Lake Murray State Park offers glamping options in several campgrounds near Marietta, Oklahoma. Winter visitors find many sites vacant, with December campers reporting, "There were only two RVs in the entire campground." During summer months, lake access becomes crowded, especially at boat ramps on weekends, though early risers can beat the crowds by launching before sunrise.
What to do
Hiking trail access: The Buckhorn Trail starts directly at Tipps Point Campground for a moderate hike with lake views. "The bathrooms and showers were awesome. Good sized areas for tents. Swimming area was fun and easily accessible," reports one visitor who enjoyed both hiking and swimming during their stay.
Fishing from shore: Rocky shorelines at Marietta Landing Campground offer quiet fishing spots away from main boating areas. One camper noted, "It is definitely not the 'hot spot' of Lake Murray as there were very few people at this campground and no lake access. We drove around and noticed the surrounding campgrounds were much more full."
Winter activities: Off-season visitors enjoy fewer crowds and stunning lake views. A winter camper at Elephant Rock noted, "Stopped here on the way south to San Antonio. There were only two RVs in the entire campground. Reservations easily made online. Chose a nice spot adjacent to the Lake where I was visited by a friendly goose for breakfast."
What campers like
Clear water quality: The lake's clarity stands out compared to other Oklahoma lakes. A camper at Buzzards Roost Campground shared, "The water and surroundings were beautiful and even for a busy holiday weekend it didn't feel too busy or crowded. Lake Murray is definitely on our return list."
Secluded tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the quieter areas away from RV sections. "We found a nice secluded tent site, despite it being fall break weekend. There are many campgrounds at Lake Murray to choose from. We chose this site which was conveniently located near a nature trail with a beautiful lookout point," reports a fall visitor.
Waterfront access: Many sites offer direct water access for fishing or launching small watercraft. At Elephant Rock Campground, a visitor enjoyed "Site 44, we had a great view of the lake, however we didn't realize we would need 50 feet of hose just to hook up to the water."
What you should know
Shower facilities vary: Quality and cleanliness of facilities differ between campgrounds. A Buzzards Roost camper noted, "Very clean bathrooms and showers. Very large campsites. Just a great time with the family. All the marinas were closed when we went. No rentals."
Water hookup placement: Some sites require longer-than-standard hoses to reach water connections. As one Elephant Rock camper discovered, "We didn't realize we would need 50 feet of hose just to hook up to the water, and there were glass bottles all in the swim area."
Seasonal closures: During off-peak times, some facilities close. "All the marinas were closed when we went. No rentals," reported a camper, so call ahead if planning specific activities during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple playgrounds are available throughout the park with recent upgrades. A family at Red River Rose RV Resort near Ardmore found "fishing pond, fishing/swimming pond with water slides, and a swimming pool" perfect for keeping children entertained.
Educational stops: Tucker Tower offers historical information and views, making it worth a visit with school-age children. "So many trails, sites on the lake, playgrounds, marina, beautiful lake! If you come here don't miss out on Tucker's Tower! Tucker's tower is a nature center/museum inside Lake Murray state park," recommends a family camper.
Spacious sites for play: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites for children to play. "We really love coming to Elephant Rock. It has great options- some spots are secluded in the trees and some are open in the middle areas if you want to be around people. It has lake access, great playgrounds for kids, close to town with everything you need."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should consider whether lakefront views or quiet locations away from main roads matter more. A visitor to Winstar RV Park noted, "Wide roads and cement pads. Large pavilion next to outdoor basketball court and playground. Good water pressure and multiple sewage hookups per pad."
Renovation improvements: Marietta Landing Campground completed renovations with improved site layout. "Recently remodeled, the campsites in the RV loop are all pretty spacious, level, and paved. Site 9 is not right on the water but does have a nice water view. With 20/30 amp service and water hookup."
Utility concerns: Be prepared for occasional electrical issues during peak seasons. One camper at Marietta Landing reported, "Our electric did short out on us a few times causing us to need to unplug and plug back in. It didn't concern us too much, we understood it comes with territory when using these heavily used hook ups."
