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Ozark-St Francis/Gunner Pool Rec Area
Overview
Overview
Gunner Pool Recreation Area, nestled within the Ozark National Forest, offers a serene escape for campers seeking a primitive and immersive nature experience. Unlike modern resorts with extensive amenities, this site provides a quiet, forested environment centered around the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Visitors will find that the park is defined by its secluded atmosphere and the gentle, constant flow of the nearby North Sylamore Creek, making it a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate the rustic charm of Arkansas wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Located near the small community of Fifty Six, Arkansas, Gunner Pool is tucked deep within the rolling hills of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. The landscape is characterized by dense hardwood forests, limestone bluffs, and the pristine, spring-fed waters of North Sylamore Creek. Travelers can expect a winding, scenic drive through the heart of the national forest to reach the site, which offers a true sense of being off the grid and away from the bustle of city life.
Amenities & Park Features
As a primitive recreational area, the facilities at Gunner Pool are designed to maintain the integrity of the natural surroundings. The campground features tent and RV sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing essential access to vault toilets and picnic tables. While there are no water or electric hookups available, the site remains a popular choice for visitors looking for shaded campsites that offer direct access to the creek for swimming, fishing, and wading during the warmer months of the year.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities in the surrounding Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. The area is renowned for the Sylamore Hiking Trail, which offers miles of scenic paths that wind along the creek and up the steep ridges of the valley. Additionally, the famous Blanchard Springs Caverns are located just a short drive away, providing an incredible underground adventure. Fishing for trout in the nearby White River is another favorite local pastime for those visiting the Fifty Six area.
Who This Park Is Best For
Gunner Pool Recreation Area is ideal for self-contained RVers and campers who enjoy boondocking and prefer a quiet, nature-focused environment over high-amenity parks. It is particularly well-suited for families who love water recreation, hikers wanting to explore the Ozark trails, and photographers drawn to the stunning limestone bluffs that define this region. If you are seeking a simple, rugged, and quiet place to connect with nature, this recreation area serves as an excellent basecamp.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Dennis
Gunner is pretty nice, crowded on the weekend but thats to be expected. Facilities were clean and the river was clear water, not much they can do about it but i wish the graffiti on the rockface in the river could be removed, some type of organic naturally acidic liquid maybe idk, or a lite pressure washing lol idk. Gunners probably nice during the week when all the weekend warriors are at their 9 to 5s.
Robert Quinn
Some of the best camping of our trip. Quiet campground (your neighbors may vary) with big, separated sites. We had #17, which was perfect. Great weather too. We hiked both sides of the North Sycamore Creek trail and can highly recommend the route to Barkshed if you can only do one side. Creek and pool were good, although creek has an algae bloom that is pretty bad
Andre Lewis
Well maintained camp sites and hiking trail. I also like how accessible and segregated the trash cans are. Highly suggest adding this to your list of sites to visit!
Josh Wise
The pool itself is okay. It is similar to Mirror Lake, but you can swim here (you can't swim in Mirror Lake). Gunner Pool is not big like Mirror Lake, the water looks okay, but not as enticing to swim in. There is a trail you can take over the dam that goes to the left to a small cliff that you can jump off of into Gunner Pool. Some picnic areas as well. There is some trails you can take down to the base of the dam and go into the creek which you can walk through into the North Sylamore Creek near where the bridge goes over it. There is a lot of places there you can sit and relax and play in the water. It is shallow in most places and relaxing. Getting there can be a bit difficult though for people that can't walk good.
Raemie Taylor (Ms. Raemie)
Such a beautiful place! Very relaxing. We went on Father’s Day weekend and it was not busy at all. Maybe two/three other family’s that we saw.