Cell service disappears completely at Long Pool Recreation Area, where the Big Piney Creek forms a natural swimming hole surrounded by three large jumping rocks. The campground sits at the end of Forest Service Road 1802, roughly 45 minutes from the nearest stores, making advance planning essential for supplies.
Three camping loops offer about 50-60 sites total, with 20 sites providing electric and water hookups while the remainder operate as primitive sites. The tent camping loop positions campers closest to the creek, with some sites just a football field's distance from the rocky swim beach. 2SHOE S. notes that "tent campers have the better camping loop at this campground, closer to the water, nicer sites, most with plenty of trees for shade." Several sites overlook the creek from small bluffs, while others nestle directly in the forest canopy.
Water spigots appear throughout each loop, though multiple campers report the water runs brown and recommend bringing drinking water from town. The single bathhouse provides hot showers, though reviews consistently mention the facilities need attention. Fire rings mark each site, and the campground allows alcohol. Pets cannot access the water areas, leading some visitors to leave dogs at home entirely.
Big Piney Creek supports kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with class II-III whitewater conditions during higher flows. A creekside trail leads about half a mile upstream to a waterfall, with Milli N. describing it as "easy to hike" with "an additional trail passing the first waterfall that is dangerous and steep but very worth the view at the top." Spring brings heavy floater traffic, while October weekends can fill quickly.
The campground works best for groups comfortable with primitive conditions and limited amenities, particularly those prioritizing creek access over convenience. For additional options, campers can explore places to camp around Hagarville or check nearby Moore Outdoors Piney Creek.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Fee Info
Non-Electric $15, Electric & Water $25-40
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLong Pool Recreation Area is located in Arkansas
Coordinates
35.548047 N
93.160252 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 37 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 55 min from Fayetteville, AR
- 2 hrs 10 min from Hot Springs, AR






























