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Oklahoma
60

Oklahoma State Parks

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USA Parks
Oklahoma
Southeast Region
Lake Murray
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Lake Murray Lake Murray Oklahoma © Paul Brian Photography.com
View from the rock tower of Lake Murray.
Lake Murray © Stephanie Christy
Lake Murray © Stephanie Christy
Lake Murray Small mud hole © Dan Valko
Riding in one of the many trails at the OHV park.
Lake Murray First day hike 2023 © Charlotte Noble
First day hike 2023 lake Murray Nature center
Lake Murray First day hike 2023 © Charlotte Noble
First day hike lake Murray Nature center 2023
Lake Murray First day hike 2023 © Charlotte Noble
First day hike 2023 lake Murray Nature center
Lake Murray First day hike 2023 © Charlotte Noble
First day hike 2023 lake Murray Nature center
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LAKE MURRAY
LAKE MURRAY
13528 Scenic State Highway 77
Ardmore, Oklahoma   73401
(lat:34.0533 lon:-97.0633) map location

Phone: 580 223 4044
Reservations: 800 257 0322
Email: park email button icon
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.
History of the Area
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 Course
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
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
Shiloh Morning Inn - Ardmore, OK
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*
Swimming
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
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.
Fishing
Largemouth Bass ? Smallmouth Bass ? Crappie ? Sunfish ? White Bass ? Channel Catfish ? Walleye


Location
Lake Murray is located near Ardmore

Picnicking
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.


Trails
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.
Bicycling
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.
Birding
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.
Area Attractions
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

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
December 5 by Mary_A
park review stars; one to five
June 14 by BILLIE_S_T
park review stars; one to five
April 12 Most beautiful lake in Oklahoma by Reland_M
park review stars; one to five I was camping all over coming to Lake Murray last but wished I had stayed. So, years later got invited to go there for the weekend and was awed by the beauty of the clear water It was so clear blue The cabin was was wonderful since it was very hot that summer and we didnt have to worry about insects or the heat of the night spoiling our visit. This was in 1985 or 1986. I was born raised in Oklahoma City and most close area lakes are red or dirty. So lake Murray its blue clear water was a huge surprise I have not been able to get back but keep trying. I know many updates have happened over time so I definitely want to get back ASAP
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Area Campgrounds
Hidden Lake RV Inc.
4661 Hedges Road
Ardmore, OK
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Lake Murray State Park
204 Scenic State Hwy 77
Ardmore, OK 73401

I-35 Exit 24, then 2 miles E.

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Oklahoma
60

Oklahoma State Parks

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