Lake Murray Floating Cabins - Ardmore, OK - June 5-7th 2015

[Christy]

We booked 2 pods, for us and some friends.

 

[Bruce]

Mel got them to agree to a discount earlier today. We had not been talking about it since we do not know how much it will be yet. Hopefully Mel will let us know what it is on Monday.

Here are a couple of Navoinics captures showing the channels and water depth.

 

[txav8r]

We want to certainly thank Rodney and Wendy for accommodating us and even offering a discount. I am not sure it will be published Monday, they may need to discuss it a little more than that and decide what they want to do for us. But I have a verbal from Rodney they will be doing something. And once again, this is across the board to members!!!
The aerial maps on google are old apparently and not sure what maps may be good. There are only 8 of the pods shown on google maps and there are 12. The only unit that has no direct dock capability is the East Cottage, it has a submerged sand bar that blocks it. But Rodney tells me it is a nice place and open water, but they provide a slip in the guest boathouse just adjacent to it, all at the same place basically. The Villas and Gazebo rentals are on the Tranquility Point, and close but not right across the parking lot.

 

[justason]

WOW !! what a cool place !! thanks @Bruce for tagging me. 19 hours from central NC vs 12 to Miami....need to evaluate.

 

[txav8r]

Come on @justason , its a short tow! We will make room for ya and give you the farthest traveled prize!

 

[Bruce]

The aerial maps on google are old apparently and not sure what maps may be good. There are only 8 of the pods shown on google maps and there are 12.

Mel, you will have to put on whatever you wear to land the plane All twelve of the pods are shown on Google maps. They are in pairs.

Here is a better map

 

[Bruce]

WOW !! what a cool place !! thanks @Bruce for tagging me. 19 hours from central NC vs 12 to Miami....need to evaluate.

You are welcome to stay at our place on the way. Depending on school schedules we will likely go early or stay late.

 

[jawsf16]

This is in my backyard but my wife has her last day of school on that Saturday. It's annoying really. Every year the kids get out on Friday and the teachers have to work Saturday.

The lake is nice and the lodge food is decent, but the dock at the restaurant kind of sucks. The floating homes look awesome. The water level is a bit low. Last time I was there the pass between the east and west forks was open and now it looks like dried land when I fly over. Be careful if you go on the north end of either fork, it gets shallow up there. Tucker's tower is cool and has a nice dock, worth the walk up to it. Great view of the lake from there.

 

[sstegh]

WOW !! what a cool place !! thanks @Bruce for tagging me. 19 hours from central NC vs 12 to Miami....need to evaluate.

I'm in if you are.

 

[Bruce]

I'm in if you are.

@justason, we need you to committ!

 

[Bruce]

This is in my backyard but my wife has her last day of school on that Saturday.

I am really sorry that the dates conflict with school. That may be why there was availability that weekend. Unfortunately it was pretty much the only weekend with availability. @Rana may have inservice that week making us arrive late on Friday but fortunately our school is out the week before.

 

[txav8r]

As you said @jawsf16 , it's in your back yard! How about you coming over with the girls and let Melanie join Saturday? We need you bro!

 

[txav8r]

@Bruce ... not sure the difference, but I see 12 pods on my phone and on my mac, I see these...

Let's not make assumptions, ok?

 

[LyonsAR210]

@txav8r There are 12 pods (6 double sets). We were there in July and August...however, the two pods farthest in the cove were not in use because of water levels.

As for other places on Murray to camp...closest place is called Buzzards Roost, not too far south of the marina. It had tent and RV locations if someone is wanting that instead. Also, in the state park is cabins (far from water) and the lodge (smells like really old people and no slips for boats).

Tucker's tower is a good trip, suggest doing it early before it gets too hot. Speaking of which, water could still be a little cool this early in June (we went two years ago during this time and it was...but you never know about OK).

Good sandbar outside of the floating cabin inlet, just head a little NE out of the cove and you will see a buoy marking the shallows. To the far north of the lake is a good party beach, and to the far south is where people tie up in the cove (look for Marietta Landing).

Another cool thing to do if you have the means - they have some really nice off-road trails on the far NE side of the lake. Lots of 4-wheelers and Razors! It is fun to beach over there and hang out with the 4x4 group.

Unfortunately (and fortunately) I'll be in Mexico during this weekend. But we usually go to Murray 4-5 times a year. It's a good lake and less crowded than Texaoma.

Let me know if anyone has any questions about the pods or lake in general, I'll do my best to help!

 

[Bruce]

I announced the gathering on the Yamaha Boat Owners group on Facebook and the operator Shawn Allen has a lot of experience with Lake Murray.

He says

"I love lake Murray. I used to spend two week vacations there every year with friends. It's a lime stone bottom lake that's fed by fresh water springs. That's why it's so clear. Great dive lake as well. The floating cabins are really awesome. Friends rented one several years ago and I was amazed how nice they were inside. Tucker Tower is great to explore, it has a lot of displays inside."

