Dukes Forest Campground

For Oklahomans, the call of the lake and the great outdoors is an irresistible invitation. Lake Murray State Park, a jewel in Southern Oklahoma, offers countless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and within its expansive grounds lies Dukes Forest Campground. This inviting campground provides a refreshing escape for both seasoned campers and those new to the joys of outdoor living, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities. It's more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to the vast adventures that Lake Murray and its surrounding state park have to offer.

Dukes Forest Campground stands out as a pleasant and accommodating spot for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Its design caters to both tent campers seeking a traditional experience and RVers looking for convenient hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for diverse preferences. The presence of a pavilion and a recreational field adds a unique dimension, making it particularly suitable for group outings, family gatherings, or even casual sports activities. This versatility underscores the campground's appeal as a multifaceted destination for those exploring Oklahoma's natural wonders.

Whether you're planning a short weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Dukes Forest Campground strives to provide a memorable outdoor experience. Its location within Lake Murray State Park means access to an extensive array of activities, from water sports on the shimmering lake to land-based adventures like hiking and ATV riding. This integration into a larger state park system amplifies its value, offering campers a base from which to explore one of Oklahoma's most beloved recreational areas.

Dukes Forest Campground is located on Dukes Forest Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA. This address places it squarely within the renowned Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's largest state park, situated just south of the vibrant city of Ardmore. This prime location offers campers the ideal balance of serene lakeside retreat and easy access to urban conveniences.

Lake Murray State Park itself is a major draw, encompassing the beautiful 5,728-surface-acre Lake Murray and boasting diverse terrain, exceptional trails, and historic sites. From Dukes Forest Campground, visitors have straightforward access to the park's extensive network of roads and attractions. For instance, the North Boat Ramp, perfect for launching watercraft, is conveniently located just half a mile from the campground. This close proximity to the lake enhances opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports.

The city of Ardmore, a significant hub in Southern Oklahoma, is a short drive away, providing all necessary amenities. Campers can easily reach grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, retail outlets, and medical facilities. Ardmore is well-connected by Interstate 35 (I-35), a major north-south corridor, making the campground highly accessible for travelers from Oklahoma City to the north or Dallas-Fort Worth to the south. This excellent road network ensures that reaching Dukes Forest Campground is convenient, allowing more time to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational activities of the area.

Dukes Forest Campground provides a range of essential services designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of its campers. As part of the larger Lake Murray State Park system, it benefits from shared resources and standards aimed at supporting outdoor recreation:

• Tent and RV Camping: The campground accommodates both tent campers seeking a traditional experience and RVers, with designated sites for each.
• Water/Electric Campsites: Specifically, it offers 34 water/electric campsites, providing essential hookups for RVs. While some sources indicate no electric hookups, other, more recent information confirms water/electric sites, so direct inquiry is recommended.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site, a crucial amenity for RV users to dispose of wastewater.
• Restrooms: Comfort stations are provided, ensuring access to essential restroom facilities.
• Showers: The campground features showers, allowing campers to refresh during their stay.
• Pavilion: A lovely pavilion is available, ideal for group gatherings, picnics, or shelter from the elements.
• Softball/Baseball Field: A dedicated field is present, offering recreational opportunities for sports enthusiasts and groups.
• Picnic Tables and Grills: Most campsites typically include picnic tables and grills, enhancing the outdoor dining experience.

While some sources indicate "no potable water" at individual sites, the presence of showers and restrooms implies access to potable water within the comfort station area. For precise details on hookups at individual sites, contacting the park directly is advised.

Dukes Forest Campground boasts several appealing features that contribute to its popularity and overall experience:

• Lakeside Proximity: Located on the west side of Lake Murray, the campground offers excellent access to the lake. While individual sites may not be directly on the shoreline, the North Boat Ramp is just half a mile away, making boating and fishing incredibly convenient.
• Recreational Facilities: A standout feature is the presence of a softball or baseball field and a good pavilion. These facilities are perfect for families, groups, and casual sports activities, adding a unique dimension to the camping experience.
• Group-Friendly: The campground is well-suited for group outings, with the ability to snag group RV reservations for five or more RVs. This makes it an ideal spot for clubs, family reunions, or organized camping trips.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground operates seasonally, ensuring it's open during optimal times for enjoying the lake and park activities. (Note: It is not open year-round, so check operating dates.)
• Diverse Activities within Lake Murray State Park: As part of Lake Murray State Park, campers at Dukes Forest have access to a vast array of activities including extensive trails for hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding, a golf course, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, boating, and miniature golf.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite the recreational amenities, the campground is often described as pleasant and provides a low-key atmosphere, offering a quiet retreat.

