Is Gunner Pool Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Gunner Pool Campground 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gunner Pool Campground before I book?

Yes! Gunner Pool Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Gunner Pool Campground?

Gunner Pool Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Gunner Pool Campground have?

Gunner Pool Campground has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gunner Pool Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Gunner Pool Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Gunner Pool Campground?

Gunner Pool Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Gunner Pool Campground

4.54

81 reviews

Top 23%Summer

CReport Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Camping Near Ozark Mountains

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Gunner Pool Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Gunner Pool Campground

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Weather at Gunner Pool Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gunner Pool Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest weather and the best opportunity to enjoy Sylamore Creek for swimming, cooling off, and long days of fishing — expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-80s to low-90s°F (29–34°C) with cooler nights in the 60s°F (15–20°C). Creek access and primitive riverside sites make summer ideal for swimmers and anglers, and longer daylight means more time for hiking and wildlife viewing. Afternoons can bring isolated thunderstorms and higher humidity, and weekends are busier, so plan Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in US

Best season: summer—warm days ideal for swimming and creek activities; very popular.

Planning Tips

About Gunner Pool Campground

Gunner Pool Campground sits along Sylamore Creek in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, offering clear water access for swimming and fishing. This small campground provides tent, RV, and primitive riverside sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Summer brings warm days ideal for creek activities, with cooler evenings and mountain views.

Gunner Pool Campground caters primarily to primitive camping experiences, offering spaces for tents and small RVs. It does not have modern amenities like hookups, but offers a peaceful, natural setting.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest weather and the best opportunity to enjoy Sylamore Creek for swimming, cooling off, and long days of fishing — expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-80s to low-90s°F (29–34°C) with cooler nights in the 60s°F (15–20°C). Creek access and primitive riverside sites make summer ideal for swimmers and anglers, and longer daylight means more time for hiking and wildlife viewing. Afternoons can bring isolated thunderstorms and higher humidity, and weekends are busier, so plan Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: January, February

Elevation509 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySylamore Creek runs through the campground, its clear water noted repeatedly in reviews. Limestone cliffs rise from the creek's edge, creating natural walls that frame the swimming holes. The water stays cold even in summer, and smooth river rocks line the creek bed. Mountains visible from the sites provide the backdrop, though most visitors focus on the creek itself.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or glamping options are available within Gunner Pool Campground. It is oriented towards rustic and primitive camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov mobile app using Scan and Pay." - Authoritative content.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious enough to accommodate large family tents or multiple small tents. One reviewer stated, 'Tent pads are nicely sized. We fit our large family cabin tent on one. We’ve also had 3 6-man tents on one.

PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with scenic surroundings and access to Sylamore Creek.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are spacious and most campers should be fine. Wouldn’t recommend anything much over 25’." - User review (Nathan Pierce).

Best CampsitesSites right on Sylamore Creek are the most requested. These riverside spots offer direct water access for swimming and fishing, though they fill quickly on weekends.

Need help booking Gunner Pool Campground?

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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

Gunner Pool Campground is a rustic, first-come, first-served facility without reservations. It features basic amenities like water hydrants scattered across the campground and vault toilets. Notably, there are no showers, electrical hookups, or dump stations available on-site. Campers can access potable water via spigots, and nearly all campsites come with fire rings, lantern posts, and picnic tables. The campground offers a serene and remote outdoor experience, ideal for those who prefer primitive settings.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Gunner Pool Campground offers a variety of activities centered around its natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is located along the scenic Sylamore Creek, which features swimming holes and kayaking areas. Hiking trails connect to nearby recreational areas like Blanchard Springs and Barkshed Hollow.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at Gunner Pool Campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

81 reviews

Top-Rated

Gunner Pool Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Gunner Pool Campground is highly favored for its scenic beauty, rustic charm, and serene atmosphere. Visitors appreciate its affordable rates, clear creek waters, and opportunities for hiking and swimming. However, the lack of amenities like showers, electricity, and cell service is a consistent theme in reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'The water is always so clear and the mountains are so majestic.' - 'Amazing place to camp and spend the day in the water!' - '27 campsites. Beautiful clear water to swim in. Only 10 bucks a night...

Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'No power or water on campsites but access to water.' - 'If you don’t want to hear generators running all night, don’t come to Gunner Pool.' - 'The campground area needs a lot of work.'

Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- 'Campsites near Sylamore Creek are particularly scenic, with great views and water access.' - 'Sites are spacious; some can accommodate larger groups with multiple tents.'

Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring all essential supplies, as the area is remote and lacks a camp store. - Download the Recreation.gov app before arrival to facilitate payment, as there is no cell service. - Large tents or...

Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors appreciating the swimming and hiking activities. However, those seeking fewer crowds might find off-peak months more enjoyable. Wildlife such as...

Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'No cell service! Easy road to get to park. Big rigs okay!' - 'Primitive campground, but great swimming hole if you have small children.' - 'Amazing when the water is coming over the dam. Easily...

Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

While pets are allowed, one review mentioned issues with unleashed dogs roaming around, which disrupted their camping experience.

Based on 81 reviews

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Gunner Pool Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

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Go if

You want budget-friendly creek access for swimming and fishing with mountain scenery.

Skip if

You need manicured grounds, quiet hours enforcement, or leash-law compliance.

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Blanchard Springs Campgrounds sits in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests of Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground draws visitors to its spring-fed pools and creeks, which stay cold and swimmable through summer heat. Tent, RV, primitive, and group sites spread across a forested setting with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station.

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

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Buffalo National River

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Long Pool Recreation Area sits in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests in Arkansas, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping options along a forested shoreline. The Forest Service-operated campground provides electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station, with a 14-day stay limit. Visitors come for swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a quiet setting that reviewers consistently describe as exceptionally beautiful.

Campgrounds

Gunner Pool Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 33% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 63 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Value
Grade A.Belonging
Grade B+.Scenery

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Facilities
Grade C.Rules & policies
Grade C.Safety

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Arkansas grades overall

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