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Lake Thunderbird State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 3,251 Google reviews · Running trail in Norman, Oklahoma · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Lake Thunderbird State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
2 marinas, swim beaches, a nature center & trails anchor this recreational area & campground.
What runners say about Lake Thunderbird State Park
“Great Lake for boating and fishing, most of the campgrounds are very well maintained except maybe Hog Creek.”
“A beautiful lake with some nice camping options, and some not so nice camping options.”
“Quiet crisp lake mornings when the fog is just lifting are one of my new favorite things.”
“Easy walking, great views, plenty of places to stop and take photos.”
Very peaceful and quiet park. We camped in our RV for a few days. The park was almost empty. The lake was beautiful. There was a pier you can walk out on and watch sunset. The park was full of deer.
Hog Trail is one of the best short trails around Lake Thunderbird. Easy walking, great views, plenty of places to stop and take photos. The trees, the light, and the open water make it a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or a photo session. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a peaceful morning outdoors.
Beautiful state park near Norman, Oklahoma. Very peaceful setting. Lots of trees for shade, but also lots of mosquitoes. We stayed at Turkey Pass, which is on the south side of lake just off Highway 9. We had nice Verizon cell service there. They definitely need more signage.
Out-of-towners looking for a place to hike on a beautiful spring day. It was a delightful place! We saw a raccoon out during the day which had us a bit jumpy but he disappeared quick enough. It appeared to have rained recently but the ground though damp wasn’t muddy.
Trail conditions & character
“The views and the fishing and the facilities are clean and tidy and the park upkeep is outstanding.”
“The bathrooms are accessible and close to the area.”
“Quiet crisp lake mornings when the fog is just lifting are one of my new favorite things.”
“indoor aspects that are not pet friendly only available for service dogs.”
“The bathrooms are accessible and close to the area.”
Plan your run at Lake Thunderbird State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetravelok.com
- Phone(405) 360-3572
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM |
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