![]() Jeff Elkins covers business, living and community stories for The Transcript. From June 2020 through July 2021, Lake Thunderbird issued 2,097 parking pass citations. Lake Thunderbird State Park had 1.26 million visitors in the period from January to September 2020, an increase of over 373,000 people visiting the park during the same period in 2019, according to data from Oklahoma State Parks. Future improvements include two large pavilions and a partially paved trail, he said.Īs indoor activities were limited due to the pandemic, Penner said visitor activity rose significantly. Other capital improvements at Lake Thunderbird State Park include additional security lighting and eight new day shelters in the Breakwater Bay day use area, White said. "Some of that money was used to fix the approach at the Turkey Pass boat ramp, and we also used some to fix the Little Axe Boat ramp that had a hole in it," Penner said. Penner said fee revenue was recently invested in multiple boat ramps with structural damage. "I think they are still struggling to be able to fund everything they need to do, and with the fees they're definitely making some improvements out here," Moerschel said. Phil Moerschel, sailing instructor with Thunderbird Sailing Club, said the park has been underfunded for years and is still struggling, but he has seen the funding put to use in new rest facilities. "Lake Thunderbird has gotten better over the last couple of years, but it's going to take a little time to see the impact of these fees ," Haumpy said. He said paying a fee is not a concern provided park improvements continue, and he is able to see that progress. Kenny Haumpy frequently visits Lake Thunderbird State Park to fish. "It's mostly been received positively and going pretty well."ĭavid White, legislative liaison for Oklahoma's Tourism and Recreation Department, said participation in the program has been tremendous, as park goers want increased investment in their favorite destinations. (11 miles) It's also not far from Oklahoma City where there are some fantastic restaurants."We haven't had much negative response about it," Penner said. It is a quick drive into Norman for supplies or going out to eat. In the winter, eagles come to over-winter - so it's popular from December through February for eagle watching. People do a lot of skiing there, but there are also a lot of sail boats. It might get reddish stains that may or may not wash out. The beaches are red sand (iron content), so don't wear your best white bathing suit. (It is Oklahoma - and there are tornadoes - so you have to keep that in mind and watch the weather, We've been there in the spring and summer and while we've been there when a few spectacular thunder storms have come through, we've not experienced a tornado. ![]() The bath facilities also serve as tornado shelters and there are tornado sirens all around the park. I think it's minimal - like 50 cents or a dollar. The bathroom facilities are nicely kept, but they charge you for hot water showers. Lots of good places to walk, dogs are allowed, and particularly if you take the trail/sandy road that you can reach close to the boat ramp - you may see foxes, turkeys, deer, coyotes, skunks and such. (First come, first served.) If it is a holiday weekend, you should call ahead to see if they have any open spots. They have more 30 amp spots than 50 amp spots and don't take reservations. Q&A - Ask the Community about Lake Thunderbird State Park To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. Lake Thunderbird has some super spots for camping.
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