These features collectively create a comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor experience for a wide range of campers, emphasizing both relaxation and active recreation.

As a campground operating within Lake Murray State Park, Dukes Forest Campground's pricing and any potential "special offers" are typically managed by the Oklahoma State Parks system. While specific, short-term promotions might not be widely advertised solely for Dukes Forest, campers can generally expect to find system-wide discounts or standard rates.

Typical offerings or considerations for pricing at state park campgrounds in Oklahoma often include:

• Daily Fees: There is a fee to camp at Dukes Forest, with rates varying based on the type of site (tent vs. RV, hookups). Some sources indicate RV sites might be around $25/night and tent sites $20/night, but these should be confirmed.
• Daily Parking Fees: It is important to note that daily parking fees are now required throughout Lake Murray State Park, starting at $10 per vehicle per day. This is an additional cost to consider.
• Longer Stay Rates: While not explicitly stated for Dukes Forest, state parks often offer slightly reduced weekly or monthly rates for extended stays.
• Military Discounts: Oklahoma State Parks, including those at Lake Murray, generally offer a 10% base rate discount to active and former military personnel on lodge, cabins, RV, and tent campsites. This is a significant ongoing offer for eligible individuals.
• Senior Discounts: Similar discounts for seniors (e.g., AARP members or individuals over 65) might be available across the state park system.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping fees, any current promotions, and specific availability, it is highly recommended to contact the Lake Murray State Park office directly. Online reservation systems for Oklahoma State Parks are also the primary method for booking sites and verifying costs.

For those interested in planning a camping trip to Dukes Forest Campground, inquiring about site availability, or seeking more details about the facilities and operations, the primary contact point is the Lake Murray State Park office, which manages the campground.

Address: Dukes Forest Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA (located within Lake Murray State Park)

Lake Murray State Park Office Phone: (580) 223-4044 (This is the official contact number for Lake Murray State Park and its campgrounds, including Dukes Forest).

You may also find general information and potentially make reservations through the TravelOK.com website, which is Oklahoma's official travel and tourism site for state parks. It is always advisable to call the park directly before making a long drive to confirm availability, especially during peak seasons or for specific site types, as the campground does not operate year-round.

For Oklahomans, Dukes Forest Campground on Lake Murray offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing outdoor destination, perfectly blending recreational opportunities with the beauty of a beloved state park. Its location within Lake Murray State Park is a significant advantage, providing locals with easy access to one of the state's premier outdoor playgrounds without having to travel far from home.

The campground's suitability for locals stems from its diverse offerings. Whether it's a family looking for a weekend getaway with a softball field and a pavilion for gatherings, or an RVer seeking a convenient base for exploring Lake Murray's fishing and boating opportunities, Dukes Forest accommodates a wide range of interests. The proximity to the North Boat Ramp is a particular highlight for those who love water sports, enabling quick and easy access to the lake's expansive waters.

Furthermore, being part of Lake Murray State Park means campers at Dukes Forest benefit from access to the park's extensive amenities and activities. This includes miles of trails for hiking, biking, and ATV riding, a championship golf course, and various opportunities for wildlife viewing. For locals, this translates into endless possibilities for outdoor adventure and relaxation right on their doorstep. The serene atmosphere of the campground itself, combined with the vibrant activity within the larger park, offers a balanced and enriching outdoor experience.

Considering the convenience of its Ardmore location and its comprehensive recreational features, Dukes Forest Campground stands out as an excellent choice for Oklahomans seeking memorable and accessible outdoor adventures on the beautiful shores of Lake Murray.