Tag: State Parks

As I headed westward from Louisiana to San Diego, I stopped at Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I went via Dallas, Texas, and didn’t even recognize the city I used to live in. From the explosive growth came a concrete jungle with highway interchanges as tall as skyscrapers and strip malls covering every inch of land from Dallas to to Denton – some 40 miles. Lake Murray State Park is located about 1/2 way between Dallas, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, just off Interstate 35 and about 10 minutes from the center of Ardmore, Oklahoma.

*Picture:* Northern Park Entrance at US-70 and Route 77S

About the Park

Named after Oklahoma Gov. William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, Lake Murray State Park comprises a 12,496-acre recreational area and a 5,728-acre, man-made lake created by the damming of the Fourche Maline and Anadarche creeks. Lake Murray’s crystal-clear spring-fed waters and 150 miles of shoreline welcome a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and camping. There is a $10 fee per day to park anywhere in the park that you pay through an app or you can pay cash at the park office. You’ll see signs at every parking lot, but only need to pay once per day.

Lake Murray State Park is the first and largest state park in Oklahoma and was constructed during the era of Pres. Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and part of several New Deal Agencies including the Civilian Conservation Corp or CCC, which I have written about in my past blogs about other state parks; and the Works Progress Administration or WPA. The solons envisioned the park as a relatively cheap recreational environment for the citizens of Oklahoma (I beg to differ with a $10 parking fee). Two main group camps were created, along with a “Negro” camp. Lake Murray State Park became the only state park built by the National Park Service to provide permanent camping facilities for black youth.

Staying at the park is easy with your choice between RV and tent campgrounds, 56 cabins dotted throughout beautiful Lake Murray State Park, and The Lake Murray Lodge with 32 rooms. The Lodge has a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a splash pad area, and a miniature golf course.

Pictures: Northern Park Map | Southern Park Map

Top 5 Activities at Lake Murray State Park

Lake Murray State Park is definitely a destination for boating and water activities, as well as camping. My impression was that it’s more of a “resort” and not the woodsy, outdoors, and rustic parks that I personally prefer to visit. This particular list of activities is ranked in what I feel are the common uses for the park.

Boating and Water Activities: Lake Murray is a large reservoir, and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities. The park has boat ramps, a marina, and designated swimming areas.
Camping: For those looking to extend their stay, Lake Murray State Park offers camping facilities. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are options available within the park.
Golfing: Lake Murray State Park features an 18-hole golf course known as the Lake Murray State Park Golf Course. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by the park’s picturesque scenery.
Visit the Tucker Tower Nature Center: Tucker Tower is a historic structure located within the park that now serves as a nature center. It was originally designed to be a summer home for the governors of Oklahoma and today it is the home of the Nature Center and providing educational exhibits about the area’s natural history and offering panoramic views of Lake Murray.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the natural beauty of the park by taking advantage of its hiking and nature trails, which span over 30 miles in total. These trails offer a chance to see local wildlife and enjoy scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

Let the Driving Tour Begin!

I spoke with the receptionist at my hotel in Ardmore and she gave me some good recommendations on the sights to see which included the Fishing Pier and Tucker Tower, but added that Tucker Tower was currently closed for repairs. After breakfast, I headed out to the park, entering from the north entrance by the Lake Country Store, then taking Route 77S, the scenic highway around the park and lake. I did find it odd that the speed limit on 77S is 45 mph, which I thought was fast and not conducive to enjoying your drive around the park.

Before I continue, I wanted to give you some background and context on my visit. I felt as if Lake Murray State Park is best explored if you are staying there for a couple of days, which I did not do. I also think having access to a boat is key to fully enjoying the park, which I did not have. I personally love hiking, and to be frank, outside of my jaunt to Buzzards Roost, I didn’t find the trails very interesting. I also think that because my visit was in November, there wasn’t a lot open at the park and it lacked energy from having people around. So hopefully that will help if you are looking to visit the park.

