Jack Creek Recreation Area
Campground
4.6 (226)
Jack Creek Rd, Booneville, AR 72927
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Natural Pools In CreekAR
Sugar Creek Ozark Region Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Jack Creek Recreation Area near Booneville with Forest Service directions, seasonal access, primitive camping, vault toilets and no drinking water.
Water type
Natural Pools In Creek
Access
Informal
Fee
The current Jack Creek site page lists no required fee. Verify seasonal operation and any changes before travel.
Best season
Confirm seasonal operation with the ranger district and choose stable weather and flow. No guaranteed swimming calendar is established
Nearby towns
Ozark, Booneville, Sugar Grove
Water body
Sugar Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Ozark, Booneville, Sugar Grove
Recreation-area reference location
35.0339235, -93.8485018
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.
Sugar Creek: plan around Jack Creek Recreation Area
The current Forest Service page lists swimming at Jack Creek, within Ouachita National Forest near Booneville. This is not an Ozark National Forest destination. Knoppers Ford is a separate access, not an interchangeable entrance.
Take the correct final turn
From Booneville, use AR-23 south, AR-116 east and the signed county road to FSR 19. For Jack Creek, turn east onto FSR 141. Follow the manager's full directions and current signs; the map marks the recreation area, not a surveyed water entry.
Bring water and check seasonal operation
The manager lists no required site fee, vault toilets and primitive camping, but no potable water or electricity. Call 479-637-4174 before relying on seasonal services. The old campsite count is not reverified.
Swimming is not a cliff-jumping endorsement
The previous guide promoted a 25-to-30-foot jump and child-friendly pools. Neither is established by this review. Do not jump or dive into unknown water; choose a picnic or walk when entry conditions are unsuitable.
Check trail notices separately
A logging notice beginning August 10, 2026 concerns part of the Sugar Creek Multi-Use Trail. It has no posted end date. Confirm the affected route before hiking, without assuming the notice closes all Jack Creek recreation. Saved photos matched to a different swimming hole remain excluded.
Getting There
Use Jack Creek Recreation Area in Ouachita National Forest. From Booneville, take AR-23 south 2 miles, AR-116 east 1 mile, then the signed paved county road south 4 miles. Continue south on Forest Service Road 19 for 1 mile and turn east on Forest Service Road 141 for 1 mile. Follow current signs and road notices. Knoppers Ford is a separate destination farther along FSR 19. The manager coordinate is a recreation-area reference, not a swimming-entry survey.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Open seasonally according to the site page. Listed swimming does not establish current depth, water quality or child-safe entry. Do not follow the old cliff-jumping instructions.
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
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
Park
4.9 (297)
Mountain View, AR 72533
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Long Pool Recreation Area
Park
4.7 (473)
Dover, AR 72837
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Sugar Creek West Trail Head
Gym
4.7 (3)
Booneville, AR 72927
Glory Hole Falls Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (307)
Glory Hole Falls Trail, Ozone, AR 72854
Knoppers Ford
Campground
4.8 (10)
Forest Service Rd 19, Booneville, AR 72927
Public restroomRestroom
Countryside Inn and RV park
Motel
4.8 (62)
1600 E Main St, Booneville, AR 72927
Free Wi-Fi
Booneville City Hall
City Hall
4.1 (12)
497 E Main St A, Booneville, AR 72927
Restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Creek Ozark Region Swimming Spots
Which forest manages Jack Creek?
Ouachita National Forest, through the Poteau/Cold Springs Ranger District.
Is drinking water available?
The manager says potable water is not available. Bring your own and confirm essential services.
Does the listing recommend cliff jumping?
No. The former jumping recommendation is not supported by this review.
Does the trail notice close the whole recreation area?
The notice concerns part of the multi-use trail. Check its current scope with the district before travel.
Highlights
Forest Service-listed swimming activity
Primitive campground and vault toilets
No required site fee
Distinct Jack Creek road approach
Unique Features
CCC-era recreation setting in Ouachita National Forest
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump or dive into unknown water
- Assess moving water and slippery footing, supervise children directly and avoid flooded approaches
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The nearby towns of Ozark and Booneville offer a historical glimpse into Arkansas's railroad and river trade heritage, enriching visits to the Sugar Creek area.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph permitted creek and recreation-area views. The saved Grogan swimming-hole match is not this destination and is not approved as a gallery here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Carry out litter and use permitted routes. Check the forest alerts before hiking; an August 2026 multi-use trail notice has no posted end date and does not establish closure of the entire recreation area.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Confirm seasonal operation with the ranger district and choose stable weather and flow. No guaranteed swimming calendar is established.
Difficulty Level
Natural terrain and water-entry footing vary. A road-accessible recreation area is not proof of an accessible swim entry.
Fee
The current Jack Creek site page lists no required fee. Verify seasonal operation and any changes before travel.
Facilities
Bring drinking water and confirm required services. No lifeguard, shower or accessible water entry is established.
Activities
Conditions-dependent swimming, river/stream fishing, picnicking and hiking; no cliff-jumping recommendation
Phone
479-637-4174
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
The Forest Service identifies a primitive campground at Jack Creek. Confirm current availability and camping rules; the legacy count of five sites is not reverified.
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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