Potato Hills Central

4.28

283 reviews

42160 SH 43, CLAYTON, OK, 74536, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping Oklahoma Hiking Camping Oklahoma Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Oklahoma +12 more

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$20 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

233 campsites

Season

Peak season spans Ap...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Oklahoma State Tourism site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$20 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

233 campsites

Season

Peak season spans Ap...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Oklahoma State Tourism site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Potato Hills Central

$20.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on site type and season. Peak season rates range from $20 to $24 for standard electric sites, and $150 for group sites.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$150.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

918-569-4131

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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 283 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanfriendly

Some mention

noiseunlevel

"User reviews are mixed, with an average campground sentiment rating of 4.36 out of 5. Positive highlights include cleanliness, scenic beauty, and helpful camp hosts. Complaints range from outdated facilities to issues with water and electricity hookups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

42160 SH 43, CLAYTON, OK, 74536, USA

Potato Hills Central

42160 SH 43, CLAYTON, OK, 74536, USA

Driving directionsFrom McAlester, Oklahoma, go south 4 miles on US-69 to Indian Nations Turnpike. Go south on Indian Nations Turnpike to Daisy, Oklahoma, 26 miles. Go east on State Highway 43 to Sardis Lake Office, 33 miles. Then drive north on State Highway 2 for 2 miles.

The campground is accessible year-round via paved roads, though some user reviews noted issues with muddy conditions at individual sites due to lack of gravel parking pads.

Nearby places

McAlester, OK (approximately 33 miles), Daisy, OK (approximately 26 miles), Clayton, OK (approximately 2 miles)

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping equipment can be found in Clayton, OK, located 2 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Potato Hills Central

The campground transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Peak season stretches from April through October, when moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for camping, though nature occasionally flexes its muscles with dramatic wind displays and thunderstorms that roll across the lake. These weather events add excitement to the camping experience while reminding visitors of nature's power. Winter adventurers should come prepared for the rainy season, when trails may become muddy pathways that challenge hikers but reward them with fewer crowds and serene solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season April–Oct; good for water activities but can be busy and reduce privacy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for tranquility and scenic beauty in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring included in peak season with ideal conditions for hiking, boating and fishing.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 5% in OK

Winter noted for tranquility and scenic beauty though some services may be reduced off-peak.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season spans April 1 to October 30 annually.
Current Alerts: Water boil orders were noted in past years as a recurring issue.

About Potato Hills Central

Nestled beneath a canopy of blackjack oak, post oak, and towering pines, Potato Hills Central Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover the natural beauty of Sardis Lake. This well-appointed retreat offers the perfect blend of modern conveniences and wilderness charm, where electric hookups meet forest tranquility. Families can cast lines from accessible fishing docks, children can explore the playground between adventures, and hikers can set off on scenic trails that wind through the surrounding hills. After a day of exploration, hot showers await to wash away the trail dust and prepare you for another night under the stars.

Potato Hills Central offers diverse camping options, including individual and group sites with electric hookups. Equestrian-friendly camping is available, catering to horse riders. Tent camping is supported, though some sites were described as uneven or hard for staking tents.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Peak season stretches from April through October, when moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for camping, though nature occasionally flexes its muscles with dramatic wind displays and thunderstorms that roll across the lake. These weather events add excitement to the camping experience while reminding visitors of nature's power. Winter adventurers should come prepared for the rainy season, when trails may become muddy pathways that challenge hikers but reward them with fewer crowds and serene solitude.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground serves as your gateway to an ecosystem where the Ouachita Mountain foothills meet the shimmering waters of Sardis Lake. Here, morning mist rises from the water to greet campers, while wildlife emerges from the diverse forest canopy for dawn and dusk performances. The interplay of water and woodland creates countless photo opportunities and quiet moments of natural wonder, where each campsite feels like a private viewing platform for nature's daily show.

Geological RegionPotato Hills Central sits proudly within the rolling foothills of the ancient Ouachita Mountains, where geological time has sculpted a landscape of gentle rises and hidden valleys. Sardis Lake and the meandering Jackfork Creek provide the lifeblood for this thriving ecosystem, supporting magnificent stands of blackjack oak, post oak, and pine that have claimed these hills as home. This unique geographical position creates a diverse habitat where mountain meets water, offering campers a front-row seat to one of nature's most successful collaborations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not explicitly provided.

