We love this state park. Very quiet and peaceful with nice hiking trails. We fell in love with the pig and goat at the "petting zoo". However, we were VERY disappointed in two things: 1) The cabins are old and unkept. We had a hole in the wall near the front door and daylight showing under the front door. The entire cabin was filled with ants. They were on the floor, walls, and ceiling. Every hour I was running around squashing ants. We had to hang everything on hooks/hangers or leave it in the car. Water leaked from underneath the tile in front of the shower. The staff said the State has the money to renovate, but they keep delaying it. So sad to lose customers because they won't spend the money to update it. 2) The pet fee is $40 per day per pet. We had 2 dogs totaling 22 pounds. There was NO extra work on behalf of the staff after we left. Most place charge a deposit that is refundable if there is no damage. They should review their pet policy and consider reducing or eliminating the fee and instead having a refundable deposit. With $80/night for the dogs and $110+ for the cabin, we could have stayed in a nice VRBO home with a fenced backyard and without bugs. read more

Lake Murray State Park - inside daylight shows through gap under front door - Parks Near Me - Ardmore, Oklahoma

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This is the place to get away from it all and not worry about the danged old pandemic. We reserved a cabin at Lake Murray State Park and enjoyed a few days of extended social distancing in the countryside of Oklahoma where they don't seem to care about wearing masks at all. Apparently, the powers that be have figured out that they can make more money off day users by charging $10 / day for a parking permit. Our pass was included with our cabin. Our cabin had many creature comforts. Air conditioning, cold but too loud to sleep with (cycling on and off every few minutes), cable tv, full size fridge, cooktop and microwave. Choice of 1 big bed or 2 little ones. Nice bathroom, too. Towels and bedding are provided and daily cleaning is offered, but we declined and lived in our own squalor, lol. Due to the corona bug, the pots, plates, utensils, etc. were no longer provided. Not sure why these things couldn't have been left with a suggestion that we wash them before using them. Fortunately, we have a camp box with those items, ready to travel. Outside, we had a picnic table, a bbq grill and a fire ring. The grill was about what you expect at a public p k-9ark, with wide gaps and it was really nasty, so I grilled our burgers on a sheet of aluminum foil. Yum! We also brought firewood with us, but there are places nearby where you can buy some. I also brought a smudge pot with citronella scented oil in case the mosquitoes were a problem, but there were only a few of those pests. There are plenty of places to explore in the park and the beautiful lake to enjoy. Break out of your seclusion and reep the benefits of this safe spot to recharge your batteries. read more

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My family decided to take a drive to Oklahoma for our Saturday fun. We were recommended to come to Lake Murray and stop by the Nature Center. So glad we did, it was a really cool place! Inside, there are a few reptiles and information about the area, restrooms, a donation box, and information desk. The lady at the desk asked if we knew how to get to Tucker Tower which we didn't even know was back there! If you take the side door or even the entrance door, follow the path to the side up to the Tower. You will not be sorry you did, despite the short uphill climb it's so worth it! We were awestruck at the beauty of the water and being able to look across the Lake to see everything happening. Also, if you walk inside the Tower you will be able to read more information concerning the original intent of the Tower. Once we finished at the Nature Center, we drove to the beach area and swam for an hour. It has a marina and camping grounds as well. Really cool spot to hang! read more

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The cabin I stayed in was infested and I mean infested - the carpenter ants were horrific. They asked me if I wanted to change and I said send out someone to kill the bugs I am already unpacked - That was a mistake. They came out sprayed and said all the bugs would just die when they hit the poison. Not so - there were thousands the next day - in the kitchen - dropping from the ceiling and windows, absolutely disgusting - indeed they were dying but only after thet came in the cabin. The real issue is that they were fully aware of the problem and they continue to charge unsupecting people $120.00 a night. On top of that they charged me $40.00 a night for a 10lb dog, whom wears a diaper. Needless to say I will not be returning, ever!!!! read more

