such as fishing and boating since its inception.
In addition to outdoor pursuits, it also houses an iconic structure: Tucker Tower Nature Center which provides educational exhibits about local ecology.
Over time additional amenities were added including cabins for rent and camping sites to accommodate visitors' overnight stays.
Today it continues serving locals & tourists alike with various leisure opportunities while preserving natural beauty within its boundaries.
Golf: 18-hole course (72 par) open daily, 7 am - 8 pm (summer), 8 am - 5 pm (winter). Also: Putting Green , Driving Range , Pro Shop (on-site pro) , Rental Clubs , Golf Carts , Pull Carts , Snack Bar
BBs / Inns
Welcome to one of Oklahoma's premier Bed Breakfasts, Shiloh Morning Inn, a romantic, secluded getaway. Located conveniently halfway between Dallas and Oklahoma City just minutes off I-35. This country inn is an oasis for just the two of you to leave cares behind as you enjoy the rural Oklahoma countryside, soak in a private hot tub, stroll on the resort's 73 acres of peace and quiet, and enjoy life as it was meant to be.
12 miles from park*
1. Lake Murray offers various swimming options with designated swim beaches.
2. The lake has clear, clean water ideal for a refreshing dip.
3. Lifeguards are not always present; swimmers should exercise caution.
4. Swimming is allowed in most areas except near boat ramps and marinas.
5. There's an option to rent floating devices from nearby shops around the lake area.
Boating options in this Oklahoma location include a variety of activities. Visitors can rent different types of boats such as paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes for leisurely exploration or fishing trips on the water. For those who own their personal vessels, there are multiple boat ramps available around the lake to launch from. Additionally, marinas offer services like fueling stations and docking facilities while also providing boating supplies and accessories if needed.
Largemouth Bass ? Smallmouth Bass ? Crappie ? Sunfish ? White Bass ? Channel Catfish ? Walleye
Lake Murray is located near Ardmore
1. Lake Murray offers numerous picnic spots with scenic lake views.
2. Picnic areas are equipped with tables and grills for barbecuing.
3. Some sites have covered pavilions, perfect for large gatherings or parties.
4. Enjoy a lakeside meal at the floating cafe after picnicking activities.
5. Many picnic locations offer easy access to swimming beaches and playgrounds nearby.
1. Lake Murray Nature Trail: A 0.9-mile trail that offers a variety of wildlife sightings, suitable for all skill levels.
2. Buckhorn Hiking Trail: This is an easy to moderate level hiking path stretching about 3 miles around the lake's southern end with scenic views and picnic areas along the way.
3. Anadarche Spillway Loop North Shore Mountain Bike Trails: Covering approximately 4 miles, this loop provides both biking and walking opportunities through wooded terrain near Lake Murray Lodge.
4. Elephant Rock Nature Park trails: These are several short but steep paths totaling up to one mile in length leading hikers past unique rock formations on their way towards beautiful vistas overlooking Tucker Tower and beyond into Oklahoma's Arbuckle Mountains region.
5. Tippa Canoe Point Walking Path: It is a small quarter-mile long paved pathway ideal for families or those looking for less strenuous activity; it ends at Tippa Canoe point which has great fishing spots.
6. Badger Lighthouse Walkway: Just under half-a-mile walk from Badger Campground leads you straight to iconic lighthouse offering panoramic view of entire lake area.
7. Pecan Grove Picnic Area Paths: Several interconnected pathways spread across Pecan grove providing leisurely walks amidst lush greenery, each not more than few hundred yards.
8. Rock Tower nature trail: Approximately two-miles round trip hike starting from park office ending at historic CCC built tower atop rocky hill giving sweeping views over surrounding landscape.
9. Buzzard Roost Camping Grounds Trails: Multiple shorter routes crisscrossing camping grounds perfect if staying overnight; also connects directly with longer Buzzards roost backcountry trekking route spanning nearly five miles.
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's 12-mile trail, suitable for all skill levels. Be mindful of uneven terrain.
The paved roads around the area are perfect for road biking but watch out for traffic.
Mountain bikers should be cautious on Anadarche Trail due to its rocky and steep sections.
For a leisurely ride, opt for Duke's Forest which offers flat paths with less challenging terrains.
Remember: safety first! Always wear helmets and follow posted signs when exploring trails or routes in this location.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 270 species of birds, including the rare wintering bald eagles. The park offers bird watching tours and has a dedicated nature center for enthusiasts. Various trails provide different habitats to explore such as forests, grasslands and wetlands.
Features/Facilities: Canoe Rental , Coffee Maker , Credit Cards Accepted , Fishing Boat Rental , Handicap Accessible , Horse Rental , Jet Ski/Waverunner Rental , Lake/River View , Outdoor Swimming Pool , Pontoon Rental , Restaurant on Site , Sailboat Rental , Satellite/Cable TV , Senior Discount , Ski Boat Rental , Suites , 5,728 Lake Acres , 12,496 Park Acres , Resort Inn (50 guest rooms & suites) , 7 Meeting Rooms (capacity of 400) , Apple Bin Restaurant , The Parlor (food, drinks & country music) , 8 Camping Areas, 450 Campsites , Assigned Campground , 3 Group Camps (capacities of 190, 180 & 160) , Nature Center , Naturalist , Nature & Hiking Trail , Motorcycle Trail , 3-Mile Shoreline Hike , Swimming Beach & Pool , Boating , Water Skiing , Horseback Riding & Equestrian Trail , Miniature Golf , Game Room , Marina (boat & personal watercraft rentals) , Grocery , Airstrip , Scuba Diving , Recreation Specialist , Ranger Programs , 56 cottages (some w/kitchenettes)
Nearby: Arbuckle Wilderness , Turner Falls , Fort Washita , Chickasaw NRA
Lake Murray State Park
204 Scenic State Hwy 77
Ardmore, OK 73401
I-35 Exit 24, then 2 miles E.