COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
Susan L.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2020

Worth the trouble to get there!

My GPS took me on an interesting route to this campground in a torrential downpour. That being said, once I arrived, it was worth it. 

Site: 23  in B Loop - water and electric H/U,  treed and enough room to open an awning if needed, gravel pad needed some leveling, but not extreme. This is an end site so there wasn’t anyone to one side. However, to the other side was a neighboring site with little privacy and enough space to allow for any visitors to the site next door to park. This site also backs to the lake which is nice except that people would park their boats on the shore and walk through the site at which I was camped. This was a first for me. I’d choose a site on the back of this loop. Site 31 looked great! These sites are also on the lake, but the shoreline doesn’t allow for boats to park. All sites have picnic tables, fire rings and a BBQ. 

The bath house was in a separate building from the restrooms. I wish more parks would have this arrangement. Showers were clean and a good size. Flush toilets were also clean.

Amenities: This Corps of Engineer campground has so much going for it. Sandy beach, playground, picnic area with common fire pit. Boat launch (not much parking) but that limited the number of boats that could put in at the campground. No wake area in the lake around the campground so it was quieter. Nothing against boaters, just FYI.

The standout for me is the trees! Forests of hardwoods and pines with a campground tucked into a little lakeside cove. I really enjoy COE campgrounds. 

What drew me to this campground was the location. One of the trailheads to the Lake Ouchita Vista Trail is adjacent (about a 10 minute walk). This hike was a standout for me! I’ll be back to hike the other leg which is the Carlton Trail. True to its name, I actually found crystals in one of the springs!

Site23
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020
  • Welcoming committee! :)
    Play button icon
  • Lake Ouchita Vista trail
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground by Susan L., September 5, 2020