Potato Hills South

For Oklahoma locals dreaming of a peaceful escape surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Potato Hills South Campground on Sardis Lake offers an ideal destination. Nestled in a picturesque valley within the majestic Ouachita Mountains, this campground provides a serene setting where the stresses of daily life simply melt away. Whether you're a family looking for a fun day at the beach, an avid angler hoping to reel in a big bass, or a camper seeking quiet nights under a starry sky, Potato Hills South delivers a truly memorable experience. Its tranquil atmosphere, combined with a range of recreational opportunities and well-maintained facilities, makes it a premier choice for those in Oklahoma seeking an authentic outdoor adventure.

Potato Hills South Campground is located at HC 60 Box 4195, Clayton, OK 74536, USA, placing it on the eastern banks of the expansive Sardis Lake in beautiful southeastern Oklahoma. This prime location is easily accessible for Oklahoma residents. From US-69, travelers can turn south on the Indian Nations Turnpike and continue for approximately 26 miles. Then, turn east on State Highway 43 to the Sardis Lake Office, and after about 33 miles, turn north on State Highway 2 and continue two miles to the campsite. This clear routing ensures a straightforward journey, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation from various parts of the state. The campground is nestled within the scenic foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop of "mountains" that campers consistently rave about. Its position on Sardis Lake means immediate access to the water, with a "nice swimming beach in a cove" that keeps it "out of the way of boat traffic." This combination of mountain scenery and lakeside access, coupled with relatively easy navigation, makes Potato Hills South an incredibly appealing and accessible retreat for Oklahoma locals.

Potato Hills South Campground, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a range of essential services and well-maintained facilities designed to enhance your outdoor experience on Sardis Lake. While it embraces a more rustic charm, it ensures key amenities are available for visitor comfort and convenience.

• Campsites: The campground features 18 non-electric campsites. Each site includes a back-in driveway, suitable for both tents and RVs (accommodating vehicles between 52 and 84 feet in length). While individual sites do not have water hookups, drinking water is available via spigots within the campground.
• Restrooms: Clean restrooms are available, though they are vault toilets rather than flush toilets. Visitors appreciate that they are "clean toilets."
• Showers (Limited): While there are no showers directly at the campsites, a "shower station on the sidewalk" is available at the swimming area for rinsing off sand. Some campers have noted that showers are available at the nearby Potato Hills North campground, which can be accessed by driving.
• Sewer Dump Station: An on-site sewer dump station is provided for RVs, although it "lacks flushing water," so campers should be prepared for this.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic shelters are available in the surrounding area, many equipped with "grills and trash cans," perfect for day use and gatherings.
• Group Shelters: Two group shelters with electric service are available for day use only, providing an ideal setting for parties or family get-togethers.
• Boat Ramps: Multiple boat ramps are available, making it easy to launch watercraft onto Sardis Lake.
• Swimming Beach: A "nice swimming beach in a cove" offers a sandy area with volleyball nets, providing a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation, and importantly, it's "out of the way of boat traffic."
• Playground: A playground is on-site, offering entertainment for children.
• Trash Cans: Plenty of trash cans are provided, and the park is described as being "kept very well" by a "very nice park ranger."

The distinctive features and highlights of Potato Hills South Campground are what truly elevate it as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Oklahoma. These aspects contribute to an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains and Sardis Lake.

• Quiet and Beautiful Setting: Consistently described as a "quiet and beautiful campground" with a "lovely setting," it promises a peaceful retreat from noise and crowds.
• Stunning Sunsets: Campers rave about the "great sunsets" over Sardis Lake, providing a spectacular natural show each evening.
• Mountain Surroundings: The campground is "surrounded by the mountains" of the Ouachita National Forest, offering picturesque views and a sense of being truly immersed in nature.
• Excellent Swimming Beach: The "nice swimming beach in a cove" is a major highlight, appreciated for its sandy surface, volleyball nets, and its location "out of the way of boat traffic," ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
• Water Activities on Sardis Lake: The expansive Sardis Lake is renowned for fishing (especially bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye), as well as boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Reasonable Admission: A "very reasonable" $5 per car admission for day use makes it an accessible option for a quick visit or a full day of recreation.
• Not Crowded: Even on "a hot summer day," the swimming area was "Not crowded," suggesting a generally comfortable experience even during peak times.
• Picnic and Grilling Facilities: The abundance of picnic shelters with grills and trash cans caters well to both campers and day-use visitors looking to enjoy outdoor meals.
• Friendly Park Ranger Presence: The presence of a "very nice park ranger" who came through indicates attentive management and a focus on visitor experience.
• Wildlife Viewing and Public Hunting: The surrounding areas offer more than 8,000 acres of undeveloped land for public hunting and wildlife propagation, providing opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, bears, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
• Hiking Opportunities: Located near the Ouachita Mountains, the campground provides access to nearby hiking opportunities, connecting visitors with the broader forest trails.

For reservations, current conditions, or more specific inquiries about Potato Hills South Campground, please use the following contact information. It is always advisable to check the official Recreation.gov website or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site for Sardis Lake for the most up-to-date information regarding fees, reservation policies, and any seasonal alerts or closures.

Address: HC 60 Box 4195, Clayton, OK 74536, USA

Phone: (918) 569-4131

Mobile Phone: +1 918-569-4131

Reservations for campsites can typically be made online through Recreation.gov, which is the federal government's booking system for many campgrounds.

For Oklahoma locals, Potato Hills South Campground is an exceptional destination that perfectly embodies the outdoor spirit of the state. Its suitability lies in its ability to offer a peaceful, beautiful, and activity-rich environment without requiring extensive travel. If you’re seeking a serene escape with "great sunsets" and the calming presence of "mountains" and Sardis Lake, this campground delivers. The "nice swimming beach in a cove" provides a safe and enjoyable spot for families, while the excellent fishing opportunities on Sardis Lake cater to anglers of all levels. While it offers a rustic charm with vault toilets and limited showers, the presence of a dump station, available drinking water spigots, and overall clean facilities managed by a "very nice park ranger" ensure a comfortable stay. It’s an ideal spot for tent campers and RVs seeking a non-electric, quiet retreat. Its proximity to hiking trails and public hunting areas in the Ouachita Mountains further broadens its appeal, making it a versatile base for various outdoor pursuits. For those in Oklahoma looking for an affordable, uncrowded, and genuinely beautiful place to reconnect with nature, Potato Hills South Campground offers a truly inviting and memorable experience, encouraging repeat visits to this hidden gem.

To get a visual sense of what Potato Hills South Campground offers, you can view a virtual tour of the grounds and Sardis Lake: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCVuS9DEhr4)

Potato Hills South

HC 60 Box 4195,, Clayton, OK 74536, USA