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Oklahoma
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Oklahoma State Parks

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USA Parks
Oklahoma
Central Region
Lake Thunderbird State Park
Lake Thunderbird State Park © Hu Nhu / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Oklahoma sunset shadows at Lake Thunderbird State Park.
Lake Thunderbird State Park © intenteffect / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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LAKE THUNDERBIRD STATE PARK
LAKE THUNDERBIRD STATE PARK
13101 Alameda Drive
Norman, Oklahoma   73026
(lat:35.2364 lon:-97.2518) map location

Phone: 405-360-3572
Lake Thunderbird State Park offers a variety of water activities and recreation. The park features two marinas, nine boat ramps and two swim beaches. Accommodations include over 200 RV sites with 30 full hookup sites, restroom facilities and primitive campsites. Lake Thunderbird State Park also features playgrounds, picnic tables and an archery range. A total of ten picnic shelters for groups and eight family shelters, as well as tent and RV campgrounds, can be reserved.
History of the Area
Established in 1965, the park is located east of Norman, Oklahoma. It was created around Lake Thunderbird which spans over 6,000 acres. The lake itself was constructed between 1962 and 1965 by the Bureau of Reclamation to provide water for nearby communities.

The area offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, hiking trails and camping facilities. Two marinas were added later providing boat rentals and storage as well as fishing supplies.

In addition to outdoor pursuits like hunting or horseback riding on equestrian trails; it also houses an archery range & wildlife viewing areas.

Despite its popularity among locals for recreation purposes; there have been concerns about pollution levels due to urban runoff from surrounding cities affecting water quality since late '90s.

Swimming
1. Lake Thunderbird State Park offers two designated swimming areas: Little Sandy and Clear Bay.
2. Swimming is free of charge at both locations.
3. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
4. Both beaches have picnic tables for visitors to use after their swim.
5. The park also allows open water swimming outside the designated beach areas but recommends caution due to boat traffic.
6. Beaches typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two marinas where you can rent different types of boats, including sailboats, paddleboards and motorized watercrafts. The lake is also open to personal vessels with several boat ramps available around the area for easy access to the water. For those interested in sailing lessons or joining local regattas, there's an active yacht club on site as well.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing from the shoreline or a boat. Species include largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and several types of sunfish. There are two marinas offering bait shops for supplies. Fishing tournaments occur regularly throughout the year.


Location
Lake Thunderbird State Park is located near Choctaw, Lexington and Noble

Picnicking
Lake Thunderbird State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. Some spots offer lake views or woodland settings.
Trails
1. Clear Bay Trail: This trail is divided into three sections - Yellow, Green and Blue with a total length of 15 miles. It offers scenic views of the lake.

2. Indian Point Trail: A moderately difficult hiking path that stretches for approximately two miles along Lake Thunderbird's shoreline offering beautiful water vistas.

3. Hog Creek Loop Trails North & South: These are short trails each measuring about one mile in length; they provide hikers an opportunity to explore dense forest areas around the park's northwest corner.

4. Little Axe Campground Nature Pathway: With only half-mile long, this easy pathway takes you through wooded terrain near Little Axe campground area providing opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

5. The Fitness Course Walking Track at Discovery Cove Nature Center: An easy walking track which includes fitness stations throughout its course encouraging physical activity while enjoying nature surroundings.

6. Peebly Road Bicycle Route: Though not specifically designed as a hiking trail but it does offer another way to enjoy outdoor activities within Lake Thunderbird State Park stretching over six-miles on Peebly road from Highway 9 East entrance towards south end boat ramp.

7. South Dam Tent Area Footpath: Located close by camping sites, this footpath provides campers quick access to fishing docks or just leisure walks during their stay.
Bicycling
Bicycling enthusiasts can explore two main trails: Clear Bay and Hog Creek. Be cautious, as terrain varies significantly.

Clear Bay trail spans 15 miles with moderate to difficult levels of difficulty due to rocky sections.

Hog Creek Trail is shorter at around six miles but offers a challenging ride through wooded areas and steep hillsides.

Both paths are multi-use so be aware that you may encounter hikers or horseback riders during your journey.

Always wear protective gear such as helmets when biking these rugged terrains for safety reasons.

Check weather conditions before setting out; wet surfaces could make the routes more hazardous than usual.

Remember, it's important not only enjoy the scenery but also respect nature by staying on designated pathways.
Birding
The park offers birding enthusiasts a variety of species to spot, including waterfowl and songbirds. Two nature trails provide excellent viewing opportunities for visitors. The Clear Bay area is particularly popular among birdwatchers due to its diverse habitats.

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Oklahoma State Parks

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