Central Group Camp (Chickasaw)

4.27

27 reviews

901 West 1st Street, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA

Quick Facts

988 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season May 2 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chickasaw National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

988 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season May 2 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chickasaw National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Central Group Camp (Chickasaw)

$30.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group tent sites range from $30-$50 per night, depending on the season. No discounts or additional charges mentioned.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

580-622-7234

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwater

Some mention

noise

"Users generally find the campground enjoyable due to its proximity to natural attractions like streams and creeks. However, some reviews highlight issues with noise and site mismanagement."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

901 West 1st Street, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA

Central Group Camp (Chickasaw)

901 West 1st Street, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA

Driving directionsFrom I-35, take Exit #55 and drive towards the city of Davis, OK. Once in Davis, go east on Highway 7 to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Drive approximately 8 miles east to Sulphur (Jct Hwy 7 and Hwy 177). Turn south (right) for approximately 0.2 miles on Highway 177 and take the first left. Central Campground is 0.25 miles east on NE Perimeter Road.

Road access is paved and easily navigable. Seasonal closure information is not explicitly provided.

Nearby places

Sulphur (~0.9 miles), Davis (~8 miles)

Nearby supplies

Sulphur (~0.9 miles) contains groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Central Group Camp (Chickasaw)

Oklahoma's dynamic weather patterns paint an ever-changing canvas throughout the camping season. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing warm days that make those spring-fed swimming holes especially inviting. Afternoon thunderstorms roll across the prairie, offering dramatic sky shows and refreshing relief from the heat. Spring and fall showcase nature's artistry with moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, though vigilant campers should monitor weather reports during tornado season. The campground welcomes visitors during its seasonal schedule, typically closing during winter months when frost paints the landscape silver.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in OK

Summer is peak season; spring-fed swimming holes and trails make summer highly attractive.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; early fall usable but peak summer benefits wane and site closes after Sept 26.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring-fed features and mild weather make spring attractive once open (season starts May 2).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 2–Sept 26; winter visitation not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 2 - September 27 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season May 2 - September 26 annually. Closed for reservations outside this window.

About Central Group Camp (Chickasaw)

Nestled in the heart of Chickasaw National Recreation Area's historic Platt District, Central Group Camp beckons families and friends to gather where crystalline springs bubble up from ancient limestone and waterfalls cascade through verdant forests. This spacious group campground wraps around an expansive central field perfect for volleyball games, frisbee tournaments, or stargazing sessions. Just steps away, a network of trails leads adventurers to hidden springs and scenic overlooks, making it an ideal basecamp for groups seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Central Group Camp primarily supports group tent camping. Primitive camping is available, but there are no RV sites, cabins, or glamping options.

Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of American conservation history at Central Group Camp, situated within what was once the celebrated Platt National Park - one of the nation's earliest protected areas established in 1906. These healing waters and mineral springs drew visitors from across the country seeking restoration and recreation. In 1976, this treasured landscape expanded its embrace, transforming into the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to honor the indigenous peoples who first recognized the sacred nature of these springs. Today, every trail and spring tells stories of both ancient wisdom and pioneering preservation.

Weather and SeasonsOklahoma's dynamic weather patterns paint an ever-changing canvas throughout the camping season. Summer arrives with intensity, bringing warm days that make those spring-fed swimming holes especially inviting. Afternoon thunderstorms roll across the prairie, offering dramatic sky shows and refreshing relief from the heat. Spring and fall showcase nature's artistry with moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, though vigilant campers should monitor weather reports during tornado season. The campground welcomes visitors during its seasonal schedule, typically closing during winter months when frost paints the landscape silver.

ElevationThe campground rests comfortably in Oklahoma's gentle terrain, where subtle elevation changes create intimate valleys for springs and provide just enough rise for scenic vantage points across the surrounding woodland.

