Gunner Pool Campground

4.52

65 reviews

Featured in:Swimming Camping Camping Near Ozark Mountains

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

$6 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

$6 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gunner Pool Campground

$6.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary: $6 for day use or $10 for camping. Interagency passes can save you 50% off camping fees (e.g., $5/night with an America the Beautiful...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 65 reviews

350 Google reviews

Most mentioned

watersites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gunner Pool Campground

Driving directionsnull

"Easy road to get to the park. Big rigs okay! No worries! No potholes, easy turns." - User review (ECHO).

Nearby places

null

Nearby supplies

"The town has a store pretty close to the campground if you need ice, etc." - User review (Emily C).

Best Time to Camp at Gunner Pool Campground

null

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is most popular for swimming and hiking; many positive seasonal reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Off-peak months (fall) are recommended for fewer crowds and good hiking conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers good water levels and hiking; positive seasonal activity though not explicitly detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

No winter-activity mentions; swimming unavailable and visitation likely low in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Gunner Pool Campground

Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Sylamore Creek, Gunner Pool Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience that harks back to simpler times. This rustic retreat beckons tent campers with its spacious, primitive sites spread generously through the landscape, providing ample room to breathe and reconnect with the wilderness. The campground's unpretentious charm lies in its simplicity – here, the babbling of cold, crystal-clear creek waters replaces Wi-Fi signals, and towering trees provide the only coverage you'll need. Perfect for those seeking to escape the digital world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Arkansas outdoors.

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.

Historical SignificanceFor over four decades, Gunner Pool has been creating lifelong memories for outdoor enthusiasts. As one devoted visitor, Thomas Bisanar, fondly recalls: 'Gunner Pool is the first place I camped back in the early 1980s. Fond memories beginning at this campground.' This testament speaks to the timeless appeal of this special place, where generations of campers have discovered their love for the outdoors and created traditions that endure through the years.

Weather and Seasonsnull

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by Sylamore Creek's crystal-clear waters that flow through the heart of the campground, inviting swimmers and anglers alike to experience their refreshing embrace. Majestic limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the creek's edge, creating a stunning natural amphitheater that frames your camping experience. The beautiful creek, praised by countless visitors including Samantha Castillo and Rose Wise, serves as the campground's centerpiece – its gentle sounds providing a natural soundtrack for peaceful nights under the stars and lazy afternoons spent exploring smooth river rocks and hidden swimming holes.

Geological Regionnull

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

There is no specific information available regarding group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNicely laid out with spacious sites." - User review (Reba Newman).

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

Walk-in AvailabilityThis location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only." - Authoritative content.

Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies; reservation fees are non-refundable. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first night’s fees." - Authoritative content.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information available regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

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).

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingHiking at Gunner Pool is a highlight for many visitors. Trails like the one connecting Barkshed to Gunner Pool are described as beautiful but challenging, with high cliffs and fantastic photo opportunities. One reviewer noted, 'Two of the best 5-mile and under hiking trails in my experience.'

FishingFishing opportunities are available along Sylamore Creek, with some anglers reporting trout fishing in nearby Mirror Lake. However, fishing success varies; one reviewer said, 'Beautiful, we didn't catch anything but very peaceful camping.'

SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity, with Sylamore Creek offering clear and cold water. One user described, 'The water is always so clear and the mountains are so majestic.' While some areas are excellent for swimming, others can be too shallow or too deep, as noted by another user.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound, with species such as water snakes and various fish visible. One reviewer noted, 'Both times I’ve seen water snakes and many species of fish.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Watch out for snakes on the trails, saw a giant water moccasin sunbathing." - User review (ECHO).

Active Alertsnull

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

Weather at Gunner Pool Campground

Reviews

4.5

65 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 65 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 65 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 65 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 65 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 65 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 65 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 65 reviews