The Ozark Mountains around Fifty-Six, Arkansas sit at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet with deep valleys and limestone bluffs throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-75°F. Winter camping is possible at several year-round facilities, though nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Creek exploration: Gunner Pool Recreation Area offers multiple swimming areas along North Sylamore Creek. "If you hike through the rec pool area it will lead you to the lake for some private skinny dipping," notes Hasan A., highlighting less-visited spots beyond the main swimming holes.
Cave tours: 10 miles from camping spots near Fifty-Six, Arkansas, visitors can explore underground formations at Blanchard Springs Caverns. "Way out there. Cavern Tours are very cool! Keep food stuffs put away. Bring Bug spray...Lots," advises Jarrod L., emphasizing the need for preparation when visiting the cave system.
Folk music: 15 miles south in Mountain View, campers can experience traditional Ozark music culture. "We chose this campground because of its proximity to the Ozark Folk Center. We are here for the Bluegrass and Fried Chicken festival this weekend at the center," shares Ashley B., describing the walkable access to music venues.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Blanchard Springs Recreation Area receives praise for its spacious layout. "I love the nice big, spread out campsites!" remarks Jess K., appreciating the room between neighboring campers.
Clear water quality: Many visitors highlight the exceptional water clarity in the region's streams. "It's the clearest spring I've ever seen. There's a bluff in the camping area that's amazing for swimming and small jumping," reports Carla T., describing the swimming opportunities.
No connectivity: Buffalo Point offers a true disconnect from daily life. "We enjoyed a nice walk along the water, views of the sunset from a small cliff, and a peaceful night with out cell service! Highly recommended for those who are looking to get away from reality!" shares Kaylee W., valuing the digital detox experience.
What you should know
Road accessibility: Many camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. "This camping area does not have electrical hook ups, it is kind of rustic. The toilets are kind of big outhouses but the Sylamore creek is makes up for the facilities," explains Greta H., setting expectations for access to Gunner Pool.
Limited supplies: Sylamore Creek Camp has a small store for basics. "They have a small store with firewood and many other convenient items for sale. We take our own kayaks, but they do rent," notes Sandy R., mentioning the limited availability of supplies despite the store.
Weather considerations: Flash flooding can affect accessibility. "Absolutely beautiful! You drive over the spring to camp so be sure the water is not up before you make the drive!" warns Carla T., highlighting the need to check water levels after rain.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: Holiday Mountain Resort offers varied water depths. "Creek is full of smallmouth bass, great swimming holes for the kids, and some shallow wading areas to lounge in chairs or find crawfish," explains Ethan W., noting options for different swimming abilities.
Kid-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "Great Park for family with kids. Nice swimming holes, cool bridges that you have to cross and beautiful views for the parents to relax too," reports Leslie D., describing features that appeal to different age groups.
Activity variety: Most campgrounds offer natural playgrounds rather than constructed facilities. "Peacful," notes Brittanie B. about Blanchard Springs, highlighting its reputation as a "Quiet and clean park. Perfect for the family."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Mountain View RV Park offers different surface types. "We had a back in spot along the ridge with a pretty field behind us and an amazing view. The staff was wonderful very helpful laundry rooms bathrooms were very clean they also have free Wi-Fi and cable," shares Bonita C., noting the benefits of ridge-side spots.
Size limitations: Many campgrounds near Fifty-Six have restrictions on larger vehicles. "It's certainly a family campground with more tents than RV's. Not really big rig friendly although there was a bus in site 16, probably the best site in the campground," advises steve M., identifying the rare exception for large vehicles.
Seasonal considerations: Most private RV parks in the area operate seasonally. "Nice RV park with 'country' setting. Lots of shade trees. Really nice folks!" describes Diane H., highlighting the tree coverage that provides relief from summer heat but may require careful navigation.
