Ardmore, Oklahoma: An I-35 Stop That Deserves More Than One Night

Ardmore is one of those I-35 stops that people set a single night for and end up wishing they'd planned three. It's 90 minutes north of Dallas and 90 minutes south of Oklahoma City — a natural midpoint on one of America's busiest north-south corridors. Most RVers pull off at the Love's at Exit 32, top off diesel, maybe grab dinner, and keep moving.

But seven miles south of the interstate, Lake Murray State Park spreads across 12,500 acres — Oklahoma's first and largest state park, with floating cabins on the lake and a 65-foot stone tower with panoramic views. Downtown, the Main Street was voted "America's Favorite" by Today Show viewers. And 17 miles northeast, the Gene Autry Museum houses the most extensive B-Western film collection in the country. All of this, and 10 dump stations in the area.

Dump Stations

Ten dump stations serve the Ardmore-Lake Murray area. Lake Murray State Park has dump facilities at several of its six campgrounds. The private RV parks near the lake also offer dump access for guests. If you're just passing through, the parks along I-35 have dump services.

Browse all Ardmore area dump stations

Where to Camp

Lake Murray State Park — The Reason to Stay

Seven miles south of Ardmore via SH-77S. Six campgrounds surround the 5,728-acre lake — Elephant Rock, Cedar Cove, and Tipps Point are the most popular. Full hookup sites are available at some campgrounds, while others offer water and electric only. Dump stations in the park.

What makes Lake Murray special: fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish; a full-service marina; swimming beaches; an 18-hole golf course; horseback riding; an ATV area; and floating cabins on the lake if you want a night off from the RV. Tucker Tower — a 65-foot stone tower originally built as a retreat for Oklahoma's governor — offers one of the best views in southern Oklahoma. Climb the stairs.

Note: Elephant Rock, Cedar Cove, and Tipps Point campgrounds are gated. Plan your arrival before the gates close, or choose one of the ungated campgrounds.

By The Lake RV Park

Off I-35 Exit 24, about 2 miles from Lake Murray. Full hookups, boat storage, dog-friendly area. A good base if you want proximity to both the lake and the interstate.

Shangri-La RV Resort

Two miles from Lake Murray, between Ardmore and Marietta. Quiet and shady, away from highway noise. Full hookups. If you want peace and quiet over convenience, this is the pick.

Ardmore Lakes RV Resort

Minutes from the lake with wide RV sites, cabins, and resort-style amenities. Full hookups.

Tornado Season: What RVers Must Know

Ardmore sits in Tornado Alley. Sixteen tornadoes have been recorded in the area since 1875, with the highest risk in April and May. This isn't a reason to avoid the area — it's a reason to be prepared.

• Keep a NOAA weather radio in your RV. The city operates outdoor warning sirens, but if you're at Lake Murray or a campground outside city limits, the radio is your lifeline.
• Know your shelter plan. If a tornado warning is issued, get to a permanent structure — the RV is not safe. Park buildings, restrooms, and the Lake Murray lodge are options.
• Watch the sky, especially in spring. Oklahoma storms can develop rapidly. If the sky turns green-gray and the wind drops suddenly, take shelter immediately.
• May is the wettest month (4.8 inches). Plan accordingly for spring visits.

When to Visit

Things to Do

• Downtown Ardmore Main Street — Voted "America's Favorite Main Street" by Today Show readers. Brick sidewalks, boutiques, and a diverse restaurant scene. A genuine small-town American Main Street that hasn't been overtaken by chains.
• Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum (17 miles NE) — Housed in the old Berwyn schoolhouse, this museum has the most extensive private B-Western film and memorabilia collection on public display in the US. Even if you're not a Western movie fan, the history of this part of Oklahoma is fascinating.
• Greater Southwest Historical Museum — In a 1936 WPA-built National Guard Armory downtown. Covers south-central Oklahoma from the First Americans through the oil boom to today.
• Charles B. Goddard Center — A major regional arts institution since 1970. Western and contemporary art from the permanent collection. Free admission.
• Tucker Tower at Lake Murray — The hike up is easy, and the 360-degree view from the top is worth every step.

RV Services

• Fuel: Love's Travel Stop #266 at I-35 Exit 32 — diesel, DEF, RV-friendly lanes. Additional stations along US-70 and US-77.
• Propane: Love's has propane bottles and fill. LP Gas Inc (20174 FM 103) handles bulk tank fills.
• RV Repair: Affordable Service of Ardmore offers mobile RV repair — they come to your location. 20+ years in business.
• Groceries: Walmart Supercenter on US-70 (Commerce Street). Hit this before heading to the lake.

Plan Your Ardmore Stop

The easy play is one night at Exit 32 between Dallas and OKC. The better play is three nights at Lake Murray with day trips to Main Street and the museums. Either way, you'll find the dump stations and services you need.

Browse all 10 Ardmore dump stations | All Oklahoma dump stations