the dyrt
Standard (tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Fires Unknown
Pets Unknown
Drinking Water
About Crystal Springs
Crystal Springs Campground, perched on the shores of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples. Approximately 1.2 million people visit the lake each year to explore its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain landscape. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks.
Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.
Facilities
The campground consists of 68 sites including 63 sites with electric and water hookups. There is also a reservable group campsite that includes electrical and water hookups. The two group picnic shelters have electricity. Other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, boat ramp, playground and a swim beach.
Natural Features
Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres.
Nearby Attractions
Part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake. Here, hikers and mountain bikers can explore an array of breathtaking views in the Ouachita Mountains.
ADA Access: N
Sites
75
Price
$14.00 - $80.00
Operator
US Army Corps of Engineers
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Hike In
Boat In
Features
ADA Accessible
Alcohol Allowed
Drinking Water
No Market
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Reservable
Sanitary Dump
Showers
Toilets
Trash Available
Contact
Location
Crystal Springs is located in Arkansas
Directions
From Hot Springs, Arkansas, take US 270 west about 15.4 miles to North Crystal Springs Road. Turn right and follow access road three miles north to the park.
14 Reviews of Crystal Springs
Was closed for updating in October no access
Reviewed park on line ACE site, no notice that is was going to be closed, definitely was when arrived, had to find alternate park.
Ranger Review: Women's Rebel Stretch Shell Jacket at Crystal Springs
Campground Review:
Crystal Springs campground is near Hot Springs, Arkansas. The campsites all have great views of the lake, but I believe this campground is meant for RV's. The sites are very exposed. That isn't a big deal if you are in an RV or camper, but it is tough if you are in a tent on a windy lake.
Our site was on a point. The rain and wind really beat our tent up. In fact, we had to cut our trip short because of the windy conditions.
There weren't any hiking trails near the area, but there were great fishing opportunities.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time- today I am testing Red Ledge Women's Rebel Stretch Shell Jacket . This was my first "legit" rain jacket.
Top reasons I love the Red Ledge Women's Rebel Stretch Shell Jacket:
1. The fit is great. I ordered a medium, and it is perfect.
2. The elastic around the wrist and waist help protect against the elements.
3. The hood has a bill so that rain doesn't fall into your face.
4. The pockets have zippers for added protection.
5. The zipper zips both ways.
Red Ledge created a stellar product with this medium weight jacket.
Nice campground off Lake Ouachita
Stayed at this campsite after a long day on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail. Wouldn't recommend Site #2 but I did arrive at camp around 6PM on a Friday and was able to get the site so that was a plus. Took a brief walk around the camp and it has some nice amenities including showers and a beach if you want to go swimming.
Beautiful lake campground
It was flooded when we went and dead but still incredible! Clean bathrooms and friendly DNR. The lake was really nice and good fishing! The scenery was great and lots of wildlife. Went crystal digging at Coleman which was also unbelievable. Will definitely go back when half the US is underwater!
Lake view/ bring your boat
I want to start by saying how nice the staff was. There was a nice lady at the check in desk that helped us find a site before the busy labor day weekend. We had a wonderful conversation about our travels and since she had to help cars driving by she greeted everyone cheerfully even while helping us.
This park offers all amenities. The facilities were well kept and the campsites were very nice. There is RV and tent camping available. This area is good for day use as well as there is a swimming and picnic area. What I found so neat, is that there is the ability to park boats right on the lake near your campsite. you literally walk down a hill to your boat once you load it in. It is right on the Ouchita lake, so there is plenty of room for all water sports.
Great place to camp
Level sites. Water & Electrical available. Beach. Marina just down the park entrance. Boat launch ramp up the road.
Pretty and fun, but close quarters
The campsites (I'm referring in particular to those with hookups because I have not seen primitive ones here) are too close together. Nonetheless, this is an attractive and popular spot, with activities for families like a nice beach and play structure. There are some sites positioned close to the water, so you can look at a view instead of just your neighbor. In the hottest months of summer, bear in mind that Charlton Recreation Area, just a hop down the road, has colder (spring-fed) swimming water than the lake as well as plentiful forested, spacious, primitive sites in their own dedicated primitive camping loop.
Great Little Escape for this family of 5
We’ve enjoyed Crystal Springs Camp Ground on beautiful Lake Ouachita for the past several years. It’s waterfront campsites are easily accessible for families to walk to and from.
would recommend and go again
there aren’t many just tent sites. and they aren’t on the nice part of the water although they are a very short still to the nice part of the water. the lady at the front went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and the showers and toilets were very clean. all the other campers were super nice as well. all in all I loved the experience
Favorite camping on lake
Sstayed here on several trips. I always loved it. Cell service (Verizon) was very good, picked up a good number of tv stations on regular TV. No Wi-Fi or sewer hookups. We stayed for 5 days with 4 teenage grandkids and had a blast. Rented a pontoon boat for a day and had a blast (price was much less than I expected. Incredible hiking all around you. Campground is secluded and quite. We saw eagles every day and fishing was great.