Overall, a great place to spend the day as a family. Plenty of parking (convenient payment by text), ample shade for picnic tables and blankets, clean sandy beaches. We stayed at the Sunset Beach Park. There are many concrete tables lining the beach line. The sand is perfect to anchor umbrellas and tents. The only down side is that the only public restroom is a "snail shell" corrugated metal structure with no door and an open toilet. So if you have to do your business or change, you have to have someone stand watch or drive 5 minutes to a nearby campground that has decent bathrooms. read more

Lake Murray State Park is Oklahoma's first & largest state park, it's also the most beautiful, the only one with a castle, Tucker Tower. Named after Oklahoma Governor William "Alfalfa Bill" Murray, Tucker Tower was build for him as a summer residence which he never occupied. In 1997 LMSP became the first Oklahoma state park to be listed on the National Register of Historic places. Built in the 1930's as a WPA project, it is 12,500 acres of diverse terrine that has a beautiful man made 5,700 acre lake with Tucker Tower, now a museum, towering high above its crystal clear waters on its southern shore. The Park includes a 50 room lodge, 56 rustic cabins, brand new modern floating cabins, many group camp areas, different campsites to RV & tent camp, several different day use areas & beaches. For over 12 years its been my destination for outdoor FUN! Water sports, hiking, biking, camping, & ATV trails as hubby & I are boatin buccaneers, off roadin, outdoor jack tar enthusiasts! YeeHaw! Arrrr! For all the visitors that keep getting lost out in BFE round the lake every summer & going to all the wrong campsites that doesn't suit their family's needs, I hope this info will be helpful in choosing the perfect place to camp so that you will have the most pleasurable camping experience at LMSP like we do ;) At the Lodge, you will find the pool, the small craft rentals, mini golf, the riding stables, tennis courts, etc., the golf course across the street. Easy walking to everything. The most popular beach area is just south of the lodge at the marina. The scuba shop & marina office is also located there as well as a boat ramp with the safest parking for your truck & trailer ;) Keep going south you will pass a small tent camping site called "ski jump" that is a really cool laid back tent camping area that has up close, amazing views of Tucker Tower. No showers or toilets, only a outhouse. For the naturalist. Just south is Tucker Tower & the museum. Continuing south, you will pass over a overflow area. Right there, if you can find it, there is a unmarked dirt road to your left where you can off road on the beach or just fish & camp alone, one with nature :)) Continuing on around the southern end of the lake is the off limits water tower, stay clear of that thing or you will find yourself in the Ardmore free hotel, aka the poky ;) There, you will be high above the lake on a large rocky cliff & a steep drop off with breathtaking views. These are the most popular places to pull off the road, swim off the cliffs & camp el natural. Keep going and you end up on the east side of the lake where you will find Marietta's landing. Further down, Martins Landing. Be aware these two campgrounds are rowdy, loud, party areas, if that is your thing, by all means live life large Pirate kin & rock on! Arrrr! This is also where the little country store with a deli & picnic supplies is located, just follow the signs. Continuing north of Martins landing is Sunset beach. A awesome day use area with yep, beautiful sunsets. Back at the Lodge, buckhorn is the best biking/hiking trail. If you go all the way to Tips Point & back that's about 5 miles. A great daily hike that's moderately challenging. On a windy devils dungeon degrees day it will kick your arse & leave you whimpering & whipped like a red headed step child. If your biking or feeling adventurous bypass Tips Point, stay north on that trail it goes all the way to Ardmore that's around 10 miles, 20 miles round trip. A full day of adventure or pain, depending on how good of shape your in & how hot it is ;) Get a copy of the trail map from the park office. I have gotten lost in there several times not paying attention as there are interloping trails! You can go in circles in there all day! lol I use my iphone compass & always have my swimsuit on just in case ;) North of the lodge you will come to Tips Point/Elephant Rock/Cedar cove. This is my favorite place to kick back. Day visitors have to pay $3 to enter this area therefore it gets less traffic. If you want peace, quiet & tranquility while camping with modern facilities this is the zen place for you ;) Elephant rock is a great place to swim, cedar cove is gorgeous & Tips point has stunning panoramic views of the lake & the coolest little stone party shelter to BBQ. There are 2 boat ramps here :)) Going further north on the west side of the lake you will pass some group camps, the RC aircraft field & pecan grove. A gorgeous place to hang in the fall as the sun shifts in the sky & sets in the west. Keep going past Pecan Grove & you will find yourself in downtown Ardmore. Enjoy the lake! Fun begins where land ends! And if you still find yourself lost do not call me! Im very busy pirating around rescuing landlubbers, sea dogs & city blokes that find themselves overboard, thrashing about in the Lake Murray shark infested waters! Just kidding. Remember, life is an adventure not a destination ;) read more