Groups

Group sites are available with large picnic areas, water, electricity, and grills. The pavilion accommodates group events, as noted in user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into multiple loops (A, B, C, D), each serving different types of campers including equestrian facilities in Loop D.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability, especially during peak season as the campground is heavily frequented.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the date of arrival incur a $10 fee and refund minus reservation fees and additional charges. Late cancellations (individual sites) forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityAccessible fishing docks and spacious campsites designed for large rigs with easy maneuverability.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with some large enough to accommodate fifth wheels and motorhomes. Certain sites require additional leveling blocks due to uneven ground.

PrivacySite privacy varies, with some loops offering well-spaced campsites surrounded by trees, while others are closer together.

Total Campsites233 campsites

Recommended SitesFor level sites and proximity to water, D88 is recommended. For equestrian use, D85 is highly rated.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Potato Hills Central Campground offers a range of recreational activities tailored to nature enthusiasts. Fishing in Sardis Lake is a popular choice, with species like bass, catfish, and walleye attracting anglers. Other water-based activities include swimming, canoeing, and jet skiing. Hiking trails provide opportunities for exploring the scenic surroundings of the Ouachita Mountains. Equestrian trails are available in specific loops, offering unique experiences for horse riders.

HikingHiking trails are accessible directly from the campground. User reviews praised the trails' scenic beauty and tranquility, though one user pointed out a lack of well-marked trails in certain loops.

FishingFishing is a major attraction at Sardis Lake, with large prize bass and other species like catfish, walleye, and crappie. Reviews highlighted the accessible fishing dock and positive experiences, though some noted less productive fishing near certain campsites.

SwimmingSwimming areas are available, though specific safety measures or facilities were not detailed in the reviews.

BoatingBoating is supported on Sardis Lake, with reviews mentioning scenic views from the water. However, users expressed a desire for more boat ramps within the campground.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular, with sightings of birds, squirrels, geese, and even beavers reported. The lake is also home to bald eagles, particularly near the dam.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser feedback highlighted poison ivy and sumac in some areas, as well as uneven terrain on some sites.

Active AlertsWater boil orders were noted in past years as a recurring issue.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings; firewood must be locally sourced due to invasive species restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Clayton, OK, which is approximately 2 miles away, including local clinics and fire departments.

Trash & RecyclingDumpster facilities are available within short walking distances from most sites, but specific recycling provisions were not mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose proximity to Sardis Lake, with several waterfront sites providing direct lake access.

Camp HostMixed reviews about campground hosts; some users praised their friendliness while others found host availability lacking.

Weather at Potato Hills Central

Reviews

4.3

283 reviews

Satisfactory

Potato Hills Central is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with an average campground sentiment rating of 4.36 out of 5. Positive highlights include cleanliness, scenic beauty, and helpful camp hosts. Complaints range from outdated facilities to issues with water and electricity hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 283 reviews

What Campers Love

"Fantastic quiet place to camp and fish." "The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful." "Beautiful views, well-kept grounds." "The camp is impeccably clean."

Based on 283 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with uneven campsites and outdated bathroom facilities were common. Some users reported inconsistent electricity and water service. "Bathrooms were only mopped periodically not daily." "Some...

Based on 283 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing long hoses for water connections and leveling blocks for uneven sites. "Be prepared to share water hookups with neighboring sites." "Research campsite layouts to ensure...

Based on 283 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall and winter seasons are praised for their tranquility and scenic beauty. Summer reviews often highlight the campground's popularity but recommend avoiding peak times to ensure privacy.

Based on 283 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is a wonderful, wonderful campground." "Hot showers are a welcoming amenity at the end of an eventful day." "Fishing was bad at certain sites but enjoyable overall." "The campground is very...

Based on 283 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site D88 was noted for its proximity to the lake and scenic views but was windy. Site D77 had complaints about muddy conditions after rain. Site A17 received praise for being well-kept but noted...

Based on 283 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible fishing docks and spacious campsites are appreciated by users with disabilities. However, some reported struggles with uneven ground.

Based on 283 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies require leashes, but reviews reported dogs running free. "Pets must be on a six-foot leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on the beach."

Based on 283 reviews

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