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Gunner Pool Recreation Area
The Gunner Pool Recreation Area offers a campground stretching along the scenic North Sylamore Creek. Campsites are shady and private, but have no electrical or water hook-ups. This recreation area is located within the Sylamore Wildlife Management Area. Hunting is permitted anywhere except within developed recreation areas or where otherwise posted. This management area provides hunting for whitetail deer, wild turkey, black bear, squirrel and other game in season. Visitors can access the Sylamore Hiking Trail via a trailhead located within the Gunner Pool campground. Blanchard Springs Caverns is located just minutes away from this recreation area. The White and Buffalo Rivers border the east and west sides of the district, where visitors can enjoy float fishing and canoeing. Camping- 27 campsites with grills, tables, lantern poles and tent pads. Access is by a steep, winding, dirt road, not recommended for large recreation vehicles. Water available seasonally from April to November
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open year-round unless weather makes the access roads unsafe. |
| Reservations: | Sites available on a first-come/first-based only. |
| Area Amenities: |
|
| Fees: | Campground - $10/site/day year round. Day-use $3/day. |
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Closest Towns: | Mountain View |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| 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 14.2 miles then right on Forest Service Road 1102 (gravel) for 3 miles. Not recommended for large trailers or Recreation Vehicles (RVs)Activities
Campground Camping
Camping- 27 campsites with grills, tables, lantern poles and tent pads. Access is by a steep, winding, dirt road, not recommended for large recreation vehicles. Campers can stay up to 14 consecutive nights.
| No. of Sites | 27 |
| 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. |
River and Stream Fishing
Day Hiking
Visitors can access the North Sylamore Hiking Trail via a trailhead located within the Gunner Pool campground. This 15-mile trail follows North Sylamore Creek from the town of Allison, through Blanchard and Gunner Pool campgrounds, to Barkshed Recreation Area. The North Sylamore Extension connects North Sylamore Hiking Trail to the Ozark Highlands Trail along the western side of the Sylamore District.
| 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. |
Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife in and around Gunner Pool 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. Also, if you venture out over the bridge at nightfall, you might see several bats flying around the bridge eating their nightly snack of insects.
Viewing Plants
A large variety of plants may be viewed at Gunner Pool 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 down to Gunner Pool overlooks a verdant valley. Gunner Pool itself is an historic dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Either walking or driving from Gunner Pool will show some beautiful scenery any season of the year.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are at every site at Gunner Pool, along with parking pads, grills, and fire rings.
Swimming
Gunner Pool Recreation Area is located along North Sylamore Creek and Gunner Pool itself is a dammed-up section of a creek with steep sides. Swim at your own risk.