Gunner Pool Campground
4.5265 reviews.
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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderN/AN/A
About this 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
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information available regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites 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.'
Sites PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with scenic surroundings and access to Sylamore Creek.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Sites are spacious and most campers should be fine. Wouldn’t recommend anything much over 25’." - User review (Nathan Pierce).
Best Campsites"We like camping down by Sylamore Creek in the sites right on the water." - User review (Steve Mangan).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
There is no specific information available regarding group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"Nicely laid out with spacious sites." - User review (Reba Newman).
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platforms"Reservations can be made through the Recreation.gov mobile app using Scan and Pay." - Authoritative content.
Walk-in Availability"This 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.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.'Fishing
Fishing 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.'Swimming
Swimming 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 viewing
Wildlife 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
No specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking is possible in Sylamore Creek, but no other water sports are detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are "Quiet after 10 PM, though generator noise is sometimes an issue." - User review (Steve Holmes).
Hazards
General hazards"Watch out for snakes on the trails, saw a giant water moccasin sunbathing." - User review (ECHO).
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
62
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific information about trash and recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water features"This campground is situated along Sylamore Creek." - User review (Nathan Pierce).
Common complaints"Overgrown grass," "generator noise all day," and issues with unleashed dogs." - User reviews (Steve Holmes, Philip Ma).
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsnull
"Easy road to get to the park. Big rigs okay! No worries! No potholes, easy turns." - User review (ECHO).Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
"The town has a store pretty close to the campground if you need ice, etc." - User review (Emily C).
Camper Reviews
4.5
65 reviews
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsPro 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 65 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
While pets are allowed, one review mentioned issues with unleashed dogs roaming around, which disrupted their camping experience.
Based on 65 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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