Lake Murray State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Surrounded by spectacular views of beautiful Lake Murray, Lake Murray State Park is an outdoor lover's paradise, featuring 12,500 acres of diverse terrain, amazing trails, and fascinating historical sites. Located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, this state park is an absolute must for your next RV vacation. You'll have many opportunities for outside recreation in an amazing lakeside landscape. From fishing and boating to hiking and golfing, Lake Murray State Park offers endless outdoor adventures.
The lake views of Lake Murray State Park are stunning, encompassing over 6,000 surface acres. You will enjoy taking in the lake air while being surrounded by spring-fed waters that are crystal clear. The park is home to several different types of wildlife. For the historian in you, visit Tucker Tower to learn about how this structure was supposed to be built as a retreat for the governors of Oklahoma.
As soon as you park your camper at Lake Murray State Park, you can wander out on one of two main trails that are located on the west side of Lake Murray. Enter at the Pecan Grove picnic area and enjoy a trail that shoots off, offering incredible lake views as you hike near the edge of the water.
Lake Murray State Park is a fantastic RV destination, in part to its superb camping facilities. There are over 800 campsites available across eight campgrounds, with many full hookups available. No matter what time of the year you visit, Lake Murray State Park is a guaranteed good time.
RV Rentals in Lake Murray State Park
Transportation
Driving
Lake Murray State Park is easily accessible by car or RV since it is located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, off of Scenic State Highway 77. This scenic road will take you anywhere in the park you wish to visit, from the beaches and day-use areas to the campgrounds and marina. There are no driving restrictions for RVs or trailers throughout the park, so getting around will be easy, whether you are in your rig or another vehicle.
There are several options for parking trailers and RVs, with numerous areas throughout the park. You will find spots at the park office, marina, nature center, Tucker Tower, Resort Lodge, and Rock Tower. Of course, if you are staying overnight at the campgrounds, you can park there. If you need to pick up any supplies before your stay, you can visit Ardmore, Marietta, or Madill as they are all within a short driving distance away.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Lake Murray State Park
Campsites in Lake Murray State Park
Reservations camping
Duke’s Forest Campground
Duke's Forest is one of the smaller RV-friendly campgrounds that call Lake Murray State Park home, but it is still packed with some great amenities. There are 35 sites for you to choose from that are equipped with 30-amp electrical hookups. Other facilities within the campground include hot showers, toilets, a playground, picnic shelter, and a dump station. This campground is a great choice for RV travelers who are looking for a peaceful camping experience away from the crowds.
Duke’s Forest Campground is only open during the peak season.
Tipp’s Point Campground
Tipps Point is another of the smaller campgrounds for you to stay during your visit to Lake Murray State Park. The campground has two different sections that are RV friendly, and all of those sites have 30-amp electrical hookups. Tipp’s Point is more suited to smaller RVs or tents as the maximum length allowed is 30 feet. All of the sites are back-in, and from each site, you should be able to get a gorgeous view of Lake Murray. Other amenities within the campground include showers, restrooms, a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, and a dump station. Tipp’s Point Campground operates year-round.
Elephant Rock Campground
The Elephant Rock Campground uses the same entrance as both Tipp's Point and Cedar Cove, and it is the largest campground in this area of the park with 68 RV-friendly sites. The campground is broken up into three different loops. Each site has a gravel base and a 30-amp electrical hookup.
The name of the campground comes from a large elephant-looking rock that is visible in the lake from the campground area. Along with having electrical hookups, other amenities within the campground include a playground, swimming area, picnic pavilion, and a dump station. This campground is open year-round.
Cedar Cove Campground
The Cedar Cove Campground is another spot for you to stay in with your RV, and it is one of the most popular campgrounds within Lake Murray State Park because of the stunning lake views. This seasonally-operating campground has 29 sites that have 30-amp electric hookups. Other amenities within Cedar Cove Campground include picnic tables, grills, showers, a playground, easy access to hiking trails, and a dump station. Since this is one of the more popular campgrounds, we recommend that you book a site in advance before your arrival if you are interested in staying here.
Buzzard’s Roost Campground
Located on the southwest side of Lake Murray, Buzzard’s Roost Campground is an excellent place for RV lovers to stay who want to be within proximity to Tucker Tower and the marina. This campground is suitable for both RVs and tents, with over 30 RV sites and more than 50 tent spaces available for visitors. Most of the campsites that are within Buzzard’s Roost have views of the marina, Tucker Tower, and the lake.
Along with having electrical hookups and concrete site pads, other amenities within Buzzard’s Roost Campground include showers, toilets, a playground, picnic tables near the edge of the lake, a boat ramp, and a dump station. Buzzard’s Roost Campground is usually open all year.