Lake Murray State Park - Oh yeah! It's my turn! YeeHaw! lol - Parks Near Me - Ardmore, Oklahoma

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Husband and I came here for a weekend away trip before work began again Monday. We camped at the Ski Jump campgrounds. This site didn't have showers or bathrooms, but other sites did. They were pretty clean too! Our campgrounds had an outhouse that was surprisingly clean and even had toilet paper! Ski Jump was fairly quiet and much less crowded than others! We got a nice secluded area tucked in the woods along the beach! I recommend! read more

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Bluest, clearest water of all the state lakes in Oklahoma. I grew up camping and swimming near Tucker Tower and Group Camp 3, and can't imagine any state lake that I like better than good old Lake Murray. (And yes, Republicans, you may swim here even though you wouldn't have this beautiful reservoir were it not for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his Works Progress Administration. Just sayin'.) read more

We arrived at Lake Murray on a Friday around 2, expecting all the campsites to be full because it was going to be a pretty weekend but there was only one other camper when we arrived. Lake Murray is first come first served so you just drive around and pick the one you want. We started to set up camp and a guy in a cart came around to welcome us and to let us pay right there (yes they take credit cards) but we had our hands full at the moment so he offered to come back later or we could come to the office and pay. He did chuckle a little when he saw our tent and wished us good luck. At the time I wasn't sure why he was so amused. We quickly learned that even if the weather shows 11-15 mph winds...out there on the bluff it is more like 20-30. We had a very large 12 person tent that that barely fit on the tent pad and it took all 5 of us to keep it from blowing away or being shredded while we struggled to get it staked down. It was a great workout and left all of us, who are seasoned campers, laughing at how we must have looked to anyone else observing us. Most of the tent sites are right next to the water which is great. The camp started to fill up around 6 with lots of families and very well behaved dogs. They have little outhouses (that I never saw anyone in) right next to modern bathrooms and showers. The bathrooms were cleaned every day which was very unexpected but nice. My only complaint is that there was a large family with at least a half dozen kids under 12 that were quieter than the parents. There is supposed to be a quiet time from 11 or 12 to the morning. Everyone else in the camp was quiet except for these adults who would talk very loudly, laugh, clap and carry on until 2 in the morning. We were 3 sites down from them and they kept us all awake. I could have walked down there and asked them to keep it down but instead I chose to stay in my tent and seethe and plot revenge. So I can't complain too much because I didn't even ask them to keep it down and they seemed like the kind of people who wold have been embarrassed if they knew how loud they really were. We also never found the trail head so instead we went over to visit Tucker's tower and then kayaked around the lake. Just beautiful! read more

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A beautiful calm. I miss the ocean so it was nice to see some water. I didn't drive around the lake, but I did hang out by the water. This place is frequented by peeps in Texas and is a great camping spot. First come first serve for spots obviously. Lots of families! Relatively clean bathrooms. Just keep in mind that you're at a public camping ground so... It's not like a 5 Diamond resort :P There is a little cove where scuba divers can gear up and go down for a mini adventure. People also can swim there as well! If you're an experienced diver, I was told that 45 minutes is all you need to see everything in the lake. read more

