Long Pool Recreation Area

Star4.49
69 reviews

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

$15 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Long Pool Recreation Area
$15.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
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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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 69 reviews

406 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"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."

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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.

Best Time to Camp at Long Pool Recreation Area

Each season brings its own magic to the campground, from spring's awakening wildflowers to summer's warm, sun-dappled afternoons perfect for hiking and exploration. Autumn transforms the forest into a spectacular canvas of gold and crimson, while winter offers a serene, frost-kissed landscape for those seeking solitude and quiet reflection.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Great for swimming and hiking but busy on summer weekends; higher tick activity and water testing cautions noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn foliage and lower crowds make fall ideal; reviewers report quieter visits and scenic colors.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers, pleasant weather and fewer crowds make spring a top season per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Site remains accessible but lacks winter-sport offerings; quieter season with limited activities.

Planning Tips

    About Long Pool Recreation Area

    Nestled within a pristine forest ecosystem, this campground offers visitors an immersive wilderness experience where towering trees create a natural cathedral overhead. The peaceful setting provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
    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.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Dump station
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables

    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.
    HikingHiking is a popular activity, with several trails available. The waterfall trail is accessible from Area B and is described as an 'easy hike,' approximately 1 mile long. Some campers noted a lack of trail signage.
    FishingFishing is permitted in Big Piney Creek, though one user cautioned that the water is not tested for e-coli during summer months.
    SwimmingSwimming is a highlight at Long Pool Recreation Area. The swimming hole features clear, deep water with opportunities for jumping off rocks. However, users are advised to bring water shoes due to rocky terrain.
    BoatingThe campground allows for boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing, with Big Piney Creek serving as an access point.
    Wildlife viewingCampers report encounters with local wildlife, including raccoons, which are noted for their mischievous nature. The natural surroundings provide a serene environment for observing fauna.
    Winter Activities
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    Policies & Safety

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

    Weather at Long Pool Recreation Area

    Reviews

    4.5
    69 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Long Pool Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 69 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...
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    Based on 69 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...
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    Based on 69 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...
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    Based on 69 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...
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    Based on 69 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...
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    Based on 69 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 69 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No specific user reviews about accessibility features were identified.
    Based on 69 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One reviewer mentioned that dogs are not allowed, though some visitors bring them anyway, potentially violating rules.
    Based on 69 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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