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Best Campgrounds near Clayton, OK

306 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Clayton, Oklahoma sits amid a diverse camping landscape that includes both state parks and national forest lands. Clayton Lake State Park Campground provides developed sites for tent, RV, and cabin camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and toilets. The surrounding Ouachita National Forest offers more primitive options, including dispersed camping at locations like Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, where campers can enjoy free, more secluded experiences. Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, with sites available along Clayton Lake and nearby waterways.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, including Clayton Lake State Park, though some facilities like Potato Hills South operate seasonally from April through September. A review mentioned that "Clayton Lake is right on the edge of the section of SE Oklahoma with the least light-pollution," making it ideal for stargazing. The area experiences hot summers and mild winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near established campgrounds and limited or no service in more remote forest areas.

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites and natural features throughout the Clayton area. The pine forests provide ample shade at many campgrounds, while hiking trails offer opportunities to explore the surrounding mountains and woodlands. A recent review noted that "if you love getting the full effect of beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and stars - this may be the perfect spot for you to watch the skies!" Fishing is popular at Clayton Lake and other nearby water bodies. Campgrounds like Potato Hills South and Central provide electric hookups and amenities for RV campers, while those seeking more primitive experiences can find solitude in the dispersed camping areas within the Ouachita National Forest. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and occasional larger mammals native to the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Clayton, Oklahoma (104)

    1. Robbers Cave State Park — Robbers Cave State Resort Park

    61 Reviews
    Wilburton, OK
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 465-2565

    $32 / night

    "Our first Oklahoma camping trip lead us to Robbers Cave State Park in the southeastern portion of Oklahoma. It is located on more than 8,000 acres in the San Bois Mountains. "

    "Campground was alongside the highway, however the highway divides the state park, sites up the hill are farther away from the highway."

    2. Clayton Lake State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Clayton, OK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 569-7981

    $14 - $150 / night

    "If you check dark-skies maps, you'll see that Clayton Lake is right on the edge of the section of SE Oklahoma with the least light-pollution."

    "We got here in the dark and it was hard to find a a spot but when we woke up the next morning we had a great view of the lake."

    3. Sardis Cove

    3 Reviews
    Clayton, OK
    7 miles
    Website

    "They came and sat at my campsite and we talked about the lake and the roads around the lake.  I had a great time"

    4. Potato Hills South

    1 Review
    Clayton, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 569-4131

    $16 - $75 / night

    5. Talimena State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Talihina, OK
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 567-2052

    "This State Park is located in SE Oklahoma and is a hidden gem. The park has a number of RV sites and tent sites."

    "There was at least one other trail leading away from camp. Camp store is closed during the week - at least during the time of year of our visit.

    The town of Talihina is about 6 miles from camp."

    6. K River Campground

    5 Reviews
    Daisy, OK
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 298-2442

    "Right next to the river for kayaking, canoeing or just relaxing. Off-road vehicle trails a petting zoo on site."

    "Electric and water but no sewer if you’re close to the river which we were. The cabins are adorable and their general store was so cute! They have a community kitchen anyone can use!"

    7. Potato Hills Central Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Clayton, OK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (918) 569-4131

    $18 - $150 / night

    8. McGee Creek State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Lane, OK
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 889-5822

    "The campground we stayed in was very nice with easy access to the water. I could also tell that some camping spots were upgraded for ADA compliance, which looked spacious and neat."

    "From OKC, it's about a 3.5 hour drive, but it is well worth it. This little park is very quiet and not heavily trafficked. The trails are wonderful, and it's in close proximity to the lake."

    9. Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Talihina, OK
    30 miles

    "Go another 40 ish yards and there is the end of the side ‘road’/stone path and you’ll find the site we stayed at.
    There is a great fire pit and a well established site."

    "First time in the Ouachita national forest and we found a most excellent spot next to Lillard Creek off of 6010 Deadmans trail Rd. Would recommend a 4wd vehicle."

    10. Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Talihina, OK
    29 miles

    "Small peaceful pond and is right off the Deadman South Trail."