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Stayed in the Lodge which is newly renovated. Very nice and would stay on a regular basis if the nightly rate wasn't so high. That's the ONLY negative I have. The rooms are large and nice. It's very peaceful and quiet. The lake is beautiful. Diane in the restaurant was super nice and attentive. There are water sports, a pool with kiddie areas, nice gym, and again beautiful scenery. All rooms have a lake view with balcony. Just coming out of winter there is still some landscaping to catch up on and grounds maintenance but they didhave people working on things. We will go again but may try a cabin. read more

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It was my first (and last) visit to this filthy place. Cabin: It was "clean" however I had to call maintenance three times. - To clean the fire pit that had cigarette butts as well as broken bottles in it. - To clean the charcoal grill as it was LOADED with cigarette butts. - To change the sofa mattress because a rat had been living in there. Marina Beach: Disgusting, filthy beach. Broken glass everywhere, dirty swimming diapers around the benches and "thugs" hanging out, eyeing your wheels as well as possessions. When I brought all this to the attention of the employees, they could care less about it all. Stay away from this lake. I'm sure there are other cleaner and better lakes where employees care about their jobs. read more

I have been here twice now and have done different things each time. Before you get started with you adventures, check out the park office and pick up a map. If you are hiking in the area, there are two trail maps so be sure to get the one that has your trail! The people in the office are very nice and super helpful. The first time I came was during the off season as. Me and my husband camped at ski island. I highly recommend this area! It was so tranquil! We also took our mountain bikes on the trails...which were quite challenging on a bike. They are pretty rocky. The second time we went was in the summer...quite a different experience. The park was BUSY! We hiked the buckhorn trail, which was sparse as far as human sightings were concerned, which I quite enjoyed. The marina beach area however, was insanely packed! It was not the lake beach I had imagined nor seen in the pictures. There were so many people it was hard to find a spot to set our stuff. The signs in the area say no glass bottles, but of course these days people sadly just do whatever they want. The beach was littered with glass...so if you go be careful! Next time I will check out the less popular sunset beach area. read more

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Cabins were great for the purpose we had of a place to sleep while visiting the park. They are nice inside, clean, and have plenty of space between them. They are not luxury, if that is what you're looking for, look to the lodge or to the floating cabins or a VRBO. The fireplace was really pretty. The activities at the park were very enjoyable, we would highly recommend the horse trail ride. read more

When you are told that you have a fire ring at the cabins, that also should mean you have a grate!People also go to cook on the fire pit! Also, both front and back doors did not work, which means we spent alot of time when we had to knock on the door to get someones attention every single time that we needed to get inside or we had to walk around and try with the key for a while just to get inside! Windows in living room are filthy! read more

Started mountain biking here 5 years ago, and I love the trails. Lived in ATX for a while and I equally enjoy the trails here, ranging from easy to difficult. Lots of trails and connector trails. Beautiful shots of the water/scenery. Fun place to ride, especially just south of the North unloading dock. read more

Lake Murray State Park - Map of trails (posted at Pecan Grove). - Parks Near Me - Ardmore, Oklahoma

We saw a worker leaving our cabin and asked why. He said checking fridge and its okay, just has scratches. We complained to management, she said it did not happen and they have the right to enter the cabin without you being there. Our fridge was working fine. The floor was really dirty and would turn your white socks black if not wearing shoes. When checking out there was a $20 charge that needed to be removed. The park was really clean and people were nice when telling you that they do not care. read more

Kids are having a blast...wife is loving it...getting to use our bumper pull trailer!!! Great times...building memories!! This is a great park to camp at!! read more

Good accommodations. Good service a lot of attractions and things to do water sports might inure golf swimming a re as l fun place to visit