With that said, I first stopped at the Pecan Grove Picnic Area, and yes, you have to pay to park here. It is a typical picnic area and there is a trail that you can take back north to the Lake Country Store and along the lake.

Pictures: Pecan Grove Picnic Area

Pictures: The trail at Pecan Grove Picnic area

Next up was the North Boat Ramp, where you get your first view of the lake. I had to laugh as I pulled into the parking area and saw a parking enforcement officer in his car, which I certainly didn’t expect to see, especially on a quiet Monday. So I guess they take their parking fee seriously.

As I continued south, Dukes Forest Campground was next, but it was closed for the season. Shortly after this, there is a small parking area and the Johnson Memorial Bridge, an arched bridge named in honor of E.J. Johnson, project superintendent for the CCC work projects here at Lake Murray.

Pictures: Memorial Bridge | Large Boulder by the Bridge | Plaque about the Bridge

Next, I took Gatehouse Road towards the lake, which will take you to several camping areas and sights – Elephant Rock Camp, Cedar Point Camp, and Tipp’s Point Boar Launch. Gatehouse Road also dead ends into a parking lot with a view of the lake. As I drove through this area, I saw the only wildlife on my tour, some deer.

Pictures: Lake Murray from Elephant Rock Campground

The Lake Murray Lodge

Lodge Road, the western park entrance, is next on the tour. At the intersection of Route 77S and Lodge Road is one of the Park Offices, which to my surprise was closed. As you drive towards the lake, you’ll first pass some of the park’s cabins and then you’ll arrive at The Lake Murray Lodge – home to an outdoor pool, miniature golf, and a water sports rental center. There are also floating cabins nearby. As you leave the area, you’ll pass the Historic Water Tower, vital to the park’s cabins and lodge during their initial years of operation.

Pictures: One of the Cabins | The Lodge’s Outdoor Pool

Pictures: Miniature Golf Course | Water Sports Rental Center

Pictures: Lake Murray Lodge

Pictures: The Historic Water Tower

Some of the Water Activities

The Fishing Pier, recommended by the hotel receptionist, is right after the Lodge Area. For the record and as I know it, a pier is built out into the water, while a bridge crosses the water from shore to shore. Sorry State of Oklahoma, this is a bridge and not a pier. I walked across the “pier” as I wanted to hike some of the trails in the park, only to find a yellow stake in the ground, a trail guide of sorts, that was hardly legible and written with a Sharpie. Really?!

I ended up hiking about 1/4 mile and as I was unsure where the trail went, I turned back and went up another trail along the water’s edge. From here I got a nice view of the “pier” and the cove. This trail wasn’t well marked, so I turned around and headed back to my car. On my way, I ran into a woman with a strong accent, either Eastern European or German, walking her dogs. She stopped me to see if I knew about the trails and where this trail went. I told her that the Park Office was closed and I wasn’t able to get a trail map. With that she pulled out the maps she got from the Park Office – they were detailed topographic maps, that were so small you needed a magnifying glass to read, and so detailed you needed a PhD in Rocket Science to decipher them. I think the State needs to hire me as a Park Consultant.

Pictures: Sign at the Parking Lot | The Fishing “Pier”

Pictures: Trail Guide? | View of the Cove and Lake

The Marina

Lake Murray Marina currently features 352 boat slips which should not be a surprise as boating is probably the number one feature of the park. The marina is accessible from Boat Dock Road and a portion of it is accessible from Buzzards Roost. For those wanting to just enjoy the water, there is the Lake Murray Marina Beach. From the marina, you also get a direct view of Tucker Tower Nature Center. This happened to be my only view of the infamous Tower as the road to the tower was closed on the day of my visit.

