How much does camping cost at Potato Hills Central?

Camping fees at Potato Hills Central range from $20-$150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Potato Hills Central first-come first-served or reservation?

Potato Hills Central accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Potato Hills Central?

Potato Hills Central is open January 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Potato Hills Central?

Yes, Potato Hills Central has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Potato Hills Central?

Cell phone service at Potato Hills Central is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Potato Hills Central have?

Potato Hills Central has 233 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Potato Hills Central?

Yes, pets are allowed at Potato Hills Central. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Potato Hills Central?

Potato Hills Central offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Potato Hills Central?

Popular activities at Potato Hills Central include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Potato Hills Central

4.25

283 reviews

42160 SH 43, CLAYTON, OK, 74536, USA

Top 24% in OKFall

Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$20 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

233 campsites

Season

Peak season spans Ap...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Oklahoma State Tourism Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$20 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

233 campsites

Season

Peak season spans Ap...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Oklahoma State Tourism Official Website

Get Directions

Potato Hills Central

$20.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

01APRIL Start 30 AMP: $20.00; 50 amp: $24.00; GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $150.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Group Site Fee$150.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

918-569-4131

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

42160 SH 43, CLAYTON, OK, 74536, USA

Potato Hills Central

42160 SH 43, CLAYTON, OK, 74536, USA

Nearby places

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

Weather at Potato Hills Central

Best Time to Camp at Potato Hills Central

Best season: fall. Fall offers the nicest balance of comfortable weather, low humidity, and peak outdoor activity—daytime highs typically sit in the mid-50s to low-80s°F with cool, crisp mornings in the 40s. Leaves on the blackjack/post oak and scattered pines produce attractive color and make hiking the foothill trails especially scenic, while fishing and boating remain excellent as lake traffic eases. Crowds are noticeably smaller than summer weekends, but be aware of Oklahoma hunting seasons in parts of the Ouï Peak months: October, September, April, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in OK

Fall named best: cooler temps, vivid oak color, fewer crowds and praised in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season spans April 1 to October 30 annually.

About Potato Hills Central

Potato Hills Central sits on the shores of Sardis Lake near Clayton, operated by Oklahoma State Tourism as a seasonal campground serving tent campers, RV travelers, and groups. The very large facility offers electric and water hookups, showers, and flush toilets amid rolling foothill terrain dotted with blackjack oak and scattered pines. Reviewers praise the quiet lakefront setting, clean grounds, and helpful camp hosts, though some sites can be unlevel and bathroom facilities show their age.

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 SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the nicest balance of comfortable weather, low humidity, and peak outdoor activity—daytime highs typically sit in the mid-50s to low-80s°F with cool, crisp mornings in the 40s. Leaves on the blackjack/post oak and scattered pines produce attractive color and make hiking the foothill trails especially scenic, while fishing and boating remain excellent as lake traffic eases. Crowds are noticeably smaller than summer weekends, but be aware of Oklahoma hunting seasons in parts of the Ouï Peak months: October, September, April, May

Elevation574 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain where the Ouachita foothills meet Sardis Lake and Jackfork Creek. Blackjack oak, post oak, and scattered pines dominate the canopy, creating pockets of shade and color that intensify in fall. Lake views open up from certain loops, while others sit deeper in the woods. Morning mist is common over the water. Wildlife moves through at dawn and dusk. The mix of water and woodland creates varied habitat, though some sites feel more forested than scenic.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging. However, it has designated equestrian campsites with pens and trails, which were appreciated by horse owners.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned in the available sources.

Best Campsites

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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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

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.

Best CampsitesD88 and A19 get frequent mentions in reviews for lake views. Look for sites on the outer edges of loops if you want more space and tree screening between neighbors.

Need help booking Potato Hills Central?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Potato Hills Central Campground provides a variety of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience. Among these, all campsites have electric hookups, and there is accessible potable water nearby. The campground features hot showers, flush toilets in some loops, and vault toilets in others. Users particularly appreciated the clean bathhouses, though some expressed concerns about outdated facilities and inconsistent cleanliness. A playground is available for children, and an accessible fishing dock ensures convenience for anglers. Fire pits, picnic tables, and BBQ grills are present at many individual sites, though some campers noted issues like broken grills. Accessibility features include shared water hookups between sites and spacious layouts for large rigs.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies depending on the provider and the loop. AT&T service was noted as reliable in certain areas, while US Cellular reception was reported as poor. Some campers mentioned no cell service for miles, while others had full reception.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 283 reviews.

Site D88Loved
Site D88 was noted for its proximity to the lake and scenic views but was windy.
Site A17Loved
Site A17 received praise for being well-kept but noted poison ivy concerns.
Site D77Issues noted
Site D77 had complaints about muddy conditions after rain.

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

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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Nearby Campgrounds

HC 60 Box4195, Clayton, OK 74536, USA

Potato Hills South sits on Sardis Lake near Clayton, Oklahoma, operated by Oklahoma State Tourism as a seasonal campground with tent, RV, and group sites. The very large campground offers electric and water hookups, shaded sites, and direct lake access for boating, swimming, and fishing. Reviewers consistently praise the clean grounds, peaceful atmosphere, and family-friendly touches like free life jackets at the swim area.

$16.00 - $75.00 / night

Sardis Cove sits on the shore of Sardis Lake in southeastern Oklahoma, offering spacious lakefront sites with electric and water hookups. This mid-sized campground operates seasonally during peak months and accommodates both tent and RV campers. Visitors come for warm-weather lake swimming, fishing, and boating access, with a 14-day stay limit.

$14.00 - $18.00 / night

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Campgrounds

Sardis Lake

Potato Hills Central

About Sardis Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Potato Hills Central, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Sardis Lake is located five miles north of Clayton, Oklahoma, along Oklahoma Highway 2 in beautiful southeastern Oklahoma. The lake covers 14,360 acres, with 117 miles of shoreline, and offers many opportunities for every diversification of outdoor recreation. There are three campgrounds located around the lake offering various facilities including general hookups, restrooms, showering facilities, swim beach and fishing docks. The lake also has facilities for group camping and picnic shelters equipped with tables, electricity and large outdoor cooking grills. Although Sardis Lake is known for producing several of Oklahoma's largest bass, the lake also provides fishermen excellent opportunities to catch crappie, catfish, and walleye. Come join us at the western tip of the Ouachita Mountain Range.

Directions

From McAlester, 36 miles southeast on OK 1, 15 miles south on OK 2.