Long Pool Recreation Area
Park
3.8 mi
4.7 (473)
Dover, AR 72837
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
CreekAR
Long Pool Recreation Area, Big Piney Creek
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Visit Long Pool on Big Piney Creek with corrected recreation-area coordinates, day-use fees, first-come camping information and river safety advice.
Water type
Creek
Access
Informal
Fee
Day use $3 per vehicle per day; camping $15 non-electric, $20 single electric or $35 double electric, per 2026 Forest Service schedule. Confirm changes before arrival.
Best season
For swimming, choose warm weather and stable river conditions
Nearby towns
Russellville, Dover
Water body
Big Piney Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Russellville, Dover
Recreation-area reference location
35.549840, -93.160610
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Long Pool Recreation Area, Big Piney Creek
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Recreation-area reference location
- The map uses a recreation-area reference coordinate from the manager, not a surveyed entrance, parking space or safe water-entry point. Follow current signs and confirm access before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Long Pool on Big Piney Creek
Long Pool is a developed Forest Service recreation area for a river outing rather than a remote waterfall hike. Swimming is among the manager's listed activities, alongside camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. The pool, forest and bluffs are the main draw, but river conditions still determine whether to enter the water.
Corrected map location and arrival
The map now uses Forest Service recreation-area coordinates. The previous pin was well south of Long Pool. Treat this marker as a destination reference, not a surveyed swimming entrance: follow posted parking and access instructions when you arrive and check forest alerts before leaving home.
Budget for day use and camping separately
The 2026 Forest Service schedule lists a $3 daily vehicle day-use fee. Camping costs are separate: $15 for non-electric sites, $20 for single electric sites and $35 for double electric sites. Confirm current charges rather than relying on this page for pass eligibility or a booking total.
Choose the facilities you actually need
The Forest Service listing describes first-come campsites, with electric and non-electric choices. Toilets and showers vary by loop. If showers, utilities or a particular campsite type matter to your trip, ask the district office at 479-284-3150 before arrival; do not assume a day-use payment includes every campground amenity.
A river is not a supervised pool
Conditions can change with rainfall upstream, and a broad calm-looking reach may still have current, submerged obstacles or sudden depth changes. Avoid diving and cliff jumping. Keep children within direct supervision and make a non-swimming visit when the flow or footing is uncertain.
Getting There
Navigate to Long Pool Recreation Area on Big Piney Creek north of Dover. Use the corrected recreation-area pin and follow current Forest Service signs and maps. Do not use the former southern pin as a water-entry destination. Check road and river conditions before departure.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The pin identifies the recreation area, not an exact safe swimming entry. River depth and current vary. Follow posted rules and keep vehicle access and launches clear.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Long Pool Falls Trailhead
Hiking area
3.8 mi
4.6 (31)
Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837
Back In The Ozarks R.V. Park
RV park
4.9 mi
4.8 (28)
700 Broomfield Rd, Dover, AR 72837
Picnic tablesRunning waterTent sitesWi-Fi
Pilot Rock Base Camp
Campground
5.3 mi
5 (1)
1074 Pilot Rock Mountain Rd, Dover, AR 72837
Hillbilly Haven RV Park
Campground
13 mi
4.7 (41)
9688 AR-333, Dover, AR 72837
Public shower
Ozark–St. Francis National Forest
Visitor center
18.8 mi
4.7 (27)
605 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801
Restroom
US Forest Service - Ouachita National Forest
Government office
71.7 mi
4.4 (16)
Federal Building, 100 Reserve St, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Pool Recreation Area, Big Piney Creek
Is Long Pool free to visit?
No. The 2026 Forest Service schedule lists day use at $3 per vehicle per day. Camping has separate fees.
Can I reserve a campsite?
The Forest Service destination record lists campsites as first-come, first-served. Confirm current arrangements with the district before traveling.
Does the map mark the exact swimming entrance?
No. It marks the recreation area using Forest Service coordinates. Use posted directions for parking and water access.
Are there showers?
The 2026 schedule lists showers for electric Loop C. Facility availability and day-visitor access should be confirmed with the district office.
Highlights
Big Piney Creek river setting
Developed recreation area
Separate day-use and camping fees
First-come campground options
Unique Features
River recreation beside forested bluffs
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid rising or fast water, do not dive or jump from bluffs, supervise children directly and use properly fitted flotation where appropriate
- A calm surface does not establish safe depth
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Managed in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest along Big Piney Creek.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
River and bluff views from established recreation-area approaches.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use designated parking and campsites, follow posted rules and pack out litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
For swimming, choose warm weather and stable river conditions; avoid rising water and storms.
Difficulty Level
Developed recreation-area access; the river is not a controlled pool and water-entry conditions vary.
Fee
Day use $3 per vehicle per day; camping $15 non-electric, $20 single electric or $35 double electric, per 2026 Forest Service schedule. Confirm changes before arrival.
Facilities
Facilities vary by campground loop. A campground shower listing does not promise shower access for every day visitor.
Activities
Swimming, camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing and hiking
Phone
479-284-3150
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
First-come, first-served campsites in the Forest Service listing. Electric and non-electric options; separate camping fees apply.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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