Dukes Forest Campground

🌲 **Introduction / Overview: Your Quiet Lakeside Basecamp at Lake Murray**

**Dukes Forest Campground**, located within the expansive and beautiful **Lake Murray State Park**, offers Oklahoma residents a distinct camping experience focused on tranquility, space, and group recreation. Situated on the west side of Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park, Dukes Forest is known for being one of the **smaller and less trafficked campgrounds** in the area. This characteristic makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful getaway, away from the busier, more crowded lakefront sites. As one camper noted, "It didn't have as many people as the other campgrounds around Lake Murray had," making it a perfect spot **if you like being away from people**.

The campground offers sites for both **RV and tent camping**, providing a valuable mix of accessibility for different visitor types. While the site is **not directly close to the water**, its forested location offers a beautiful, secluded atmosphere. The management staff are generally noted to be **nice** and committed to maintaining the area **clean and in working order**. However, like many older state park facilities, it is an area that is often cited as being **in need of an upgrade** by the State Park system—a sentiment shared by regular visitors who **host two huge camps per year here** and are **hopeful that the state will do the upgrade soon**.

Despite some areas needing modernization, the campground is valued for its reliable essentials. Campers who utilized the RV spots, even for tent camping, appreciated **having electricity and water nearby**. RV spots are generally reservable, while the dedicated **tent sites are first come first serve**. The park’s key strength lies in its spacious layout and dedicated areas for community use, which makes it particularly **great for groups** and those utilizing the sports facilities. Dukes Forest is a charming, slightly rustic slice of Lake Murray, highly recommended for its peace and potential for large gatherings.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Dukes Forest Campground is located on the west side of **Lake Murray State Park**, near Ardmore, Oklahoma, in Carter County. Lake Murray is situated conveniently near **I-35**, making the entire park system easily accessible from both Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth.

The official address places it along the area's main park road: **Dukes Forest Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA**.

Key location features:

• **Park Road Access:** The campground is located along the scenic Highway 77S loop that traverses the park.
• **North Boat Ramp Proximity:** A **nice boat ramp called the North Boat Ramp** is located just **half a mile up the road** from the campground, making water access for boaters simple and fast.
• **Distance from Water:** The campground is set back from the lake shoreline, which contributes to its quiet, secluded atmosphere, but means swimming and fishing require a short walk or drive.
• **Proximity to Ardmore:** The city of Ardmore is only a short drive away, providing quick access to essential services, gas stations, and restaurants.
• **State Park Fees:** Visitors should note that a **daily parking fee (starting at $10 per vehicle per day)** is now required throughout Lake Murray State Park, which is sometimes included in the camping reservation fee.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

Dukes Forest Campground provides essential camping services typical of an older state park, focusing on practical needs for both RV and tent campers.

• **Campsite Hookups:** Features **35 designated RV sites** offering **Water and 30-Amp Electric Hookups**. Some sites may offer full hookups; check the official TravelOK website for specific site details.
• **Reservation System:** RV sites operate on a **reservation system** through the TravelOK website, though the tent sites are typically **first-come, first-served**.
• **Sanitation Facilities:** Includes **Comfort Stations** with **restrooms and hot showers** (though one reviewer noted minor cleanliness issues with spiders/insects).
• **Waste Management:** A centrally located **RV dump station** is provided for the convenience of RV campers.
• **Picnic Areas:** Every site includes **picnic tables** (described as uncomfortable cement by one reviewer) and **fire rings** or grills for cooking.
• **Group Camping:** The park offers group camping options for both RVs and tents, with **group RV reservations available for five or more RVs**.

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✨ **Features and Highlights**

Dukes Forest Campground is particularly noted for its spacious layout and facilities catering to large groups and athletic activities, while also being recognized as one of the quieter spots in the state park.

• **Group-Friendly Facilities:** The campground features a large **Pavilion/Picnic Shelter** and a public **softball or baseball field**, making it a fantastic location for reunions, athletic camps, and large group gatherings.
• **Forested and Quiet Setting:** Its location slightly away from the primary lakefront areas ensures a **quiet spot** with a good sense of **separation from others**, surrounded by **forested terrain**.
• **North Boat Ramp Access:** Boaters benefit from the close proximity (about half a mile) to the **North Boat Ramp**, which is **perfect for launching your vessel**.
• **Variety of Sites:** Offers a mix of pull-through and back-in RV sites, along with dedicated tent camping areas, though tent campers often utilize the utility-equipped RV spots when available.
• **Proximity to Park Attractions:** Easy access to the vast recreational opportunities of Lake Murray State Park, including over **30 miles of hiking and biking trails** and the **Lake Murray Golf Course** nearby.
• **Mature Trees:** The park is characterized by mature shade trees, providing much-needed relief from the Oklahoma sun, though this also means campers should be mindful of possible hazards.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For reservations, current site fees, seasonal closures (as the park may close during winter), and to confirm the status of any planned upgrades, contact the Lake Murray State Park office directly.

Address: Dukes Forest Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA

Phone: (580) 223-4044 (Lake Murray State Park Office)

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🌟 **What Is Worth Choosing Dukes Forest Campground?**

For Oklahoma locals and groups, **Dukes Forest Campground** is worth choosing for two specific reasons: **unrivaled quiet seclusion** within a major state park and its **excellent facilities for group events**.

While other Lake Murray campgrounds are often crowded with direct lake views, Dukes Forest is known for its **low traffic, peaceful atmosphere, and forested sites**, offering the much-desired separation that allows for true relaxation. This quiet environment is a huge draw for tent campers who prioritize a tranquil setting.

Crucially, the presence of a **large picnic pavilion and a dedicated baseball/softball field** makes this campground uniquely suited for hosting **huge camps** and family reunions. It offers the required space and facilities to organize activities for large parties, differentiating it from the smaller, more dispersed sites elsewhere in the park.

Despite its older infrastructure and separation from the immediate shoreline, Dukes Forest provides **essential hookups, reliable management, and immediate access to the North Boat Ramp**. It is the ideal choice for the camper who values peace over lake views and needs a flexible, large space for their next group gathering at Lake Murray.