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Recent Camping Photos near Clayton, OK

102 Photos of 104 Clayton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Clayton, OK

306 Reviews of 104 Clayton Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2025

    North Shore Campground, Cedar Lake Rec Area

    Wooded campground on beautiful lake

    The Cedar Lake Recreation Area has 4 campgrounds. This review is specifically for the North Shore Campground. Camped at site #56 in mid-November, 2025. Paid $7.50 - senior pass rate; otherwise, the campground fee is $15, and the day use fee is $5. Payment envelopes and iron ranger provided at info station. This campground has individual and group tent sites. Most of the sites are first come, first served and reservations can be made for others on recreation.gov. There are no hook-ups at the campsites. There are common water stations scattered about the campground. Water was turned on during my stay. The are two reatroom/shower houses, but one of them was closed for the winter. Water, flush toilets and a hot shower were available in the other restroom/shower house. The campground road and campsite driveways are paved. My campervan fit okay at the site. Each of the group sites have multiple tent pads and a small parking lot at the site. All sites, group and individual, have tent pads, picnic tables, metal fire rings, grills and lantern polls. My site, #56, was pretty level, and was close to the campground road. This site was next to a 3 tent-pad campsite. I was the only camper in the campground during my stay. There were a few people launching boats at the nearby boat ramp. A friendly national forest campground resident/volunteer stopped by for a visit. There is access to the 3-mile Cedar Lake Loop Trail which takes you around the lake; beautiful views throughout the hike. In addition to the boat ramp, there is a fishing pier at the campground. I loved this campground. Well maintained. Beautiful location in Oklahoma. Very peaceful night. I'm looking forward to returning.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2025

    Winding Stair Campground (Ok) — Ouachita National Forest

    Mountain vista and Fall foliage

    Camped at Site #19 in mid-November, 2025. Paid $4 - senior pass rate; payment envelopes and iron ranger provided. This campground is a good stopover for those those traveling along the Talimena National Scenic Byway (OK Hwy 1) and enjoying vistas in the Ouachita Mountains. This is a great place during the Fall season. Backpackers hiking the Ouachita National Recreation Trail will also find this campground convenient. The Mountain Top Loop Trail in the campround connects to the Ouachita Trail. I arrived and setup camp on a busy Sunday afternoon. The campground was being used by both campers and day use visitors. The two vault toilets were a mess - pretty much unusable. It was so bad, that I set up my own toilet system at my campsite. The bear proof trash containers were packed full. I don't think that this is a reflection on the national forest staff and volunteers; this recreation area is heavily used. After the day-use visitors left, the campground was very peaceful. Road noise from the byway can be heard. The campsite included a picnic table, a cooking table, metal fire ring and two lantern poles. There was also a tent pad on the site. The site was shaded; beautiful Fall colors. The hike on the nearby Ouachita Trail was easy. There is a short path from the campground to the Emerald Vista viewpoint. This was my 2nd time camping here. I enjoyed my stay here.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2025

    Pine Creek Cove

    Nice campground with lake view

    Camped here in mid-November, 2025. Paid $11 with my senior pass; payment was made online. Loop O was the only loop open during our stay. After dispersed and primitive camping for some days, I camped here primarily to replenish my water supply and power, and take a hot shower. The loop, which has 10 sites, all with lake views, was clean, well maintained and quiet. There was only one other site occupied during my stay. There was some road noise from vehicles crossing the nearby dam, but it wasn't bad. I liked how my site (#1) was on a paved patio-like pad, a little elevated, providing a nice view of the lake. The paved site was level, and had power and water - all in operation.  The site has a picnic table, metal fire ring, grill, fish cleaning table and lantern pole. Picnic tables at a few of the other sites were covered. I don't recall seeing tent pads on this loop. The vault toilet on this loop was clean and supplied. The shower house at the main campground entrance was open. It too was clean and supplied. The shower had hot water. Fishing and boating appeared to be the main activities at the time of my visit. There were no hiking trails, but walking around in the campground loops and day use area was nice. Not much shade here, so Starlink connectivity is possible. Had AT&T and T-Mobile data service. Even though I normally don't camp in established, full service campgrounds, I really enjoyed my stay here. Relaxing and peaceful.

  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2025

    Oak Ridge

    Right off the road

    This is probably our 4th stop, it is right off 69, quiet accept for cars, decent lake views and a pit toilet.