Pictures: The Marina

Pictures: My only view of Tucker Tower | The Entrance to Tucker Tower Nature Center

*Picture:* Tucker Tower Nature Center with the Marina in the background

The Best for Last

Buzzards Roost Road ends on the south side of the Marina. Along this road, you’ll see one of the original CCC Picnic Pavillions, constructed of large timbers and native stones. Next to the Buzzards Roost Campground, there is a small parking lot and the remnants of a cabin or building. To the right of the building is a set of stone stairs that will take you up to the Roost. Once on top, you can hike to either the left or right. I went in both directions and eventually found openings in the rocks where I had the most incredible and magnificent views of the lake and surrounding area. You can tell hiking, especially up and through rocks, is my jam!

Pictures: CCC Picnic Pavillion

Pictures: Building Remnants

Pictures: Some of the Stairs to the Roost

Pictures: Trail along the Roost | Selfie on the Roost

Pictures: Views from the Roost

I finished my tour with a stop to get a view of the lake from a higher elevation, then a stop at Rock Tower. Overall it was a nice and interesting park that I would probably visit if I lived in the area, but I certainly wouldn’t list it as a destination park or a park I would make a special trip to.

Pictures: Lake Murray | Rock Tower

Date of Visit: 14 November 2023

Cape Henlopen State Park | Delaware

By Stephen

On January 20, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | best state parks list

Cape Henlopen State Park is a fascinating park, that offers so many different experiences and is worthy of visiting on multiple days. In fact, I would suggest using Lewes, Delaware or another nearby city as a vacation hub – Cape May, New Jersey (blog post coming soon) is a short ferry ride across the bay and Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are about an hour away. There is so much to do in the area.

A Guys Day

I specifically came to Lewes, Delaware to visit my friends Amanda and Phil. We all took the short trip to Assateague State Park and had a blast. However, on this day, Amanda had to work, so it was just Phil and I for a guy’s day out. That morning both Phil and I had a little work to finish before we headed out. I also made a little breakfast nosh, Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Delish! On the way to the park, we stopped by to see Amanda at the local Golf Club she bartends for a Bloody Mary. Let’s get this party started!

*Picture:* Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast

About the Park

Cape Henlopen State Park, nestled on Delaware’s picturesque coast, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this coastal gem boasts pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and lush maritime forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a network of scenic trails, ideal for hiking and biking, while birdwatchers delight in the park’s diverse avian inhabitants.

History buffs can explore the iconic World War II observation towers that stand as silent sentinels along the shoreline. The park’s centerpiece, the historic Fort Miles, provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s military past. Visitors can also indulge in water activities, from swimming in the Atlantic to fishing and kayaking in the park’s tidal salt marshes. With its rich ecological diversity and recreational charm, Cape Henlopen State Park beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers alike to discover the magic of Delaware’s coastal wonders.

Pictures: Park Maps were the focus of our visit, specifically the left-hand map.

Top 5 Activities

Explore the Beaches: Cape Henlopen State Park offers pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the refreshing waters, or engage in beachcombing and seashell collecting.
Hiking and Biking Trails: The park features an extensive network of scenic trails, including the popular Gordon’s Pond Trail and the Seaside Nature Trail. Hikers and bikers can immerse themselves in the park’s diverse landscapes, from coastal dunes to lush forests.
Visit Fort Miles: History enthusiasts can explore the historic Fort Miles, which played a crucial role in coastal defense during World War II. The fort features bunkers, observation towers, and informative exhibits, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area’s military history.
Birdwatching: Cape Henlopen is a haven for birdwatchers, offering diverse habitats for numerous bird species. Bring your binoculars and observe the variety of shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors that inhabit the park, especially during migratory seasons.
Water Activities: The park’s coastal location provides opportunities for various water activities. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck from the fishing pier, and kayakers can explore the tidal salt marshes. The park’s natural beauty is best experienced from the water, adding an extra layer of adventure to your visit.

