Discover the Clearest Lake in Oklahoma

The U.S. state of Oklahoma is home to over 200 lakes, which together provide over 1 million surface acres. Every year, thousands of people flock to these lakeshores to boat, fish and swim.

However, before you jump into a body of water, you may want to know whether it is clean, clear, and safe to swim in. This article introduces you to the body of water that some people consider to be the clearest lake in Oklahoma: Lake Murray.

Lake Murray has gained a great reputation as being one of the cleanest, clearest lakes in Oklahoma. In this article, we will discuss the lake’s source, what causes the water to appear clear or murky, and some of the major wildlife species living in and near the lake. Let’s dive in now! 

About Lake Murray, the Clearest Lake in Oklahoma

Lake Murray is a beautiful spring-fed lake in Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Lake Murray State Park is the largest park in Oklahoma and offers the opportunity for many sports and recreational activities, from biking to hiking and camping, golfing, and horseback riding.

This first state park in Oklahoma has over 12,500 acres of forested land. This scenic park also contains crystal-clear Lake Murray, which provides ample opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and much more. 

Lake Murray has 5,900 surface acres and 650 miles of shoreline. At its deepest, this lake is over 100 feet deep. This lake was made by damming the Fourche Maline and Anadarche creeks. 

Lake Murray has several boat loading zones, where you can bring your kayak or boat to launch onto the shining blue waters and enjoy the ample sunshine. Visitors report that the water is so clear, you can often see to the bottom of the lake. 

Why Lake Murray Is So Clear

Lake Murray is a reservoir, which is a man-made lake where water is stored. Like other reservoirs, Lake Murray was created by damming multiple streams. In general, reservoir water often appears quite clear. This is because the water itself is very still. This lack of movement allows sediment to sink to the bottom of the lake. This makes the water look much cleaner because it is not muddied by sand and dirt. As a result, much of the clearest-looking water is found in reservoirs. 

Reservoirs are the main source of drinking water for many cities and towns across the country. In part, this is because having reservoirs made from dammed water allows states to control the flow. They can limit what flows downstream and even harness the hydroelectric potential of the water. From dams and waterways, cities can use the water. The water that flows into a reservoir is often diverted into water processing plants. From there, it can be disbursed throughout a town or other area.

Park History and Things to Do at Lake Murray

Dating back to the 1930s, Lake Murray State Park is famous as Oklahoma’s first state park. It gained its name in honor of the former Oklahoma governor, William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray. Back in the 1930s, President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal allowed the state to create Lake Murray with labor from the Works Progress Administration. The vision at the time was to make water recreation and the parklands accessible for Oklahoma residents, who could enjoy the many park activities.

Today, the reservoir and surrounding park area have a lodge, cabins, campsites, hiking trails, beaches, and much more. With so many opportunities for outdoor adventure, Lake Murray is now among the state’s most popular spots for fishing and boating. Grab a swimsuit and a towel and swim in the lake’s clear waters, take your boat out, or bring your golf clubs to make your way around the course. 

If hiking is more your vibe, enjoy the trail system! The multi-use trails are a great opportunity for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Try one of the rocky trails, make your way through the forests, and pack your waterproof hiking boots to prepare for mud after a storm. You will find water stations and restrooms at most trailheads.

Wildlife Near Lake Murray

Being spring-fed, Lake Murray has water from Fourche Maline Creek, a tributary of the Poteau River, and Andarche Creek. This creek is a habitat for numerous fish species, including bream, bluegill, catfish, smallmouth bass, carp, and rainbow trout. Lake Murray itself is full of largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and walleye.

Nearby the water, you can find turtles, snakes, and many amphibians. In Oklahoma and areas near Lake Murray, you may also see mammals such as white-tail deer, armadillos, bobcats, prairie dogs, beavers, bears, and even bison.

Outside of the lake’s waters, look out for the many bird species that make their way through the park and surrounding sky. You may see species such as eagles, red-tailed hawks, scissor-tailed flycatchers, quail, turkey vultures, and iconic roadrunners. 

Where is Lake Murray Located on a Map?

Lake Murray, a reservoir located in the U.S. state of South Carolina, spans approximately 50,000 acres and boasts an extensive shoreline of around 650 miles. Its establishment dates back to the late 1920s when it was impounded with the primary purpose of supplying hydroelectric power to the state of South Carolina.

Here is Lake Murray on a map: