Lake Murray State Park holds dual honors as both Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park—a legacy destination established in 1933 on the shores of beautiful 5,700-acre Lake Murray. Here, history meets adventure at every turn.
Climb the iconic Tucker Tower—a five-story limestone landmark built by the WPA in the 1930s—for panoramic lake views. Stay in historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins or the modern lakeside lodge. Play championship golf, explore 30+ miles of trails, or tear through 1,000 acres of ATV terrain.
From the legendary tower to the sandy shores of Sunset Beach, Lake Murray delivers the complete Oklahoma outdoor experience.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Ardmore, Oklahoma |
| 🗺️ Region | South-Central Oklahoma |
| 📐 Lake Size | 5,700 acres |
| 📅 Established | 1933 (Oklahoma’s oldest!) |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 30+ miles |
| 📞 Phone | (580) 223-4044 |
Tucker Tower
The iconic Tucker Tower is the most recognizable landmark in Oklahoma’s state park system.
- 🏛️ 5-story limestone tower
- 🔨 Built: 1930s by the WPA (Works Progress Administration)
- 👀 Views: Panoramic lake vistas
- 🦎 Nature Center: Educational exhibits
- 📸 Originally: Planned as governor’s retreat
Accommodations
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Lake Murray Lodge | 32 lakeside rooms, restaurant, pool w/splash pad |
| 🏠 Historic CCC Cabins | 1930s charm, full kitchens |
| 🏠 Modern Cabins | 56 total cabins, waterfront options |
| 🏕️ Tiny Cabins | Cozy minimalist lodging |
| ⛺ Campgrounds | RV & tent sites, full hookups |
🐕 Pet-Friendly: Select cabins allow pets for additional fee.
Fishing
Lake Murray offers exceptional fishing in crystal-clear waters.
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | Healthy population |
| 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | Clear water fighters |
| 🐟 Spotted Bass | Trophy potential |
| 🐟 Crappie | Great for families |
| 🐱 Catfish | Channel & blue |
Golf
- ⛳ 18-hole championship course
- 🌊 Scenic lake views
- 🌳 Rolling fairways, tree-lined holes
- 💧 Natural water hazards
- 🏪 Pro shop & practice facilities
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏍️ ATV Trails | 1,000 acres of off-road terrain! |
| 🥾 Hiking/Biking | 30+ miles of trails |
| 🚤 Boating | Marina, pontoon/tritoon rentals |
| 🏖️ Sunset Beach | Quarter-mile sandy beach |
| 🏊 Swimming | Lodge pool with splash pad |
| 🐴 Horseback Riding | Equestrian trails |
| ⛳ Mini Golf | Family fun |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Murray SP — Oklahoma’s largest state park — 12,496 acres — built by the CCC in the 1930s. The park’s Lake Murray (5,728 acres), Arbuckle hills, and mixed forest support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Tucker Tower — a stone CCC observation tower — is a nature center.
Nearby Attractions
Ardmore — adjacent. Arbuckle Mountains — nearby. Turner Falls Park — 20 miles north (Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall).
Is Lake Murray really Oklahoma’s oldest state park?
Yes! Lake Murray State Park was established in 1933, making it Oklahoma’s oldest state park. It’s also the largest. The lake was completed in 1937 and opened to the public in 1938.
What is Tucker Tower?
Tucker Tower is a five-story limestone tower built by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) in the 1930s. Originally planned as a governor’s retreat, it now serves as a nature center with exhibits and offers panoramic views of Lake Murray. It’s the most iconic landmark in Oklahoma’s state park system.
Can I stay in historic cabins at Lake Murray?
Yes! The park offers historic CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) cabins built in the 1930s, along with modern cabins and waterfront options. There are 56 cabins total, including tiny cabins. Some are pet-friendly for an additional fee.
Does Lake Murray have ATV trails?
Yes! Lake Murray boasts nearly 1,000 acres of ATV trails—one of the largest ATV trail systems in Oklahoma’s state parks. It’s a major draw for off-road enthusiasts.
Is there a beach at Lake Murray State Park?
Yes! Sunset Beach is a quarter-mile sandy beach on the east side of the lake—perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The Lake Murray Lodge also has a zero-entry pool with splash pad.
What fish can I catch at Lake Murray?
Lake Murray’s clear waters are home to excellent populations of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, along with crappie and catfish. The marina offers boat rentals (pontoons, tritoons) for exploring the 5,700-acre lake.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Boiling Springs State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Lake Texoma State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Oklahoma state parks online at okstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🏛️ Where Oklahoma’s Outdoor Legacy Began
Climb Tucker Tower, stay in historic CCC cabins, ride 1,000 acres of ATV trails, play championship golf, and explore 5,700 acres of lake paradise—all at Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park!
Explore More Oklahoma State Parks
Lake Murray State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oklahoma. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oklahoma guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Murray State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet required; pets must be under direct physical control unless in a designated fenced pet area
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins for $40 per night per pet; pets are prohibited in lodge rooms ($300 fee assessed if a pet is found in a lodge room)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $40 per night per pet for pet-friendly cabins; no fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required and must be readily available; pets running at large may be impounded
Are dogs allowed at Lake Murray State Park?
Pets are allowed in Oklahoma state parks as long as they are kept on a leash, supervised at all times and cleaned up after. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via travelok.com. More: Oklahoma state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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