"They also have ATV and horse rental. A small airport and trailer rental. We did the trailer rental one year. It was cheap and they even delivered the trailer, set it up and picked it up when I was done. It's also really close to Arbuckle Wilderness, which is a drive through exotic animal park. They have go carts and bounce houses for the kids. Turner Falls is also there. Great hiking and swimming."

@justason, I hear the words "great dive lake" and "exotic animal park" calling your name!

 

[txav8r]

I got it! 12 pods! I actually got it when you guys posted it, but the picture I got off of google on my mac only showed 8 and I asked Rodney about them and he confirmed that they had 12. I also understand that water levels fluctuate but maybe less than do Texoma. So the shallower pods may not be used or certainly won't allow a boat to be tied. They make up for that with a guest slip close to them however.

Here is more info...

LAKE MURRAY STATE PARK
3323 Lodge Rd
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401

Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Murray. Fishing, boating and all water sports are found at Lake Murray. Lake Murray Lodge offers guest rooms and suites, cabins, meeting space, The Apple Bin restaurant, and the Parlor. Other activities include golfing, picnics, camping, horseback riding, hayrides, hiking, biking, rollerblading, swimming, miniature golf and paddle boating. Sports facilities include an 18-hole golf course with a pro shop, tennis courts, softball fields, baseball diamond, horseshoe pits, badminton and volleyball nets. Wonderful ATV area for 3/4 wheelers, motorcycles and dirt bikes. Other facilities found in the park include an airstrip, bait and tackle shop, marina with rentals, swimming pool with a changing house, swimming beach, riding stable, remote control air field for hobbyists, miniature golf course and Frisbee golf. The Tucker Tower Nature Center features local artifacts, nature programs and activities conducted by the state park naturalist. Nine RV campgrounds with over 300 RV sites and unlimited tent sites throughout the park with full hookups, restrooms and showers. Cabin Rental & Lodge Rooms Toll Free (800) 257-0322 or Direct Line (580) 223-6600, Pro Shop (580) 223-6613, Tucker Tower Nature Center (580)223-2109, Park Office (580) 223-4044, Park Office Fax Number (580) 223-4052.

AREA ATTRACTIONS
Features/Facilities: Canoe Rental . Coffee Maker . Credit Cards Accepted . Fishing Boat Rental . Handicap Accessible . Horse Rental . Jet Ski/Waverunner Rental . Lake/River View . Outdoor Swimming Pool . Pontoon Rental . Restaurant on Site . Sailboat Rental . Satellite/Cable TV . Senior Discount . Ski Boat Rental . Suites . 5,728 Lake Acres . 12,496 Park Acres . Resort Inn (50 guest rooms & suites) . 7 Meeting Rooms (capacity of 400) . Apple Bin Restaurant . The Parlor (food, drinks & country music) . 8 Camping Areas, 450 Campsites . Assigned Campground . 3 Group Camps (capacities of 190, 180 & 160) . Nature Center . Naturalist . Nature & Hiking Trail . Motorcycle Trail . 3-Mile Shoreline Hike . Swimming Beach & Pool . Boating . Water Skiing . Horseback Riding & Equestrian Trail . Miniature Golf . Game Room . Marina (boat & personal watercraft rentals) . Grocery . Airstrip . Scuba Diving . Recreation Specialist . Ranger Programs . 56 cottages (some w/kitchenettes) . ATV Rentals 580-222-5220

 

[buckbuck]

13-1/2 hours, probably more pulling a boat. Hmmm...sure looks tempting. I would love to boat in clear water.

 

[txav8r]

We would love to see any of you guys from the midwest group! I told @OperationROL and @OperationROL's Wife when they were here, that we would love to make Shelbyville too...and that is certainly something I want to do in the future! This lake looks like a great place to hang for the weekend!

 

[txav8r]

I have updated the first post to reflect the following! The great folks at Lake Murray Floating Cabins (LMFC) has extended us a 20% discount!!! This is epic! And offers everyone an opportunity to experience living on the water for the weekend with us! They will sell out, so consider getting in on this fast. Just think, you have the whole off season to dream about it!

The LMSP folks have land based cabins and the lodge just across the parking lot from the LMFC, so anyone wanting to come to the gathering but stay on dry land has that option too. But make this decision now, they always sell out. This was our only weekend to even get any of the floating cabins, so lets all get on board and make this a gathering to remember. The direct line to the State Park folks for the land based cabins and lodge is (580)223-6600 or the 800 number is three posts up.

Remember, the discount is at LMFC only and really makes them attractive. The land based accommodations are with the LMSP and they are separate companies but are in the same place. The LMSP facilities along with the floating cabins, gives an option for all budgets and eliminates the reason to miss out on this great gathering! Put your name in the hat and call today!

 

[Scottintexas]

13-1/2 hours, probably more pulling a boat. Hmmm...sure looks tempting. I would love to boat in clear water.

@buckbuck @sstegh @Boat Crazy

You are allowed to show up without a boat and enjoy the ride on someone else's, that has been done before,

We need 2015 on board so everybody can see it in action