Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Park
4.9 (297)
Mountain View, AR 72533
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Varies, See BelowAR
Ozark National Forest North Unit Swimming Destinations
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Compare Gunner Pool, Blanchard Springs and Barkshed with current-source cautions, creek-access planning, campground details and facility-specific opening checks.
Water type
Varies, See Below
Access
Informal
Fee
Gunner Pool day use $3; its current page has conflicting $10/$15 campsite rates. Blanchard's campground page lists $15 individual camping and $3 vehicle day use. Confirm current fees by facility.
Best season
Choose stable weather and confirm the exact destination's operating facilities. Do not assume 2026 tour dates govern swimming access
Nearby towns
Mountain Home, Mountain View
Water body
Sylamore Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Mountain Home, Mountain View
Recreation-area reference location
35.99436944, -92.21225278
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
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.
North Sylamore Creek: three destinations, three access checks
Gunner Pool, Blanchard Springs and Barkshed are separate recreation areas. Use this guide to choose the right stop, not as evidence that every creek pool, campground or trail is open. The map now identifies Gunner Pool recreation-area coordinates rather than an exact swimming hole.
Gunner Pool: creek recreation with rough-road access
The current Forest Service page lists swimming, vault toilets and seasonal water, with a steep, winding gravel approach that is not recommended for large RVs. Bring water and follow posted access rather than entering through occupied campsites. Older instructions to swim behind campsite 23 are not a verified current route.
Blanchard Springs: newer operations supersede old blanket closures
The 2026 operating announcement describes a cooperative Forest Service and Arkansas State Parks season. The newer Forest Service campground page describes operating camping facilities. This supersedes older blanket closure information, but a campground or cavern opening is not proof that every swimming access is open. Confirm the exact day-use area before making it your swimming destination.
Barkshed: confirm access rather than relying on old directions
The Forest Service structured record still contains a flood-closure warning for Barkshed. We have not established a current reopening from that record. Do not make it your only plan, bypass barriers or follow the former page's unverified hike to a pool. Call the Sylamore district at 870-269-3228 for destination-specific advice.
Budget by facility
Gunner Pool lists $3 day use, but its page contains both $10 and $15 campsite rates. Confirm the rate rather than assuming the cheaper value. Blanchard's current campground page lists $15 individual camping and $3 vehicle day use. The 2026 announcement distinguishes first-come individual campsites from reservable group facilities. Cavern tickets are a separate purchase, not a creek-access pass.
Getting There
The pin identifies Gunner Pool Recreation Area. Its current official directions use AR-14 west from Mountain View, then gravel Forest Service Road 1102. The steep, winding access is not recommended for large RVs or trailers. Navigate separately to Blanchard Springs and confirm Barkshed access before considering a visit.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Older records still show flood closures. Newer June 2026 Blanchard campground information and the state tourism agency's 2026 agreement describe resumed operations, but do not establish every swimming entrance as open. Barkshed's structured record retains a closure warning. Confirm the exact facility with the Sylamore district.
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
Gunner Pool Recreation Area
Tourist attraction
4.7 (431)
Fifty-Six, AR 72533
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Barkshed Recreation Area
National forest
4.7 (151)
3150 Tie Ridge Rd, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomRestroom
North Sylamore Creek Trail: Allison Trailhead
Hiking area
4.4 (57)
Unnamed Road, Mountain View, AR 72560
Blanchard Spring Trailhead
Hiking area
4.9 (360)
Mountain View, AR 72560
Sylamore Creek Camp
Campground
4.3 (330)
214 Sylamore Creek Rd, Mountain View, AR 72560
Court Square RV Park
RV park
4.7 (130)
320 Oak Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560
Whitewater RV Park
Campground
4.7 (201)
108 E Webb St, Mountain View, AR 72560
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozark National Forest North Unit Swimming Destinations
Does this pin mark all three swimming areas?
No. It identifies Gunner Pool recreation area. Blanchard Springs and Barkshed are separate destinations.
Is Blanchard Springs still closed after the older flood notices?
Newer 2026 sources describe resumed campground and cavern operations. Confirm the specific swimming or day-use facility; one facility opening does not prove every access is open.
Can I visit Barkshed using the old directions?
Its Forest Service structured record retains a closure warning and a reopening was not established here. Ask the Sylamore district before traveling and respect barriers.
How much does Gunner Pool camping cost?
The current Forest Service page contains both $10 and $15 rates. Confirm with the district; day use is listed at $3.
Highlights
Gunner Pool's North Sylamore Creek setting
Separate planning for Blanchard facilities
Rough-road and seasonal-service checks
No unverified campsite-entry directions
Unique Features
Creek recreation and separate cavern-tour options near Fifty Six
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not follow old instructions behind campsite 23 as a verified entrance
- Avoid high-water crossings, slick ledges and diving
- Supervise children directly; bring offline navigation
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Blanchard Springs' 2026 operations are supported by a Forest Service and Arkansas State Parks cooperative agreement.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Creek and forest views from permitted access; caverns require their own tour arrangements.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect occupied campsites, closed areas and posted access rules; pack out litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose stable weather and confirm the exact destination's operating facilities. Do not assume 2026 tour dates govern swimming access.
Difficulty Level
Gunner Pool has steep, winding gravel access; water entry is not established as accessible or suitable for all swimmers.
Fee
Gunner Pool day use $3; its current page has conflicting $10/$15 campsite rates. Blanchard's campground page lists $15 individual camping and $3 vehicle day use. Confirm current fees by facility.
Facilities
Do not transfer one site's facilities or opening status to another. Carry drinking water and check which services are operating before arrival.
Activities
Creek swimming at Gunner Pool when conditions permit, hiking, picnicking, camping and separate cavern tours
Phone
870-269-3228
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
Gunner Pool first-come campground; Blanchard individual sites first-come for the 2026 season, group facilities reservable. Do not plan camping at Barkshed without confirmation.
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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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