Natural Features and SceneryNature showcases her finest artistry across Central Group Camp's landscape of gently rolling hills clothed in dense hardwood forests. Crystal-clear streams weave between ancient trees, their waters emerging from springs that have flowed for millennia. Adventure awaits at nearby Panther Falls, where water tumbles over rock ledges in a perpetual dance. Follow Travertine Creek as it winds through limestone formations, or discover the thundering cascade of Little Niagara - a hidden gem that rivals its famous namesake in beauty if not in size. Each dawn brings birdsong symphonies, while twilight transforms the woodland into a realm of fireflies and starlight.

Geological RegionCentral Group Camp sits atop one of Oklahoma's most fascinating geological stories, where ancient seas left behind limestone layers that now create a wonderland of springs and streams. The Platt Historic District within Chickasaw National Recreation Area reveals millions of years of Earth's history through dramatic faulting and folding that forced mineral-rich waters to the surface. These geological forces crafted the gently rolling hills that shelter the campground and created the unique travertine deposits that give nearby creeks their name. It's a landscape where every rock formation and bubbling spring serves as a window into our planet's dynamic past.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:30 PM CST

Check-out

12:00 PM CST

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit
maximum 30 nights within a 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites
specific guest capacity not stated.

Groups

Group sites accommodate large numbers of campers and surround a central activity field.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites arranged in a loop surrounding a central field. Some discrepancies in site numbering reported.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned; likely reservation required for group sites.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds are not given due to weather. $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first-night fee. Self-service modifications available after arrival.

AccessibilityRestrooms are close by; however, no specific accessibility features are mentioned for people with disabilities.

Site SizeGroup sites are spacious, accommodating large groups, and surround a central activity field.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are clustered closely, while others offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Site 5 for proximity to creek; avoid rocky areas around Sites 2 and 3. Water access is limited to Site 2.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Central Group Camp offers diverse recreational activities suited for campers of all ages. Swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural education opportunities are highlights. Nearby attractions such as Little Niagara and Panther Falls add to the experience.

HikingHiking trails nearby offer scenic views of streams, waterfalls, and mineral springs. "Nearby hiking trails meander along streams, past cool rushing waterfalls, and on to mineral and freshwater springs."

SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity, with attractions like Panther Falls providing spring-fed swimming areas. User reviews remark on the proximity to water activity sites.

BikingBiking trails are available, but no additional details on terrain or difficulty are provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife like opossum, raccoons, and deer are commonly observed in the area. "The woodland environment is home to animals like opossum, raccoons and deer."

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Travertine Nature Center offers educational exhibits and presentations by rangers.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as snakes near brush or shoreline. Frequent severe weather including tornadoes and extreme heat.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed; firewood must be sourced locally.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be contacted by dialing 911. For non-emergencies after hours, you can reach local dispatch at 580-622-3918. Closest police station and ranger services are not detailed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not explicitly mentioned, but recycling programs or specific disposal details are unavailable.

Water FeaturesClose to Travertine Creek and swimming areas like Little Niagara and Panther Falls.

Camp HostKen the camp host receives positive remarks for helpfulness.

Weather at Central Group Camp (Chickasaw)

Reviews

4.3

27 reviews

Satisfactory

Central Group Camp (Chickasaw) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally find the campground enjoyable due to its proximity to natural attractions like streams and creeks. However, some reviews highlight issues with noise and site mismanagement.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, proximity to water features such as creeks and swimming areas, and ample space for group activities. Quotes include "Site 5 was absolutely magical! The creek right by the site was...

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise disturbances and site labeling issues were brought up. A user noted, "...about 15 teenage boys and girls were running around yelling, this was after 10pm..." – JALEN H. Others mention confusion...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend ensuring clarity about site locations before booking and advise bringing water supplies to supplement shared spigots. "The only water source is on the east side of campsite 2." –...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular due to swimming opportunities at nearby water features like Little Niagara. Winter usability trends are not explicitly mentioned.

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Site 5 was absolutely magical! The creek right by the site was pure bliss! Very clean and well maintained facility!" – Jessica Wilkinson. 2. "Restrooms are close by. No showers, and close to the...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5: Highly praised for proximity to the creek and cleanliness. Site 3: Noted for rocky terrain and issues with mismanagement. "We had an issue this year on site 3, however the Ranger was very...

Based on 27 reviews