High-clearance 4WD vehicles handle the rough, eroded Forest Road 132A that climbs to Crystal Mountain Dispersed, while standard passenger cars struggle with the rocky terrain. The US Forest Service maintains this free dispersed camping area within Ouachita National Forest, where two established fire rings mark camping spots near the overlook. RVs up to 25 feet can access the site, though the challenging road conditions may limit practical use to smaller, more capable rigs. Campers report that sites often contain litter left by previous visitors, requiring cleanup upon arrival.
Description
If you are one of those folks who prefers a different, more rugged camp experience, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere in the Ouachita National Forest unless there is a sign stating otherwise, or it is a wildlife food plot. Located throughout the Forests are areas that have been campsites for many years. These are located along roadsides, trails, mountain tops, or near streams. Camping at dispersed locations have additional responsibilities: "Leave No Trace" so others can have a similar backcountry experience, pack out any trash or litter, scatter campfire ash around so it doesn't pile up, and leave the area better than you found it.
Please filter water before drinking! Beware of stream crossings after heavy rains.
Please read the Dispersed Camping guidelines before heading out: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ouachita/recreation/?cid=fseprd727994
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCrystal Mountain Dispersed is located in Arkansas near Paron
Coordinates
34.838114016995135 N
92.93667246043086 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Crystal Mountain Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 4 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 23 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 47 min from Fayetteville, AR