I've uploaded some photos that show a few places that I talk about below! Lake Murray is a gorgeous and clean lake. I went there to look around the forests and swim in the water. I did go to the resort's restaurant and their food was excellent. I also ate their snow cones, it was cheap but they give you a lot of ice and juice. I did not stay there, so regarding more on the camping and resorts you'd best read reviews over here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lake-murray-state-park-and-resort-ardmore Swimming: Anywhere you can get to, they do not charge except if you are doing an activity like kayaking. However if you want the best beach area there is Elephant Rock that costs $4 to get in, but it is well worth it. The free beach areas had a lot of people, but here there was barely anyone. Quiet and peaceful. And I love the actual Elephant Rock, it is a perfect little rock island not far from the shore that you can walk to. Clamber up and you can walk or sunbathe on it. It could fit a small party of people on there. You can also jump from it into the water, as it suddenly gets very deep along the other side of the rock. Basically along half of the rock is bottomless water, the other half you can safely touch the bottom, it's perfect. Also you can bring your dogs! Wildlife: Many birds among the trees and cute little minnows in the shallows that will swim around your feet if you keep still. Again in the $4 area there is another small island close to shore where storks, geese, and other water birds rest. You can walk to it in the water. A lot of poop there of course. There are also deer in the forest, 2 beautiful doe darted out in front of our car and back into the trees. I did not see deer crossing signs, so who knows how many deer get run over. Walking: There are forest trails around the camping areas, but I loved a particular area north of the lake called Pecan Grove. There you can walk across a small wooden bridge that goes over a creek with beautiful lily pads and lotus flowers. This leads into a lovely forest trail with flowers and mushrooms. I also saw an animal's underground den. Learning: There is a small nature center that does not charge for entry. They have some displays about the many local land and water wildlife. I learned there that they have some of the clearest lake water because their type of vegetation cleans it. They also said they have turtles in the lake. However it was lacking because there was one room not yet filled and with an experiment tank in progress, but hopefully they will work on this. And hey, it's free, you can just donate. Surrounding area: Rolling hills, fields, farms, overall a pleasant countryside. I saw they have a small airplane area, I think they do recreational aviation. May want to stop by Mom and Pop's road south of the lake and get some snacks from their little shop. Ardmore city is cute and old fashioned. read more

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I came here earlier this year in March with a big group of friends and stayed in a huge lodge for a couple of days. Prices are really affordable. Inside the lodge was a mini kitchen, several large rooms with plenty to beds and a lot of floor space if you bring your sleeping bags. Also there's a big living area with a fireplace, but we used the outside fireplace for all our drinking games. There's even a large porch area that screened off. There's so much to do at the park, but since we came during the spring we just went boating and fishing. I'd actually want to come during the summer so you can actually swim in the lake. There's a couple of huge floating platforms in the lake where you can lay down on and slide off of. read more

Screen in porch was torn in places. The floor was slanted a lot in the cabin. Internet said dogs were 10. per night, I was charged 15 per dogs per night. When I asked about it, I was told that new price was in my confirmation sent to my email. I never could open the confirmation. The lodge and pool room smelled like sewer. I will not be back. read more

Lake Murray cabins are really old and there is no good lake view from any of the cabins. The boat rental company sucks. It is privately owned with rude staff and horrible service. If you are renting boats or wave runners make sure you have insurance. There is a high chance that you could be charged for scratches. read more

Cabin 204 was much better than expected. The kitchen was well equipped with oven. fridge, microwave and coffee maker (bring your own coffee and filters). A good, but tricky, AC and a flat screen cable TV. Bathroom was very clean, new shower. Close to the new pool and water sports. We have two dogs @ $15.00/ day each. Very scenic and would definitely return. read more

Lake Murray is gorgeous and there is plenty to do here. We came here for Independence Day weekend and stayed in the Lodge. Our room was on the basement level with a view of some gravel and dumpsters, but the room was clean and spacious. We went kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and enjoyed many water sport acivities. The food at the lodge is not recommended but convenient. Ardmore offers plenty of other options. Overall the staff was friendly and the area was beautiful we will be staying in a two-person cabin next year. read more

Stayed at Elephant Rock, sites are first come first serve. Got a great spot on the lake. Not all sites have sewer, so check the site before you start setting up, our site had sewer hook up but it was at the back side of site. They do have a dump station at the camp ground. Very quiet and clean. Nice shower area and laundry area. Great walking trails. We have a 5th wheel and used a back in site, very roomy. We can't wait to go back.... read more