Reliving our Childhood

Both Phil and I grew up in an era of G.I. Joe and are both history buffs, so our first stop was Fort Miles. We had also visited Cape May, New Jersey the day before, where we initially learned about the observation towers and gun bunkers in the area. When visiting the park you have to go up into one of the Observation Towers. The observation towers have a rich history dating back to their construction during World War II when they served as lookout posts for coastal defense. These towers played a crucial role in monitoring the Delaware coast for potential enemy activity. Triangulation techniques were employed in their design, ensuring precise alignment and effective surveillance capabilities during their wartime function. Today, the observation towers are iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Pictures: One of the Observation Towers | About the Observation Towers

Pictures: Spiral Staircase to the Top | Selfie on the Top of the Tower

Pictures: Views from the Observation Slots

*Picture:* View from the Observation Slots with the main gun battery

Battery 519

From the parking lot, it is a short walk to Battery 519, a 15,000-square-foot fortified underground chamber. Today, the main battery houses the Fort Miles Museum. Along the initial part of the walk, you’ll pass some of the original barracks and several of the weapons that were used to protect the fort and the coast. And of course, our inner childhood came out. . .

Pictures: The Barracks area and some of the weapons used to protect the fort.

Pictures: Boys will be Boys

As you walk up to the main bunker and Museum, you’ll see a couple of the guns used to protect the coast during WW II. The largest gun on display actually came from the USS Missouri, Mighty MO. This massive gun could shoot a 2700-pound shell over 20 miles with pinpoint accuracy. And you can see the damage such a shell can make on the thick steel of a Japanese ship during the war.

Pictures: Mighty Mo’s Big Gun | A shell and the type of damage it did to a Japanese ship

*Picture:* One of the guns used to protect the coast

Pictures: Fort Miles Museum

Pictures: Views from the Museum terrace

Beach Time

From Fort Miles, we continued our loop around the park and headed for the Senator David B. McBride Beach Bathhouse. It is a gorgeous facility with a boardwalk to the beach. I can only imagine how busy this place must be in the summer – remember our visit was at the beginning of November.

Pictures: McBride Beach Bathhouse | Boardwalk to the Beach

Pictures: Pillar on the Beach | Only the Shadows Know

Birds of Prey

Right next to the Bathhouse area, you can spot the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Tower. This spot used to be a military bunker, but now it’s a great place to watch different types of raptors fly by. It’s pretty neat that they keep count of all the birds they’ve seen yesterday and overall. So if you’re interested in birdwatching, this is the perfect spot!

Pictures: The Bunker beneath the Hawk Watch | The Hawk Watch Tower

Pictures: Daily and To Date Raptor Sightings | View from the Hawk Watch Tower

The Point

Next up, my favorite part of the park – The Point. The beach was so chill and beautiful! We didn’t have enough time to check the whole thing out, though. Next time, I’d love to take a longer hike out to the point. We noticed a ton of horseshoe crab shells scattered around the beach. Later, we learned that the Delaware Bay and the area off of Cape Henlopen has the world’s largest spawning population of horseshoe crabs, which are the official State Marine Animal. They look like they’re straight out of the movie Predator, pretty cool! We also got to see a couple of other native crabs that were still alive.

Pictures: A couple of the Horseshoe Crab shells

Pictures: Some of the other crabs we saw, per Google Lens – Lady Crab (r) and Ghost Crab (l)

Last Stop – The Fishing Pier

The fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park offers a stunning view of the Delaware Bay, with sights of the Ferry port, The Point, a lighthouse, and Cape May, New Jersey. I met several fishermen on the pier who had caught Tautog or Blackfish that day, a fish species that is popular in chowders and similar to Red Snapper. I highly recommend a visit to Cape Henlopen State Park for a great day out!

Historic Downtown Lewes

After a long day, we hit up historic downtown Lewes for a refreshing libation and snack at the Pink Pony, the bar at Bramble & Brine at The Butttery. It’s a super cute bar with hundreds of equestrienne ribbons, and definitely worth checking out when you’re in Lewes.