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Facilities

Established Camping

Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Central Campground, near Sulphur, Oklahoma, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. With its picturesque setting and access to the refreshing Travertine Creek, it’s perfect for a quick dip or a leisurely swim after a day of hiking.

This campground is pet-friendly and offers a laid-back vibe, making it ideal for families and groups. Visitors rave about the excellent hiking trails nearby, and many appreciate the clean facilities, including toilets with running water. As one camper put it, “The star of the campgrounds is the spring-fed water. Cold and refreshing after hiking in the heat.”

While there are no electric or water hookups, the campground provides a rustic experience that many find appealing. The sites are surrounded by trees, offering a bit of privacy and a natural feel. Just keep in mind that it can get busy, especially during peak times, but the organized staff and clean environment help maintain a pleasant atmosphere.

If you’re looking to explore, you’ll find plenty of trails to hike and beautiful scenery to soak in. Whether you’re setting up a tent or bringing an RV, Central Campground is a great spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Description

National Park Service

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Overview

Central Campground is a family-friendly primitive group campground found in the Platt Historic District of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Nearby Travertine Creek provides several refreshing, spring-fed swimming areas to escape the summer heat. Other close attractions, such as Little Niagara and the Travertine Nature Center make this campground an ideal location for both beginner and experienced campers. Central Campground is only a few minutes away from the town of Sulphur.

Recreation

Swimming and hiking are among the favorite activities at the campsite. A short walk takes you to Panther Falls, a refreshing swimming area. Nearby hiking trails meander along streams, past cool rushing waterfalls, and on to mineral and freshwater springs.

Natural Features

The springs and streams in Chickasaw originate within a region of Oklahoma characterized by complex geology. Intense faulting, folding, uplift and erosion have combined to form a land surface of gently rolling hills dissected by streams.

Nearby Attractions

Try Little Niagara, a favorite freshwater swimming hole. The Travertine Nature Center is a wonderful resource to view nature exhibits, meet live animals on display, and listen to rangers' presentations. A bison pasture is nearby, so bring the kids and cameras to see the beautiful animals grazing.

Charges & Cancellations

Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather. Please read the official cancellation rules and policies of recreation.gov thoroughly before booking your campsite. Chickasaw National Recreation Area is not responsible for cancellation fees charged by recreation.gov.

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Location

Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area is located in Oklahoma

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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 you desire. Drive approximately 8 miles east to Sulphur Sulphur (Jct Hwy 7 and Hwy 177). Turn south (right) for approximately .2 miles on Highway 177 and take the first left. Central Campground is .25 mile east on NE Perimeter Road. Cold Springs Campground is approximately another .4 miles east of Central. The Travertine Nature Center is approximately .9 miles east of Cold Springs.

Address

901 West 1st Street
Sulphur, OK 73086

Coordinates

34.505 N
96.9675 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2023

Since a teen.

My family has camped, or 'Day Camped,' for birthdays, distant relative visits, etc. for years. We try to avoid July 4th time frame...just too crowded. Along ice cold Travertine Creek, quick dips or extended swims are mere steps away! Plenty of hiking trails nearby as well.

SiteMany
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 28, 2021

Exceptional

Beautiful campgrounds. Excellent trails. Really nice area of Oklahoma.

SiteBuckhorn Loop C83
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Michelle T., May 28, 2021
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2020

Out with 2020 Hope 2021 better

We wanted to end this terrible year (2020) and start the new one (2021) fresh....while camping. We stayed at Point campground in spot 47. Never camped here before and can’t wait to come back. We were so impressed at the space and layout of each site not to mention the spectacular design of main restrooms. Trip was planned for 12/28/20 thru 1/1/21 (started a new tradition and did same dates Palo Duro Canyon, TX last year) to start the new year off camping. This year the snow/ice bad weather chased us off early but will be sure to make this one of our first trips in the new year.

  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Jeff R., December 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Jeff R., December 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Jeff R., December 29, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Busy, but Quiet

The camp grounds were packed, but the staff was helpful and everything was very organized. The campgrounds were extremely clean.

Excellent hiking trails, though no opportunity to explore off the trails. The star of the campgrounds is the spring fed water. Cold and refeshing after hiking in the heat.

Site73
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Randi B., July 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Randi B., July 17, 2018
  • Playing in the water.
    Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2016

Of all of the Chickasaw NRA campgrounds, I like Central the least

Central is the smallest of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area campgrounds. It is meant for groups but honestly, it is pretty average. It is right next to the main road and just doesn't have a lot to offer. There is a lot of open space and the campsites are pretty boring.

The positive is that it is very clean and the campground itself is surrounded by trees. If you are desperate for a group campground then it will work, but it is not nearly as spectacular as The Point campground in the same National Recreation Area.

  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Matt S., September 19, 2016
  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Matt S., September 19, 2016
  • Review photo of Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area by Matt S., September 19, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area?

    Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 18 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area?

    There are 10 campsites at Central Campground — Chickasaw National Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts