Is Long Pool Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Long Pool Recreation Area 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 Long Pool Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Long Pool Recreation Area has 3 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 Long Pool Recreation Area?

Yes, Long Pool Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Long Pool Recreation Area?

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

What amenities are available at Long Pool Recreation Area?

Long Pool Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Long Pool Recreation Area

4.16

89 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Ozark Mountains

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Long Pool Recreation Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

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Campground Map

Long Pool Recreation Area

35.5480, -93.1603

Driving directions"Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Weather at Long Pool Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Long Pool Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and comfortable weather — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with crisp mornings and cool evenings. Leaf color peaks, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and shoreline photography especially rewarding, while fishing and boating remain pleasant before winter. Crowds are generally moderate (weekends busier), and hunting seasons may be active locally, so wear blaze orange during peak hunting weeks. Peak months: October, September, May, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called the best season: crisp temps, peak leaf color, ideal for hiking, wildlife and photography.

Planning Tips

About Long Pool Recreation Area

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.

Long Pool Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options, including primitive sites, modern sites with water and electric hookups, and group camping. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and comfortable weather — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with crisp mornings and cool evenings. Leaf color peaks, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and shoreline photography especially rewarding, while fishing and boating remain pleasant before winter. Crowds are generally moderate (weekends busier), and hunting seasons may be active locally, so wear blaze orange during peak hunting weeks. Peak months: October, September, May, June

Elevation554 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryRolling hills and gentle valleys create the terrain, with some sites overlooking the river and others positioned near hiking trails. The forest ecosystem is lush and supports diverse wildlife, from songbirds to deer. Natural clearings offer stargazing opportunities on clear nights. The underlying geology has produced a landscape rich in natural variety, though the swimming areas are rocky enough that visitors recommend water shoes.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings at Long Pool Recreation Area. Accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information about cultural or educational programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically detailed in the source materials.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and able to accommodate large rigs, including Class A RVs.

PrivacySites vary in privacy, with some overlooking the river and others located near popular trails. Reviews suggest that the campground can feel secluded during off-peak times but may become busy on weekends.

Need help booking Long Pool Recreation Area?

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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

Long Pool Recreation Area offers a mix of amenities to accommodate a variety of camping styles. The campground features both primitive and modern sites. User reviews highlight the availability of picnic tables, fire pits, and access to a river with swimming holes. However, there are mixed reviews about the cleanliness of the restroom and shower facilities, with some users describing them as 'nasty dirty' while others found them functional. Cell phone reception is noted to be nonexistent, which some campers appreciated as a break from technology. There are also multiple mentions of spacious campsites, with some overlooking the water.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Long Pool Recreation Area offers a range of recreational activities for campers, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The area is particularly noted for a scenic swimming hole surrounded by large rock formations, and the Big Piney Creek provides opportunities for water-based activities.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

89 reviews

Satisfactory

Long Pool Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews frequently praise the campground's natural beauty, spacious campsites, and variety of recreational activities. However, complaints about restroom cleanliness and the lack of cell service are common themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 89 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users highlighted the stunning natural environment, the availability of swimming and hiking opportunities, and the overall tranquility of the campground. One reviewer stated, 'This place is...

Based on 89 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the poor cleanliness of restroom and shower facilities, the lack of cell service, and insufficient trail signage. One reviewer described the showers as 'not really for...

Based on 89 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 6-8 are highlighted for their river views, while sites 14-18 are recommended for proximity to trails. Site 24 is noted for its spaciousness and river sounds.

Based on 89 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing cash for payment, as the campground does not accept cards. Due to rocky swimming areas, water shoes are advised. Walkie-talkies are suggested for group communication, given...

Based on 89 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is less crowded during spring and fall, making these seasons ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. Summer weekends are noted to be busy, and high tick activity...

Based on 89 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Honestly so stunning. Went once as a teen and again recently for a birthday trip and just...wow!' - Kayla M. 2. 'Zero cell service and I mean zero.' - Brad Heiple 3. 'The shower house has running...

Based on 89 reviews