Group Camp #1

🏖 **Introduction / Overview**

For Oklahoma residents and organizations planning large-scale events—be it an annual family reunion, a corporate team-building retreat, a youth camp, or a substantial group gathering—**Group Camp #1** at the renowned **Lake Murray State Park** near Ardmore, OK, is a unique and highly sought-after destination. This is not a typical campground with individual sites; rather, it is a **dedicated, self-contained group facility** designed to accommodate large numbers of people with a blend of rustic charm and essential modern utilities. Located within Oklahoma's first and largest state park, Group Camp #1 offers exclusivity and scale that few other venues can match.

The camp has a long history, with many of its original structures dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era of the 1930s, imbuing it with a genuine sense of Oklahoma heritage. Recent updates to the facilities, including the main kitchen and meeting areas, have enhanced its functionality while preserving its historical character. It provides a comprehensive solution for groups, offering a central gathering space, dedicated sleeping cabins, and essential RV hookups, all within a beautiful, secluded setting on the shores of Lake Murray. It is a true 'home base' where large groups can gather and manage their stay efficiently while enjoying the immense recreational opportunities of the surrounding state park.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Group Camp #1 is strategically situated along the northern tip of **Lake Murray State Park**, just a short drive from Ardmore, Oklahoma. The park is easily accessible, located approximately three miles east of Interstate 35 (I-35) via Exits 24 or 29, making it a convenient meeting point for groups traveling from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or North Texas. The official listed address is **Ardmore, OK 73401, USA**, though access is specifically managed through the main park routes and is located off Field Trial Road.

This specific location within the sprawling 12,500-acre state park offers a sense of seclusion and privacy, which is crucial for group events that require dedicated space. It is situated away from the high-traffic individual campgrounds and the main lodge area, giving groups their own exclusive domain. Importantly, the camp’s northern location places it near other specialized park features, including the **RC (remote control) Flying Field** and the **Field Trial Area**, allowing for varied recreational activities. Its setting on Lake Murray provides direct, **private access** to the water, a key feature for family reunions and retreats centered around water activities.

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🛃 **Services Offered**

Group Camp #1 is set up to handle the logistics of a large gathering, offering facilities that go far beyond standard park camping amenities. The services are designed for collective use and include:

• Centralized Kitchen/Dining Hall: A recently updated, large **kitchen and meeting hall** with air conditioning, featuring commercial-grade equipment like a large stove, oven, walk-in refrigerator, and separate freezer, along with ample prep and cleaning space.
• Group Cabins: Multiple rustic **sleeping cabins** (some newly updated) with twin-size beds, providing organized sleeping arrangements for a large number of guests (historically able to sleep 125-175 guests across the facility). While some older cabins may lack AC, they offer electricity.
• Community Bathrooms and Showers: **Centralized comfort stations** with showers and flush toilets are available for guests staying in the cabins.
• RV Hookup Sites: The camp includes a limited number of **RV sites with electric hookups** to accommodate group members who prefer to bring their recreational vehicles.
• Private Water Access: A key service is the **private lake access and boat ramp**, allowing the group exclusive use of a section of Lake Murray’s shoreline.
• Meeting and Recreation Hall: A large space, often recently updated, that serves as the **main meeting and gathering hall** for meals, activities, and indoor events.
• Utilities Provided: The kitchen/dining area comes **fully stocked** with essential pots, pans, plates, cups, and utensils, drastically simplifying catering and meal preparation for group organizers.

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🏆 **Features / Highlights**

The defining features of Group Camp #1 are its capacity, its comprehensive facilities, and its unique private access, making it a standout choice for organized retreats in Oklahoma:

• Exclusive Group Capacity: The camp is specifically designed for **very large groups**, with the capability to house over 100 people across the various cabins and RV sites, ensuring the entire party can stay together.
• Full Commercial-Style Kitchen: The centerpiece is the **large, air-conditioned kitchen and dining hall**, essential for self-catering events like family reunions, offering tools that surpass standard park grills.
• Private Lakefront Amenities: Groups benefit from having a **private swimming beach** and a **dedicated boat ramp**, enhancing the exclusivity of their Lake Murray experience.
• Recreational Courts: On-site sports facilities include **volleyball and basketball courts**, providing organized activities for all ages within the camp grounds.
• Historic Charm: The cabins and structures, many built during the 1930s by the CCC, offer a unique **historical ambiance** that adds character and depth to the stay.
• Recent Updates: The facility has seen **recent updates and renovations** (including new cabins and kitchen/hall improvements), ensuring that while the setting is historic, the core facilities are clean and functional.

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📩 **Contact Information**

Since Group Camp #1 is a specific, large-scale facility within the larger state park, reservations and inquiries are typically handled through the main park office or the state park system's central booking line. It is highly advised to contact them directly due to the specialized nature of the booking:

Address: **Ardmore, OK 73401, USA** (Located within Lake Murray State Park)

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

Reservations Toll-Free: **(800) 257-0322** (General Oklahoma State Parks Reservations)

Given the camp's popularity for family reunions and large gatherings, booking must typically be made well in advance, often up to a year out, to secure the desired dates.

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🧾 **What is Worth Choosing**

For any Oklahoma group seeking a dedicated, large-scale venue, Group Camp #1 at Lake Murray State Park is the quintessential choice. What makes it unequivocally worth choosing is its **unmatched capacity and full-service, exclusive setup**. You are not just renting campsites; you are renting an entire private retreat center. The ability to accommodate over a hundred people in both **cabins and RV sites** simultaneously is a rare feature in Oklahoma state parks.

The **industrial kitchen and updated meeting hall** are game-changers for large groups, eliminating the complexity of food preparation and communal dining. Furthermore, the **private access to the lake**—including a dedicated swimming area and boat ramp—provides a secure and exclusive environment for water-based fun without the crowds of public beaches. While the pricing reflects the scale and specialized amenities, the value delivered for a massive family reunion or a significant organizational event is substantial. For large Oklahoma groups looking for a seamless, amenity-rich, and memorable Lake Murray experience, Group Camp #1 is the ultimate logistical and recreational solution.