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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Crystal Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Crystal Campground, near Norman, Arkansas, is a fantastic spot for those who appreciate a rustic camping experience. It’s a free campground that offers a peaceful retreat with sites right alongside a beautiful, spring-fed creek, perfect for cooling off on hot days.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it easy to gather around the fire and enjoy some quality time with friends or family. Visitors have noted the clean pit toilets and the serene atmosphere, with one camper mentioning, “The creek is awesome and there's some great trails.” Just remember to bring your own firewood, as there’s nothing available on-site.

For those looking to explore, the area is surrounded by hiking trails, including the Crystal Springs Trail that starts right from the campground. Plus, you’re just a short drive from quartz crystal mines, making it a great base for rock hounding adventures. Some campers have even spotted free-roaming cattle on the way in, adding to the charm of this off-grid paradise.

While the lack of cell service might be a downside for some, it’s a perfect excuse to disconnect and enjoy nature. Whether you’re tent camping or bringing a small RV, Crystal Campground offers a peaceful escape into the heart of Ouachita National Forest.

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Location

Crystal Campground is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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.


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Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 15, 2023

Can’t believe it’s free

No water or electric, but for boondockers or self contained rv camping, it’s great. Only downside for me was zero T-Mobile service.

Sitetowards back on river side
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Tam E., November 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Tam E., November 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Tam E., November 15, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 7, 2023

Great quiet spot

Campground was very easy to find and is very remote with almost no cars going by once it was dark. Creek is nice and is loud by the waterfall is you want to sleep with a great sound. Sites were clean and very usable tables and fire ring. Bring wood for fire there is nothing to scavenge. Even some free roam cattle on the road to the site

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Matthew S., May 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Matthew S., May 7, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 14, 2023

Our Favorite

We’ve been here on two separate occasions and both were a blast.

SiteSP07
Month of VisitMarch
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Reviewed Jul. 27, 2022

Beautiful beautiful and peaceful location

Rustic campground in a serene and pristine setting along a small river/creek. Take care driving down the well maintained dirt road to get here. It’s nicely graded and hard packed but narrow. And I am not sure if it’s rained recently if there’s the potential for getting stuck. I went in such a dry spell that there’s a burn ban in place so didn’t have this issue. Creek was flowing slowly because there’s been no rain since May and it’s now late July. Pretty creek and pretty shaded campground. No cell signal with AT&T.

Siteno number on sites
Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Cheri H., July 27, 2022
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Reviewed Jul. 3, 2022

Tasty spring water!

Located in Ouachita National Forest, this campground is easy to get to. Ideal for tent, vans, even tear drop campers. No hook ups. Some sites had really good solar potential, most were well shaded. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. The spring water is refreshing! There are bear proof trash cans and pit toilets. Decent hiking trails, heard rattle snakes but did not see any. Bugs were not too bad.

Site7
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Izzy T., July 3, 2022
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Izzy T., July 3, 2022
Reviewed May. 20, 2022

Off grid paradise

Crystal campground is in the quachita forest. It has 9 or 10 off grid sites and a pit toilet the campground is right on the forest road and has a beautiful spring fed creek running the length of the campground. It is located very central to a lot of quartz crystal mines. 3 miles down the road is collier spring where 1 can get all the drinkable fresh mountain spring water 1 wants. Crystal campground is a great place to stay if you came to rock hound and dig. Very roomy sites

Siteseveral
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Kay R., May 20, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2021

Totally Awesome

FCFS 

FREE AND AMAZING 

Sites: 9 tent/RV (small RV)

Open: all year 

No water or electric 

870-356-4186 

Pit toilet (very clean), picnic table, trash, fire ring, lantern pole Nicely wooded with nice open areas and Montgomery Creek runs along one side with a few campsites right along side. There is the Crystal Springs Trail you can hike that leaves right from the campground. I loved this small campground and will return to spend a lot more time. The gravel road was in good shape but I believe it could be sketchy when it rains. Verizon 1 bar

LNT

BTYFI

Travel safe

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by N I., November 19, 2021
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  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by N I., November 19, 2021
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2019

Rad spot

Loved this site, the creek is AWESOME and there's some great trails. Lots of other campsites in that area too. Definitely coming back

  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Rachel J., April 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Rachel J., April 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Rachel J., April 24, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2018

Desolate & Perfect

Not far off the main road but could probably get muddy during the rainy season. Maybe 10-12 Campsites with a vault toilet that was definitely not usable in July of 2018. The campsites are along a a crystal clear Spring fed creek. One of my fav campsites and we will definitely try our luck at being the only ones there again.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Stephanie  W., August 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Crystal Campground by Stephanie  W., August 5, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Crystal Campground located in Arkansas?

Crystal Campground is located in the Ouachita National Forest in Montgomery County, Arkansas. It sits alongside Montgomery Creek, which is spring-fed and crystal clear. The campground is accessible via a well-maintained dirt forest road. Its location is central to several quartz crystal mines in the area, making it a popular base camp for crystal hunters. While remote enough to provide a peaceful experience, it's not too far off the main road.

Are reservations required for Crystal Campground?

No, reservations are not required for Crystal Campground. It operates on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis. This free campground has approximately 9-10 sites available. During peak seasons or weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot as the campground is popular due to its scenic creek-side setting. For the most current availability information, contact the Ouachita National Forest office at 870-356-4186.

What amenities are available at Crystal Recreation Area in Arkansas?

Crystal Recreation Area offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. The campground features a clean pit toilet, bear-proof trash receptacles, and access to a beautiful spring-fed creek that runs the length of the area. There are no water or electric hookups available. The area has 9 tent/small RV sites suitable for tent camping, vans, and teardrop campers. Some sites have good solar potential, while most are well-shaded. There's also a waterfall nearby and hiking trails in the surrounding forest.