    We have previously stayed in the basic loop, but it was closed and we had to stay on the electric side. Some sights more level than others, all lake views, picnic tables can be rough, some of the electric spots are short!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Talimena State Park Campground

    Motorcycle camping trip

    I wanted to get one more camping trip in before winter set in, i reserve spot nine but was occupied when I arrived. The park host was very helpful. Putting me in spot eight, which was very secluded which I liked. The showers were available friday night, but they were closed saturday night for some reason, like everyone else, the highway is close to the park, so there is a little noise. Overall a nice park.

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Deep woods

    Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night. Drove our 29ft class c to the site,road is mostly small rocks

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Really in the woods

    Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock.camp site was clean.

  • Kristina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Little River Park

    Beautiful and quiet

    We had spot A15, full hookup with a 38ft 5th wheel for 1 night. There is a board when you pull in to tell whats available. Had the whole place to ourselves. The camphost was awesome. We pulled in around 10pm and he came out to greet us, super nice gentlemen. Highly recommend

Guide to Clayton

Camping spots near Clayton, Oklahoma range from developed sites to secluded forest locations in the Ouachita National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 700-2,000 feet with dense pine forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures regularly reach into the 90s with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing from November through February.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Clayton Lake State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with multiple bank locations. "Our visit here is always great, The Camp Ranger is a great guy. We couldn't be more pleased with a place to camp and kayak," notes Sam L.

Hiking trails: At Talimena State Park Campground, visitors can access the 220-mile Ouachita Trail. A reviewer explains, "The Ouachita Trail is a 200+ mile trail and this park is the Western Terminus. The park has tent and RV sites. The tent sites are level and clean."

Wildlife viewing: The Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite provides opportunities to observe local species. "Be weary of the spiders (daddy long legs) and stick bugs everywhere! Harmless but creeped out the young one," mentions one camper who visited in September 2020.

What campers like

Creek access: Many dispersed camping areas feature creek access for cooling off during hot months. At Dead Man Gap Dispersed Campsite, "There is a creek with a pool maybe 100 yards downhill from the campsite, great for cooling off on a hot summer day or filtering water," according to Daniel S.

Privacy between sites: K River Campground offers sites with good separation. "The rv spots are shaded. Electric and water but no sewer if you're close to the river which we were," notes Cindy W., who appreciated the campground layout.

Astronomy viewing: The region provides excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution. A reviewer at Robbers Cave State Park shared, "The wife and I fished along the creek below the dam, all in all it was a fun weekend, the scenery was awesome as always."

What you should know

Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning campfires. One camper at Dead Man Gap advised, "Please don't take rocks and set up your own fire ring. The main has 2 already and the others all seem to have one. PLEASE PRACTICE LNT!!!"

Cell service limitations: Many camping locations near Clayton have limited or no connectivity. At Deadman Gap South Trail Dispersed Campsite, visitors find a "Great little spot to visit. Private, safe, clean," according to Shahar O., though no services are available.

Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping often requires suitable vehicles. At Dead Man Gap, "The road in/out has some tough spots, 4WD would be preferred," cautions Ryin J., who camped there in September 2020.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: When camping with children, look for sites with play areas. At McGee Creek State Park Campground, "This campground also has a play ground, pavilion, swim beach, and fishing docks," according to Jon B.

Guided activities: McGee Creek State Park Campground offers various structured programs. "The state Park also have 8 camping huts that are air condition and heated that have a fireplace, screened in porch that you can relax and look out over the lake," notes Melanie W.

Kid-friendly hikes: Several parks offer trails manageable for families. One visitor to Robbers Cave State Park stated, "Beautiful lakes and numerous hiking trails," making it great for exploring with children.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer electrical connections but fewer have full-hookups. At Potato Hills South, there are "full RV hook ups (30 amp). Also has area for primitive camping," notes a reviewer.

Site dimensions: RV sites vary considerably in size and layout across the area. At Talimena State Park, "Right on the highway bringing road noise, an all-in-one bathroom shower with only one male/female in each at a time, close campsites," according to a reviewer named Adams.

Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. K River Campground includes a sanitary dump station on site, with one camper noting, "We stayed for 7 days and we were able to have totally relaxed days as well as very active days."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clayton, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clayton, OK offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Clayton, OK and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clayton, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clayton, OK is Robbers Cave State Park — Robbers Cave State Resort Park with a 4.2-star rating from 61 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clayton, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Clayton, OK.

What parks are near Clayton, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Clayton, OK that allow camping, notably Sardis Lake and Hugo Lake.

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