Oklahoma summers can be brutal, and triple digit temperatures are predicted for the next few weeks. How better to cool off than a weekend at an Oklahoma lake? One of our favorites is the emerald green Lake Murray in south central Oklahoma. Located just south of Ardmore, Lake Murray is known for clear water, a fantastic state park, a fun golf course next to a runway, horseback riding and off-road motorcycle and ATV trails.
Lake Murray Lodge
A new lodge is under construction at Lake Murray with a target completion date of January 2017, but the old lodge is still open and serving visitors. Rooms are comfortable yet dated. A restaurant is available on-site as well as game rooms, and lake toy rentals for the kids. A swimming pool makes for a fun place for the kids to hang out and get away from the heat.
Lake Murray Cabins
There are dozens of cabins available for rental in the state park, plus privately owned floating cabins are available for rent. The cabins in the state lodge make for a perfect multi-family get-a-way. Each family can pick their own cabin and all the cabins can be grouped together if you book far enough in advance. This lets each family have a private space yet family members can gather in a central area for picnics, banjo picking, or telling stories around a central campfire.
Camping at Lake Murray
Both RV and tent camping are available at several campgrounds around the lake. Electrical service is available at most campsites and summer activities are often available to campers.
Watersports at Lake Murray
Lake Murray is one of the premier lakes in Oklahoma and is a great place to enjoy water sports such as water skiing, riding a personal watercraft, rowing a kayak or windsurfing. The water is clear and the lake is rocky and deep. Visitors can bring their own watercraft or rent a variety of water toys at Lake Murray Water Sports and Mini Golf. They even offer a family lounging and diving platform, complete with a slide, that can be pushed into the middle of the lake using a Jet Ski.
ATV Trails at Lake Murray
Lake Murray State Park offers one of Oklahoma’s most extensive ATV trail system. Riders can bring Razors, Mule’s, 4-wheelers, or dirt bikes and enjoy the marked trails. RV hookups are available at the ATV parking area so visitors can ride right from their camping spot.
Golfing at Lake Murray State Park
An 18 hole, par 72 golf course is located next to a runway at Lake Murray State Park. Aviation golfers can fly right into the park and call the club house, who will pick visitors up at the nearby airport for a round of golf. Of course you don’t have to be pilot to enjoy the natural beauty of this course. An estimated 40,000 rounds of golf are played annually at this natural terrain course that features waterfalls, winding oak-lined fairways and minimal water hazards.
Lake Murray Nature Center and Tucker Tower
Lake Murray is well known for Tucker Tower, built by the WPA in the 1930’s as a retreat for Oklahoma governors. It now is a nature center and museum which features educational displays about life in the 1930’s as well as aquatic life at the lake. The newly constructed nature center at the entrance to the tower offers educational programs, guided tours, a gift shop, and access to Tucker Tower and walking paths nearby.
