Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers a rich outdoor experience. Stroll on the paved trail to where Blanchard Springs gushes as a waterfall from the hillside. Swim in the clear waters of the North Sylamore Creek. Hike into the Ozark woods for an hour or a weekend. Try your luck catching rainbow trout from Mirror Lake, an accessible facility. Blanchard Springs Caverns has 3 tours- Dripstone Tour, Wild Cave Tour, & Discovery Tour.
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area Guide
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Caverns, Visitor Center, and Campground have closed for the season. Group campsites and Day-Use area are open. |
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Operational Hours: | Visitor Information Center open seasonally from spring to late fall. |
Reservations: | Group campsites, two pavilions, and the amphitheater can be reserved through recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Individual campsites are first-come, first-served. |
Area Amenities: |
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Fees: |
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Open Season: | Year-round |
Closest Towns: | Mountain View |
Water: | Drinking Water |
Restroom: | Flush / Hot Showers |
Operated By: | Blanchard Springs Visitor Information Center (870) 757-2211 |
Information Center: | The Visitor Information Center personnel have a wealth of knowledge of the surrounding area. They are also available for appointments to issue passes, including the annual forests' day-use pass. Contact the center at 870-757-2211. |
General Information
Directions:To get to the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area from Mountain View, take Arkansas Highway 14 West for 12.1 miles, turn right (north) at the Blanchard Springs Caverns sign. Follow signs to the different facilities.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Cyclists can access the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail from the Blanchard Campground, just past campsite #14. The spur trail goes uphill to the Jack's Branch Loop. Be aware that this is a fairly strenuous spur!
Areas for Mountain Biking at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Campground Camping
32 campsites with grills, tables, lantern poles and tent pads, but no electrical hookups. 2 group camps available by reservation only for a minimum of 8 and maximum of 50. Restrooms with hot showers. Trailhead connecting campground to the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail. Drinking water.
Fire Information | Campfires are allowed (unless in the event of a burn ban), no firewood should be brought in or taken from any of the sites. |
Areas for Campground Camping at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
RV Camping
Restrooms with hot showers. No hookups. Trailhead connecting campground to the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail. Drinking water. Summer interpretive programs. Guided Cavern Tours. Access to Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail. RV Sewage Dump Station.
Hookup - Water | none |
Hookup - Sewer | none |
Size Restrictions | Maximum vehicle length - 32ft |
Dump Stations | yes |
Hookups - Electric | none |
Fire Information | Campfires are allowed (unless in the event of a burn ban), no firewood should be brought in or taken from any of the sites. |
Corrals | Maximum vehicle length - 32ft |
Group Camping
2 group camps available by reservation only for a minimum of 8 and maximum of 50. Restrooms with hot showers. Trailhead connecting campground to the North Sylamore Creek Hiking Trail. Drinking water. Summer interpretive programs. Guided Cavern Tours. Access to Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail. Swim Areas.
No. of Sites | 2 |
Fire Information | Campfires are allowed (unless in the event of a burn ban), no firewood should be brought in or taken from any of the sites. |
Areas for Group Camping at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Lake and Pond Fishing
Two historic dams enclose the waters of Blanchard Springs, forming Mirror Lake.The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Arkansas Game and Fish regulations apply. Accessible parking lot, boardwalk, and fishing pier.
Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
River and Stream Fishing
Clear North Sylamore Creek runs through the Blanchard Recreation Area, and offers some good fishing holes either upstream or downstream from the swim areas.
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Day Hiking
Visitors can hike wooded hillsides, view picturesque rock bluffs, or walk a short paved trail to Blanchard Springs. Hike into the Ozark woods for an hour or a weekend on the North Sylamore Hiking Trail, which connects all three recreational areas. All the trails are linear, so if you walk the trail, you'll have to turn around to return to your car.
Fire Information | Campfires are allowed (unless in the event of a burn ban), no firewood should be brought in or taken from any of the sites. |
Areas for Day Hiking at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Viewing Wildlife
Deer and turkey are abundant at Blanchard and many other small animals can be seen in and around the area - birds, lizards, and chipmunks. Bats, owls, and raccoons are seen and heard at night. Most animals are shy and prefer to hide. If you bring your pet, it must be leashed.
Viewing Plants
As is true across the district, Blanchard offers its share of plant life. Wildflowers show their colors especially in spring and early summer. Many types of ferns and lichens can be seen nearly year round, and even a few rare plants can be viewed in the area.
Caving
With the exception of Blanchard Springs Caverns, all caves and mines are closed by order of the regional forester, to slow or halt the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a bat-killing disease.
Areas for Caving at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Visitor Centers
The Blanchard Springs Visitor Information Center can be reached at 870-757-2211. Contact the center for information about camping in the area and status of the recreation areas.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are located in the Day Use Area, underneath the trees at the edge of the field.
Areas for Picnicking at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Group Picnicking
Large and small picnic pavilions available by reservation. Large pavilion holds 125 people; small pavilion holds 50.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Swimming
The campground lies right on North Sylamore Creek. There are bathhouses and a small pavilion. Swim at your own risk.
Areas for Swimming at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area