Free camping sits at the end of a roughly 3-mile caliche road off the main highway, a stretch reviewers describe as well-graded and hard-packed but narrow, with real potential to become impassable after heavy rain. Crystal Campground has 9 to 10 first-come, first-served sites within Ouachita National Forest, set among wooded terrain along Montgomery Creek. No hookups, no potable water on site. The pit toilet has drawn consistent praise for cleanliness, and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. RVs are limited to 22 feet.
Montgomery Creek runs along one edge of the campground, with several sites positioned directly beside it. Matthew S. notes the creek "is loud by the waterfall if you want to sleep with a great sound," which is worth keeping in mind for light sleepers. Sites vary in shade coverage, with most sitting under a solid canopy and a few offering more sun exposure, useful for solar charging. Free-roaming cattle have been spotted on the access road, so drive accordingly.
The Crystal Springs Trail departs from the campground itself, giving hikers direct access without driving elsewhere. Reviewers have also mentioned nearby quartz crystal mines in the area, and Collier Spring, roughly 3 miles down the road, provides drinkable fresh spring water. One reviewer noted hearing rattlesnakes but not seeing any. Bring your own firewood since there is little to scavenge on site.
Cell coverage is limited. Verizon users report one bar; AT&T and T-Mobile users have reported no signal at all. The campground can fill on Friday nights, and at least one reviewer noted a neighbor playing loud music late. Campers who want more lodging variety in the region can browse places to camp around Norman or check out nearby options like K O C - Kamping On Caddo and Epona Place Ranch.
Crystal Campground works well for self-contained campers, tent campers, and small RV or van travelers who want free, no-frills access to a forested creek setting with a trailhead on site.
Description
Small campground in an attractive wooded site next to a small stream. More recreation opportunities in the Caddo/Womble Ranger District
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCrystal Campground is located in Arkansas near Norman
Directions
Take Arkansas Hwy. 27 north from Norman, AR for 1 mile; turn right (east) on Forest Service Road 177 for 3 miles.
Coordinates
34.47958006 N
93.63891067 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/11/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/11/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/11/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/11/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Crystal Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 57 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 43 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 53 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 1 hr 57 min from Texarkana, TX
