Journey with Terri: Aquamarine water, floating cabins and limitless adventures awaits you at Oklahoma’s Lake Murray State Park – Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound

Texans, our Oklahoma neighbors have a hidden gem that’s a improbable trip vacation spot. It’s Lake Murray State Park, situated within the coronary heart of Chickasaw Country. This is the primary and largest state park within the state of Oklahoma. Named after former Governor of Oklahoma William Murray, the state park covers greater than 12,500 acres. This spectacular man-made lake options 5,700 floor acres of glowing aquamarine water.

We typically imagine that holidays require touring distant. Well, assume once more. If you want to be surrounded by nature, a pristine lake, with many exercise choices, Lake Murray State Park is the final word street journey cease. All of that is situated simply 26 miles from the Oklahoma State Line, three miles off Interstate 35 at exit 24.

My household has been visiting right here for many years and has created many fantastic recollections at Lake Murray State Park. This scenic space is lush with mature bushes and rolling hills. The facilities embrace quite a few parks, seashores, climbing trails, campgrounds, an ATV and motorbike space, an 18-hole golf course, a marina, snack outlets, a restaurant, water sports activities leases, mini-golf and a wide range of lodging choices.

Accommodations

Within the park, there’s a brand new 32-room lodge located on the waterfront, full with a ship dock for visitors’ use. All rooms characteristic personal balconies, good for having fun with your morning espresso. The lodge provides assembly areas, beautiful lake views, and all of the facilities you want for a snug keep. This is likely one of the nicest state park lodges I’ve ever skilled. There’s even a stunning lakefront restaurant with indoor and outside eating choices, referred to as The Lookout. We had enjoyable driving our boat to the restaurant, the place there are many boat slips.

The state park has 56 cabins out there for hire. These cabins are unique and are very rustic. They are within the technique of renovating and updating them. The cabins can be found in numerous sizes and areas all through the park. If you favor to camp, that is the place. Lake Murray State Park options 9 separate RV campgrounds, totaling 321 RV campsites and 165 tent websites, scattered all through its expansive, wooded panorama.

My most well-liked alternative for lodging right here is the Floating Cabins. Lake Murray’s floating cabins present a particular lodging expertise for visitors looking for tranquil water views and the chance to witness sunrises over the lake.  These privately owned havens vary from intimate one-bedroom Pods to the expansive Atrium Lodge, accommodating as much as eighteen visitors—preferrred for households, retreats, or reunions. There’s even a useful crew that assists visitors in unloading every thing from their automobile.

Every floating cabin unit is thoughtfully adorned with charming décor and outfitted with fashionable comforts. I used to be thrilled to discover a totally outfitted kitchen for lakeside cooking, plush bedding and tub linens, air con, heating, and cable TV. Propane grills (with propane included) make al fresco eating simple, whereas the light sway of the cabin reminds you—you’re not simply close to the lake, you’re on it. While staying at one among these cool cabins, you may swim or fish off your entrance porch or tie your boat to your cabin. It’s a really distinctive and gratifying place to remain. Lake Murray Floating Cabins are rustic luxurious with a splash of journey, inviting you to chill out and unwind at one among Oklahoma’s most unforgettable lodging experiences.

Tucker Tower Nature Center

One of my favourite areas of Lake Murray is Tucker Tower Nature Center. It’s reverse Lake Murray Marina and is essentially the most iconic construction at Lake Murray State Park. This historic landmark was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933 as a summer season retreat for Governor William Murray. The tower is now a geological museum. It is at the moment open as an extension of the Lake Murray Nature Center, the place guests can study extra concerning the space’s historical past and ecology. This must-see historic tower stands 65 toes excessive. It’s an journey to climb the winding stairs to the highest of Tucker Tower, which provides beautiful chook’s-eye views of the lake under. Give your self loads of time right here as a result of there’s rather a lot to see. You even have choices for getting there, you may drive, hike to it or do like we did – we glided by boat to Tucker Tower from our Floating Cabin. There’s a pleasant boat dock proper by the fabulous new Nature Center.

Golf Course, Riding Stables and ATV’s

Other choices are {golfing} and horseback driving. The Lake Murray Golf Course contains a professional store, a follow vary, and 18 holes that wind by towering oak bushes, strategically positioned water hazards, and a lovely pure waterfall. Guests also can take a horseback journey or hayride on the Lake Murray Riding Stables, the place personal path rides can be found.

Lake Murray State Park provides extra than simply tranquil lakeside retreats—it revs issues up with a chosen ATV space that’s good for off-road adventures. The devoted ATV and Motorcycle Area covers almost 1,000 acres, offering numerous terrain for off-road lovers. ​​

Water Sports & Mini-Golf

Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini-Golf provides an 18-hole miniature golf course and leases for paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, water bikes, sailboats, a water trampoline, and a water slide. Guests also can hire wave runners, jet boats, and pontoon boats with a slide, together with all the required gear, together with wakeboards, tubes, and skis. Sunset cruises are additionally out there each night. The jet skis had been extremely popular with our household. The Lake Murray Water Sports homeowners are available to offer you directions and steering for a protected and thrilling lake journey.

Scuba Diving

Who knew? Yes, there may be scuba diving at Lake Murray State Park in Oklahoma, and it’s a well-liked freshwater dive spot. Marietta Landing Campground is the main dive website, providing simple shore entry and restrooms. Visibility sometimes ranges from 10 to 30 toes, and water temperatures hover between 60°F and 83°F from late spring to early fall. The lake options sunken boats, platforms, and even bikes to discover underwater. Divers sometimes encounter a wide range of fish reminiscent of freshwater drum, walleye, and perch.

Plan your escape to tranquility at Oklahoma’s Lake Murray State Park, the place wide-open skies, glowing waters, and serene trails beckon. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate weekend getaway for 2 or planning the final word household trip or reunion, this lakeside haven provides the proper mix of nature, leisure, and journey. Nestled in southern central Oklahoma, Lake Murray is a simple drive from the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex.