Barkshed Campground

For Arkansans seeking a true escape into the heart of nature, where peace, quiet, and stunning scenery abound, Barkshed Campground offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled in the picturesque Ozark-St. Francis National Forest near Fifty-Six, this primitive campground is a beloved local secret, cherished for its unspoiled beauty and direct access to pristine wilderness. It's a place where generations of campers have found solace and rejuvenation, returning year after year to reconnect with the natural world.

Barkshed Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an immersion into the serene beauty of the Arkansas Ozarks. Described by long-time visitors as a "great place to get away" with "unbelievable scenery," it caters to those who appreciate a less developed, more authentic camping experience. The absence of extensive amenities allows the focus to remain firmly on the breathtaking natural surroundings and the simple joys of outdoor living.

For locals in Arkansas, understanding the unique appeal of Barkshed means recognizing its value as a genuine wilderness retreat. It's not a resort; it's an opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the sights and sounds of the forest and creek. The famous spring water, lauded as the "Best Water I've ever had hands down!", exemplifies the natural treasures that await those who venture to this special corner of Stone County.

Introduction / Overview

Barkshed Campground, located at 3150 Tie Ridge Rd, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA, is a primitive camping area situated within the stunning Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. This campground is a cherished destination for those seeking a tranquil and scenic outdoor experience in the Arkansas Ozarks. It’s an ideal spot for individuals and families who appreciate raw natural beauty and a "get away from it all" atmosphere.

Originally known as the "Barkshed Forest Camp," this area has a long history as a beloved outdoor spot, even serving as a "show-off place" for forest visitors in years past, with a picnic pavilion still standing at the top of the hill. Today, it maintains its rustic charm, offering a basic but deeply rewarding camping experience. Its location near clear North Sylamore Creek is a significant draw, providing opportunities for various water-based activities and stunning views.

While Barkshed is considered a "primitive camp" and "very basic," meaning it doesn't offer extensive modern amenities like electricity or flush toilets at every site, it provides essential facilities and unparalleled access to nature. Visitors consistently highlight its quiet, peaceful ambiance and the "unbelievable" scenery. The campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making spontaneity part of its appeal for locals. It's a place that fosters repeat visits, with some campers having returned for over three decades, a testament to its enduring charm and natural allure.

Location and Accessibility

Barkshed Campground is nestled at 3150 Tie Ridge Rd, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA, placing it deep within the scenic Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. This location near the small community of Fifty-Six in Stone County is perfect for Arkansans seeking a true wilderness experience, yet it remains accessible from larger towns like Mountain View (approximately 17 miles west).

Access to Barkshed involves navigating typical Ozarks hills and hollows. From Mountain View, visitors take Arkansas 14 west for about 17.3 miles, then turn right (north) on Forest Service Road 1115 (a gravel road) for 2.1 miles, followed by a right turn on Forest Service Road 1112 for 1.4 miles. While the road to the recreation area is described as "steep and narrow," this contributes to its secluded feel. It's important to note that the campground is "not recommended for large trailers or recreational vehicles (RVs)" due to these road conditions, suggesting it's best suited for tents, smaller trailers, or truck campers.

The primary geographic feature enhancing its accessibility and appeal is its location directly on clear North Sylamore Creek. This creek provides direct access for fishing and swimming right from the campground. Furthermore, Barkshed is the "end" of the North Sylamore Hiking Trail, and the North Sylamore Extension to the Ozark Highlands Trail can also be picked up here. This makes it a fantastic base camp for avid hikers looking to explore some of Arkansas's most renowned trails.

Despite its primitive nature, Barkshed’s strategic position within the National Forest offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities. While it feels remote, it's close enough to Mountain View to allow for resupply runs or access to local attractions. This blend of seclusion and relative convenience makes it a highly desirable location for Arkansans looking for an authentic and accessible outdoor retreat.

Services Offered

• Primitive Campsites: Offers spacious campsites suitable for tents, smaller trailers, and RVs (note: not recommended for large RVs). Sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities (vault toilets) are available on-site. It's important to note that flush toilets and showers are generally not available at primitive sites like Barkshed.
• Picnic Pavilion: An old, historic picnic pavilion is located at the top of the hill, offering a communal gathering space.
• Mountain Spring Water: A highly celebrated feature, there is a natural spring providing "best water I've ever had hands down!" relatively close to the camp. Campers often use this for drinking water, though it's always wise to confirm potability or filter/treat water from natural sources.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations.
• Fee-Based Camping: Individual campsites are typically $5 per day. Group campsites are $5 per car per day. Day use of the area costs $3.

Features / Highlights

• Clear Mountain Stream Access: Located directly on North Sylamore Creek, offering opportunities for fishing and swimming. Visitors can find deeper fishing pools upstream or downstream.
• Exceptional Spring Water: A natural spring provides clean, fresh water, highly praised by long-time visitors as superior in taste and quality.
• Quiet and Peaceful Environment: Renowned for its serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot to "get away" from noise and crowds.
• Unbelievable Scenery: Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, offering picturesque views of hills, hollows, bluffs, and diverse plant life, especially wildflowers in spring.
• Hiking Trail Access: Serves as the "end" of the North Sylamore Hiking Trail, and also provides access to the North Sylamore Extension to the Ozark Highlands Trail, offering miles of exploration for hikers.
• Wildlife Viewing: Abundant wildlife, including deer, squirrels, bears (more shy), and various bird species, can be observed.
• Historic Elements: Features an old picnic pavilion and a higher historic metal bridge (currently closed to vehicles) that add character to the area.
• Year-Round Operation: Open year-round, allowing for seasonal visits to experience the Ozarks in all its forms.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding Barkshed Campground, general information about the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, or current conditions, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 3150 Tie Ridge Rd, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
• Phone:
  • Sylamore Ranger District: (870) 269-3228
  • Blanchard Springs Visitor Information Center: (870) 757-2211
• Website: For more detailed official information, you can often find details on the U.S. Forest Service website under the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests recreation areas (fs.usda.gov/recarea/osfnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=43425&actid=50).

Since Barkshed operates on a first-come, first-served basis, calling the Sylamore Ranger District or checking the forest's official website for alerts and conditions before your trip is highly recommended. This is especially important for weather forecasts and road conditions, as they can impact accessibility to this primitive area.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Arkansans seeking a deep, authentic connection with the natural beauty of their state, Barkshed Campground in Fifty-Six is an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished destination. Its primary appeal to locals lies in its genuine primitive camping experience, offering a true escape from the over-developed sites often found elsewhere. This allows residents to fully immerse themselves in the quiet, peaceful ambiance and "unbelievable scenery" of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, truly getting away from it all.

The standout feature for many long-time Arkansan visitors is the pure, refreshing "spring water out the mountain." This unique natural amenity, often lauded as the "best water I've ever had hands down!", provides a tangible connection to the land and a distinct experience rarely found at other campgrounds. Combine this with direct access to the clear North Sylamore Creek for fishing and swimming, and you have a perfect recipe for classic Arkansas outdoor recreation right at your doorstep.

Furthermore, Barkshed serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region's extensive trail system, being the gateway to the North Sylamore Hiking Trail and its extension to the Ozark Highlands Trail. For Arkansan hikers and nature enthusiasts, this provides countless miles of exploration and wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer, squirrels, and various bird species. The year-round accessibility, even if roads can be challenging, means that locals can experience the Ozarks in all its seasonal glory, from vibrant spring wildflowers to crisp autumn foliage.

While Barkshed is not suited for large RVs and emphasizes a "basic" camping style with vault toilets, its charm lies precisely in this simplicity. It attracts those who value nature's raw beauty and a tranquil environment over modern amenities. For generations of Arkansans, Barkshed Campground has been, and continues to be, a beloved retreat – a place to reconnect with nature, family, and the enduring spirit of the Ozarks.

Barkshed Campground

3150 Tie Ridge Rd, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA