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Barkshed Recreation Area
Barkshed is a primitive camp near a clear mountain stream. It was the old "Barkshed Forest Camp" and was the show-off place for visitors to the forest. The picnic pavilion at the top of the hill was used for many such events.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open year-round |
| Reservations: | No reservations. First-come, first-served. |
| Fees: | Individual campsite- $5/day Group campsite- $5/car/day Day Use area- $3 |
| Open Season: | Open Year-round |
| Restrictions: | Not recommended for large trailers or recreational vehicles (RVs). |
| Closest Towns: | Mountain View |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | Sylamore Ranger District (870)269-3228 or Blanchard Springs Visitor Information Center (870)757-2211 |
General Information
Directions: From Mountain View, take Arkansas 14 west for 17.3 miles. Turn right (north) on Forest Service Road 1115 (gravel) and go 2.1 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 1112 and go 1.4 miles.Activities
Dispersed Camping
Barkshed has a vault toilet and a picnic pavilion, but is a very basic campsite.
River and Stream Fishing
Barkshed is located on clear North Sylamore Creek. You can find deeper fishing pools upstream or downstream from the campsites.
Day Hiking
Barkshed is the "end" of the North Sylamore Hiking Trail and the North Sylamore Extension to the Ozark Highlands Trail can be picked up here.
Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife in and around Barkshed is abundant, but you may have to have sharp eyes to see some of them. Deer and squirrels are abundant; bears and turkeys are more shy. You may also hear more birds than you see, especially along the hiking trail.
Viewing Plants
A large variety of plants may be viewed at Barkshed and the North Sylamore Hiking Trail. Many types of ferns grow near North Sylamore Creek, and wildflowers are usually abundant in spring and early summer.
Viewing Scenery
The drive to Barkshed is typical Ozarks hills and hollows, and the road to the recreation area is steep and narrow. Be aware of private lands around Barkshed, and please respect the landowners. There is a bluff at the creek and the low-water bridge and a higher historic metal bridge that is currently closed to vehicles.
Swimming
Swim at your own risk in the North Sylamore Creek.
Related Links
Location
