Trail riding in Oklahoma’s Lake Murray State Park

The motorized trail area of the Lake Murray State Park near Ardmore, Okla., once consisted of a few trails that only a few locals new about. Not anymore.

Thanks to Recreational Trails Program grant money, the motorized trails were enlarged and improved to offer 10 miles of riding in Oklahoma’s largest state park. The riding area includes about 1,000 acres with varied types of terrain from open areas to hills to wooded areas and sand.

Lake Murray State Park itself encompasses 12,500 acres with half of that taken up by the lake. Besides the motorized trails, the park includes campground, beaches, hiking trails, a golf course, RC flying field and more.

For those who want to spend the night, or a few nights, there are several options. There’s the Lake Murray Lodge with 32 rooms, 56 cabins and RV and tent campsites.

Camping cost? Roughly $28 a night for RV camping, which can be reserved, and $17 for tent camping, which is first-come, first-served. Be sure to check the Travel Oklahoma website for the latest campsite prices. The fee includes the cost to ride the trail.

Those who aren’t camping must pay a $10 trail-use fee per rider, which is collected at the trails’ large day-use parking lot.

The motorcycle/ATV area is open year-round and riding is restricted to daylight hours.

The town of Ardmore is only 8 miles away. It offers motels, restaurants, gas and more.

For more information, contact the park office at 13528 Scenic Highway 77, Ardmore, OK 73401. Phone: (580)223-4044. Website: travelok.com.