For a sparsely populated area, there is a surprising number of things to do near Thackerville, Oklahoma. Thackerville, in the far, far south central part of Oklahoma (it's almost in Texas). But for a town surrounded by praries and coyotes there are a surprising number of cultural, active sports opportunities and outdoor adventures to satisfy most every outdoor enthusiast.
Lake Murray State Park
Less than a 30-minute drive from Thackerville on Route 35 North is Lake Murray State Park, in Ardmore which includes, of course, Lake Murray and all the water fun that comes with it. If boating is of interest, there is a full-service marina on the western shore offering 80 slips, pontoon boats for rent and a boat service center. The marina has all the fishing gear you need to track down and catch the smallmouth bass that fill the one of the clearest spring-fed lakes in the state. For golfers, the park features a well-manicured 18-hole course. With 67 miles of shoreline, the lake also offers miles of hiking trails.
Pioneer Museum
On your way to outdoor adventure at Lake Murrary, Marietta offers a glimpse into the pioneer history of the area at the Love County Pioneer Museum. On display are artifacts dating back to the early 1900s, geological displays, Native American artifacts, displays of farm equipment guns and a display of what the typical living room looked like at the turn of the 20th century. The museum also has a research room for those who want to really delve into the area's past.
Off-Roading
Two-wheel, three-wheel and four-wheel trails have been blazed through most imaginable terrain about 15 miles south of Norman. Aside from horseback riding, off-roading is almost second nature to many of the locals. One of the favorite spots, Depot Hill, offers more than 300 acres of riding trails of sand, mud, hard-packed dirt and river riding suitable for off-road vehicles of all types The trails are accessible by either Route 35 or Route 37.
Horseback Riding
Oklahoma is filled with horseback riding opportunities. There are more than a dozen ranches within a two-hour drive toward Norman that offer all kinds of equine activities. A few of the larger and better known ranches include Cross Timbers boarding and training facility that specializes in dressage and offers jumping and Western riding lessons and the Gofor Heights Training Farm, specializing in thoroughbred and Appaloosa horses for hunting and jumping. Both are located just outside Norman.
Get Away From It All
If the peace and solitude of the great outdoors soothes your soul, you'll feel at home at one of more than a half-dozen campgrounds offering the great expanse of the Oklahoma terrain. Choose from primitive campgrounds, KOAs and RV parks depending on the comfort level you seek. To name just a few, the Campers' Friend is located off Highway 77, about 20 miles north of Thackerville, and has a selection of sites for everything from recreational vehicles with water, sewer and electrical hookups. It is truly a friendly spot if you're in need of repairs to your RV, with a service center that includes parts and service. Buncome Creek Campgrounds is particularly popular, located in Willis on the shore of Lake Texoma in the nearby Cross Timbers region, which straddles the Oklahoma-Texas border.
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