I called ahead of time to make sure I could pay in the morning. She said I could pick a spot and pay the next day. I arrived very late and it was dark. We finally found a spot to set up camp and there were roaches all over the ground. We were very tired and set up camp. Early the next morning the camp host came to tell me I was in an RV spot. ( I really couldn't see in the dark the night before) He was demanding I pay him immediately. I told him I only had a card. I told him I'd let the front know when I paid. He got angry and shouted, " I'm the one you let know". I told him I'd hurry up and leave. He just kept on and on. I literally burned the food I was trying to make. I was literally there about 7 hours. I paid my fees and left. I made sure to tell the lady to make sure the crazy man know I paid the RV fee. I will never go back again. The people are rude and they have roaches... read more

Clear water. Nice lake. Wish people wouldn't wreck the portable toilets or throw trash and bottles onto the ground and beach.

My daughter flew in from Chicago for Christmas and we went to Lake Murray State Park. We had a cabin with fireplace for 3 nights and a lodge room for 2 nights. Neither one was worth the money. Maybe it would have been more worth the money in Summertime. We went last year for Christmas and used a Groupon and that was before they built the new lodge. It was better then. The old lodge had a rustic cabin feel to it. The new lodge is too modern and construction is still going on. They have an area that has a juice dispenser but if you walk over to it it is empty. The lady at the front desk says they don't provide juice but on very special occasions. I suggested she put a cover on it so other people won't try to get some too. But it was still sitting there with no cover. They need to lower their prices. The fireplace in the cabin was causing smoke to back into the cabin more then going up the chimney, the lodge room with its own balcony was nice but too modern and not worth the price either. read more

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This concerns the new restaurant only at Lake Murray state Park and Lodge 10/2017. Spoke with the waitress and she told us the new lodge & restaurant had only been open since Feb 2017. We ordered the 10oz rib eye steak with baked potato and smoky sweet pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries. We ordered queso & salsa dip for starters:- watered down queso and store bought salsa??? The food arrives: The rib eye steak was not rib eye it was a sirloin steak (had black charring on the outside, with no baked potato) the pulled pork sandwich was disgusting and no sweet potato fries. When asked about dessert they told us they were out of ice cream and virtually all the desserts contained ice cream. This was the worst dining out experience we have EVER experienced. read more

We drove up to Lake Murray today for nice Sunday drive and to revisit some old memories. When our children were little and through school years we would spend summers at Lake MURRAY. We loved it . OUR CHILDREN LOVED IT , IT WAS OUR FAMILY PLACE. Today we were floored by the way it now looks . The lodge that was built in the 1930's is closed and in disrepair. Many of the cabins that were also built in the 1930's are gone. This was an historic place , that was built with blood ,sweat and bent backs of men of the Depression era. My husband and I walked our dogs around the grounds and revisited the old lodge, recreation room, and the patio were we danced to George Straight, and Allen Jackson on Saturday nights. All empty and in disrepair. We stood in silence on the patio looking around at the stacked stone stairs and out on the lake and remembered the fireworks on the 4th of July and sitting on the blankets with RUE Mc Clanihan . She was so self conscious that she put a paper bag with some eye holes cut over her head . We just stood and stared at the loss of all the great times. OUR drive home was pretty quiet . And my husband said to me that he just couldn't believe what they've done to the park. The old lodge that was built of rough wood and river rock and stone has been replaced with steel and glass. Not appealing to the eye. This has been a great waste of money on a park that feels cold and uninviting. I only hope that they don't tear down anymore of the old rustic cabins and try to maintain a sense of honor to the memory of the men who built this great park . read more

Great park for RV and tent camping. Clean and well shaded campsites. Everyone associated with the park were very nice and helpful. Hiking was good, but need signs at the trailheads. The map is good, but really hard to see the starting point. read more