Lake Murray State Park offers pet friendly camping near Marietta, Oklahoma with diverse terrain across its 12,500 acres. The park's elevation ranges from 720 to 825 feet, creating varied shoreline views around the 5,700-acre lake. Winter camping is particularly popular with temperatures averaging 40-60°F from November through February, making it comfortable for outdoor activities when many Oklahoma parks experience extreme heat.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Lake Murray features the Buckhorn trail accessible from Tipps Point Campground, which offers scenic routes suitable for pets. "We were able to get out and kayak twice. On Saturday the boat ramp for the campgrounds was crazy busy so we drove up the road to Tipps Point and launched from there. They have a nice beach area along with some campgrounds there as well," notes one visitor who enjoyed the variety of activities.
Winter recreation: Off-season camping provides unique experiences at Elephant Rock Campground. "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," shares a winter camper who appreciated the solitude.
Fishing opportunities: Many lakefront sites at Rock Tower Campground allow direct water access for anglers with pets. "This camp ground at Lake Murray is one of my favorite spots! It is one of the smaller camp grounds on the lake and tends to be less rowdy than some of the others. There are several sites right on the water that you can pull your boat and/or jet skis up to," explains a regular visitor.
What campers like
Scenic tent sites: The pet friendly camping options near Marietta include secluded tent areas at Buzzards Roost Campground. "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 tent camper who traveled with a dog.
Clear water quality: Unlike typical Oklahoma lakes, Lake Murray's clear blue-green waters make swimming safer when camping with dogs. "Oklahoma is often known for its red/brown lakes, but Lake Murray is an exception. Green/blue waters that were clear enough to see the tip of my paddle when stuck straight down 4-5 feet," notes a kayaker who visited with family.
Renovated facilities: The recently updated Marietta Landing Campground offers improved amenities for pet owners. "Marietta Landing campground is on the south side of Lake Murray just east of the dam and set back in a quiet wooded cove. Recently remodeled, the campsites in the RV loop are all pretty spacious, level, and paved," explains a reviewer who appreciated the improvements.
What you should know
Campsite selection timing: Booking early is essential during peak season at Lake Murray State Park. "You can reserve online, but can't change site at the office. We camped in February and there weren't any other tent campers since it was off season," advises a winter visitor who found the off-season provided more flexibility.
Water hookup positioning: Some sites require extended hoses, which is important to know when setting up. "We stayed in elephant rock 2 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," warns a camper who was otherwise pleased with their stay.
Seasonal crowding patterns: Lake Murray experiences significant visitor fluctuations depending on the season. "The spot was right next to the lake and was one of the most beautiful spots I have seen. We were missing a fire ring and ended up having to borrow the neighbors. In the summer the spot is definitely more people. Local told us that during and winter it was the best time because of the colorful leaves and the temperature."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cedar Grove Campground offers convenient play areas for children and pets. "There was a playground before you enter camp and there were several people there, this would be ideal for families camping," notes a visitor who observed the family-friendly amenities.
Swimming beaches: Multiple pet-accessible swimming areas provide options for family recreation. "This area of Lake Murray has a boat ramp but also a lot of beach space for swimming. There's a sandbar that extends out into the water almost to Elephant Rock," shares a family that enjoyed the water features with their dog.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Children can observe local animals while keeping pets properly leashed. "The kids found plenty to do exploring near the camp site and chasing the feral pig (yes, that's right) that came walking through a few times. There's a beach near by with picnic tables that is still well shaded and kept beautifully," mentions a family who stayed at Rock Tower.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Some RV sites at Lake Murray require additional preparation. "The site (BR011) was hard to back into. The approach is narrow and there's a large boulder right in the turn path of the tow vehicle. It also leans slightly downhill so leveling pads were critical," cautions an RVer who suggests bringing leveling equipment.
Shower facility quality: Bathroom amenities vary significantly between campgrounds within the park. "The bathrooms and showers were awesome. Good sized areas for tents. Swimming area was fun and easily accessible," reports a camper who appreciated the facilities at Tipps Point.
Off-season RV advantages: Winter camping offers fewer crowds and cooler temperatures for RVers with pets. "Took a run around the area on several miles of developed trails and roads. Campsites are relatively close together and I can see how the place may get crowded in the summer, but it was almost completely vacant in December so I was grateful for the seclusion," shares a winter visitor who enjoyed the quiet conditions.