Marietta Landing Campground
Known as the southernmost campground within Lake Murray State Park, the Marietta Landing Campground is a small campground with 27 RV-friendly sites and 30 primitive-tent sites. The campground has one loop that contains all of the sites, and you should be able to catch a glimpse of the lake no matter where you choose to stay.
The RV sites here have electric hookups, and other amenities include showers, toilets, a boat ramp, a playground, and a dump station. There is also a boat dock, so if you bring a boat, you can leave it moored in the water during your stay. This campground is also great for fishing since its so close to the dam. Marietta Landing Campground is open all year, and reservations can be made during the peak season.
Rock Tower Campground
The Rock Tower Campground can be found in the southeast corner of Lake Murray and has RV-suitable sites right on the lake. The sites are known to be level. There are 26 sites in the Rock Tower Campground, some of which come with full hookups. Other amenities within the campground include showers, toilets, a playground, picnic tables, easy lake access, a fishing pier, and a dump station. Rock Tower Campground isn't open year-round, so if you would like to stay here, you will need to visit during the peak season.
Martins Landing Campground
Located on the east side of Murray Lake, the Martins Landing Campground is a one loop campground that is very close to both the lake and the Sunset Beach Day-Use rea. This is a very well designed campground that has one giant loop that accommodates up to 29 RVs at once. All of the sites at Martins Landing Campground should have views of the lake and are all within reach of a boat ramp. Electrical hookups are supplied to each site, and other amenities include picnic tables, a boat ramp, toilets, showers, picnic tables, a picnic pavilion, a playground, and a dump station. If you wish to stay at Martins Landing Campground, you will have to visit Murray Lake State Park during the peak season as it closed over the winter.
Alternate camping
ATV Campground
If you are bringing your ATV with you during your RV trip to Lake Murray State Park, you can stay overnight at the ATV Campground Area. These sites are not located lakeside, and the maximum length allowed for RV and tow vehicles combined is less than 30 feet. Electric, water, and sewer are provided, as well as a picnic table, grill, lantern holder, and fire pit.
Seasonal activities in Lake Murray State Park
In-Season
Fishing
If you are an avid fisherman, you will love the chance for smallmouth bass to chase your lure as they swim through the water. Located primarily in the lower end of the lake due to its rocky terrain and deep areas, they are plentiful at Lake Murray State Park and will enjoy engaging in a fight for you to reel them in. Largemouth bass is also located in the shallow areas on the north end of the lake due to the large amounts of grass located there. Fishing licenses are available for non-residents either for six consecutive days or a one-day pass.
Biking
Lake Murray State Park is an excellent place to bring your bike and cruise out onto the nearest trail. Once you park your rig, you can cycle down Beaver Trail, an exciting path that takes you near the shores of Lake Murray that will provide you with sensational lake views. With ten miles of different types of trails to pick from, the sandy, tree-lined terrains can provide you with a fantastic experience.
Hiking
Make sure you pack a great pair of hiking boots in your RV since there are two hiking trails to choose from at Lake Murray State Park. With several sections coming off these rocky tree-lined trails, you will always have something to hike on. The Lake Shore Trail offers magnificent lake views along the edge of the water. While trails are clearly marked, it is always a good idea to take a trail map with you should you become turned around.
Off-Season
Touring the Visitor's Center
If you wish to learn more about the history of the park and the surrounding area, park your RV at the Visitor Center and take a look at the exhibits inside. There are displays you can walk through at the Visitor Center that will showcase the natural history, geology, as well as the cultural history of the park. An added bonus is that Lake Murray State Park was the first Oklahoma park to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you know that you are staying in one of Oklahoma's most revered parks.
Bird Watching
Lake Murray State Park is home to over 100 native birds, so make sure you pack your binoculars in your RV if you are a birding fan. Some of the birds you may encounter include the scissor-tailed flycatcher, which is the state bird of Oklahoma, red-tailed hawks, and roadrunners. Tucker Tower is a great location to spot the scissor-tailed flycatcher. While you are enjoying a hike along the water's edge, keep your eyes peels as there will be ample opportunities to take in all kinds of bird species.
Tucker Tower
Lake Murray State Park features Tucker Tower, a facility built initially for Oklahoma governors as a retreat. No governor has ever spent the night here, however. With a tower of five-stories high and an observation deck at the top, Tucker Tower showcases a two-story area meant to be the living area. After funding dried up in 1935, the tower laid dormant until years later when a spiral staircase and flooring were added to the tower section. Eventually, the entire facility turned into a museum.
