Rock Tower

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**Introduction / Overview**

Rock Tower Campground, nestled within the expansive and beloved Lake Murray State Park near Ardmore, Oklahoma, offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty and essential camping conveniences. Named for the historic stone water tower that stands nearby—a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work of the 1930s—this campground is a beautiful spot for Oklahoma residents seeking a peaceful retreat. It is situated on the eastern side of Lake Murray, providing easy access to the water while maintaining a pleasantly wooded and slightly more secluded atmosphere compared to some of the park's busier loops.

Rock Tower caters to both RV enthusiasts and traditional tent campers, offering a total of 26 sites. Unlike many state park campgrounds, it boasts full hookup services at its RV sites, making it a highly desirable location for a comfortable, extended stay. The setting is characterized by mature trees that offer natural shade, contributing to the quiet, relaxing environment that many campers seek. While acknowledging that every large state park has various offerings, customers note that Rock Tower, while perhaps "not the best campground at Lake Murray," is certainly "far from the worst," consistently providing the core amenities needed for a great trip, including clean facilities and easy lake access. It's the perfect middle-ground option for those who want convenience without sacrificing the feeling of being immersed in nature.

The surrounding Lake Murray State Park—Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park—ensures that beyond the campground boundaries, an abundance of recreational activities are waiting, from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing. Rock Tower acts as a quiet, functional, and well-equipped base camp for all your Southern Oklahoma adventures.

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**Location and Accessibility**

Rock Tower Campground is perfectly positioned within Lake Murray State Park, offering a blend of easy accessibility from major Oklahoma routes and a feeling of being 'out of the way.' This makes it simple to reach while still providing the tranquil, wooded setting that defines the camping experience.

**General Park Access:** The entrance to Lake Murray State Park is located conveniently near I-35, accessible a few miles east of Exit 24 or Exit 29 in Ardmore, OK 73401. This placement allows for a quick transition from highway travel to lakeside relaxation, a major advantage for weekend warriors from OKC or Dallas.

**Specific Location:** The campground is situated on the east end of the lake, known for its quieter coves and more private atmosphere. Its name is derived from the adjacent Rock Tower, which serves as a historic landmark within the park. The precise address for the park office is 13528 Scenic Hwy 77, Ardmore, OK 73401, which is the centralized point of contact, though the campground itself is located on an unnamed park road leading from the main scenic highway loop.

**Navigation:** Although individual campsite navigation is handled within the park's network of roads, GPS coordinates for the general area are approximately 34.07161 latitude, -97.10032 longitude. The site's location on the shoreline means many areas back right up to the "crystal clear lake," offering direct views and access for water activities.

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**Services Offered**

Rock Tower Campground ensures a comfortable and low-stress stay by providing a key set of services and utility hookups for its guests.

• **Full Hookup Sites:** A significant benefit for RVers, the campground offers sites equipped with full hookups, including electric (30 Amp and 50 Amp service), water, and sewage connections.
• **Tent Camping:** Dedicated areas and facilities are available for traditional tent camping enthusiasts, offering a more rustic experience near the water.
• **Restrooms with Showers:** Clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities are provided, a highly-valued amenity for both tent and RV campers.
• **RV Dump Station:** A convenient on-site sanitary dump station is available for RVs upon entry or exit from the park.
• **Picnic Amenities:** Each campsite includes picnic tables and fire rings or fire pits, perfect for outdoor dining and evening campfires (pending any burn bans).
• **Pavilion:** A picnic pavilion or covered gathering area is available for group use, a great resource for family reunions or group outings.
• **Pet Friendly:** Pets are allowed within the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and attended to, aligning with standard state park rules.

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**Features / Highlights**

The appeal of Rock Tower Campground extends beyond its basic utilities, offering unique features that enhance the Lake Murray camping experience for Oklahoma users.

• **Direct Lake Access and Boat Ramp:** The campground is located directly on the water, featuring a dedicated boat ramp within the camping area. This makes launching and retrieving boats, jet skis, or other watercraft extremely easy.
• **Historic Rock Tower Landmark:** The campground is named after the historic Rock Tower built by the CCC, providing a unique sense of history and a scenic point of interest within the park grounds.
• **Spacious and Wooded Sites:** The campsites are known for being more spacious than some other Lake Murray campgrounds, set among mature trees that provide natural shade, which is essential during Oklahoma summers.
• **Natural Seclusion:** Campers who prefer a quieter, less-crowded atmosphere often choose Rock Tower, noting that it provides a more secluded and tranquil experience compared to larger camping areas.
• **Playground:** A children's playground area is available within the campground, offering entertainment for younger visitors.
• **Proximity to Recreation:** Guests are minutes away from all the major Lake Murray attractions, including the Lodge, golf course, Tucker Tower, and miles of hiking/biking trails (like the Ski Jump Trail).
• **Reservations Accepted:** The park utilizes the State Park online reservation system (TravelOK), allowing campers to secure their spots in advance, especially important during peak season.

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**Contact Information**

As an active part of Lake Murray State Park, Rock Tower Campground does not have its own separate office or mailing address. All official inquiries, reservations, and general information are handled through the main Lake Murray State Park Office.

**Campground Name:** Rock Tower Campground (Part of Lake Murray State Park)

**Park Office Address:**

13528 Scenic Hwy 77

Ardmore, OK 73401

**Park Office Phone Number (For Information and Reservations Assistance):**

(580) 223-4044

**Note on Reservations:** All camping reservations must be made online via the official Oklahoma State Parks reservation portal (TravelOK website). Calling the park office is best for specific questions regarding site details or park alerts. It is also important to note that a daily parking fee is required throughout Lake Murray State Park, which should be registered online or upon arrival.

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**What is Worth Choosing**

For Oklahoma residents who frequently enjoy the state’s largest lake, Rock Tower Campground is worth choosing primarily for its **premium utilities in a natural setting**. The full hookup sites (water, sewer, and electric) are a crucial feature that provides a true 'home-away-from-home' comfort, allowing RVers to fully relax without constant concern over tank levels—a significant upgrade over many standard state park electric/water-only sites. This convenience is coupled with the luxury of having a **spacious, shaded campsite** among mature trees, directly addressing the core desire of many campers: comfort and communion with nature.

The second compelling reason to choose Rock Tower is its **unmatched access to Lake Murray**. With an integrated, dedicated boat ramp right within the campground, launching your boat, kayak, or jet ski is exceptionally easy. For anyone who plans their vacation around being on the water—fishing, cruising, or skiing—the elimination of long drives to a public ramp is invaluable. The fact that the campsites are on the shoreline, with some backing up to the clear waters, allows you to immerse yourself in the lake experience from dawn till dusk.

Finally, Rock Tower offers a genuine sense of **tranquility and history**. Being a smaller, more secluded loop on the eastern side of the park, it often feels quieter than the more central, bustling campgrounds. While one review noted occasional noise from a neighboring dog, the overall sentiment is one of peace. The presence of the historic CCC Rock Tower provides a unique, nostalgic connection to the park's past. For the discerning Oklahoma camper who prioritizes full functionality, direct water access, and a peaceful, shaded environment over a heavily commercialized resort feel, Rock Tower Campground stands out as an excellent, reliable choice at Lake Murray.

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