Two hours south of Oklahoma City, this artificial lake was originally created as a Public Works Project during the Great Depression and has been welcoming crowds ever since. Lake Murray is a popular spot for water sports, and you can often find people gliding by on kayaks and canoes. There is a small marina where you can rent pontoons or take a quick dip in the lake's refreshing water.

The lake is surrounded by Lake Murray State Park, which offers 25 miles of hiking and biking trails ranging from easy-going nature walks to six-mile mixed-used trails. The nearby Red River is lined with even more parks and wildlife areas as well as historic sites, such as the Civil War-era Fort Washita and the Chickasaw White House, the former home of the Chickasaw Nation Governor for most of the 20th century.

The closest airport to Lake Murray is the Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City. From there, it is possible to take a taxi to the Oklahoma City Amtrak Station and a train to the Ardmore Amtrak Station. Lake Murray is just a 20 minute taxi ride from the Ardmore Station. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Lake Murray directly from the airport, which takes roughly two hours. This may be the more convenient option, especially as Lake Murray is very large and has multiple areas to explore.

With relatively moderate weather throughout the year, there is no bad time to secure your Lake Murray cabin rental. During spring and summer, the area’s wildflowers bloom, creating a sea of coral, pink, and blue. From June to August, there are occasional outdoor concerts in the neighboring town of Ardmore. This is also the warmest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking and canoeing. Things start to slow down again in the fall. In November, Ardmore hosts an arts and crafts festival and food fair. Towards the end of November a festival featuring more than 160 holiday light displays.

Lake Murray State Park

Lake Murray State Park is Oklahoma’s largest state park, featuring 12,500 acres of rolling hills covered with lush forests in addition to the beautiful Lake Murray. The dazzling blue waters of the lake offer many opportunities for water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, boating, and kayaking, as well as swimming at Sunset Beach. Tucker Tower, a large stone structure, stands high up on a hill above the lake and currently serves as a museum where you can learn more about the park’s history.

Red River

Stretching more than 1,300 miles, the Red River forms the border between Texas and Oklahoma. The river gets its name from its unique ochre-tinted water. Just south of Lake Murray, the river begins to widen significantly and resembles more of a lake than a river. On either side of the river, you can find wildlife refuges and state parks, as well as a handful of museums.

Fort Washita

Located at the eastern end of the Red River, you’ll find the Civil War-era Fort Washita. Although the fort was mostly destroyed in 1865, much of it has been restored and is currently open to the public. During your visit, you can witness Civil War reenactments and visit the small onsite museum.