Crystal Springs (Ar)

Star4.36
1.1K reviews
1330 N. Crystal springs Rd., Royal, AR 71968
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

597 ft

Price

$14 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Crystal Springs (Ar)
$14.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on site type and season. Peak season rates apply from May 1 to September 30, with prices ranging from $14 for tent-only sites...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
501-767-2101lakeouachita@usace.army.mil
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 1.1K reviews

244 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlake

Some mention

noiseunlevel

"Crystal Springs Campground receives highly positive reviews for its scenic location, cleanliness, and variety of activities but mixed reviews on site privacy and maintenance issues. 'Absolutely beautiful place! Beautiful lake, well kept campground.' (User Review)."

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Campground Map

1330 N. Crystal springs Rd., Royal, AR 71968

Crystal Springs (Ar)

1330 N. Crystal springs Rd., Royal, AR 71968

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access road is paved and suitable for all vehicles. No off-road vehicles allowed within the park.
Nearby places
Hot Springs (approximately 16 miles / 25 minutes), Mount Ida (approximately 20 miles / 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Hot Springs offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel. Mount Ida has limited shopping options, primarily small local stores.

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Springs (Ar)

Crystal Springs transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to the lakeside setting. Summer arrives with warm, humid days perfect for swimming and water sports, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through the mountains, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing relief. As autumn gives way to winter, the campground reveals a different charm - crisp, mild days draw nature enthusiasts and bird watchers from across the region, all hoping to glimpse the majestic bald eagles that make their seasonal home along the lake's shores.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming and boating; praised for activities but notes of crowds and maintenance issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 24% in AR

Fall offers scenic foliage, quieter conditions and good hiking; reviewers note seasonal beauty.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens May 1; spring heralds warm days and the start of peak water activities (May is busy).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 13% in AR

Open through Dec 31; winter months praised for bald eagle sightings and peaceful camping (limited access).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 to December 31 yearly. Reservations begin June 20 for the following season.
  • Current Alerts: No active park alerts were listed.

About Crystal Springs (Ar)

Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Lake Ouachita, Crystal Springs Campground has earned its reputation as one of Arkansas's most sought-after outdoor destinations. This waterfront haven offers 63 spacious sites equipped with electric and water hookups, perfect for RV enthusiasts seeking comfort in nature. For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, five secluded tent-only sites provide an intimate connection with the wilderness, while a dedicated group camping area welcomes gatherings of friends and families. Every convenience has been thoughtfully provided, from the modern dump station and fish cleaning facilities to rejuvenating hot showers after a day of adventure. Launch your boat directly from the campground's ramp, watch children play at the well-equipped playground, or simply unwind on the inviting swim beach as the sun sets over the water.
Crystal Springs Campground offers a diverse range of camping accommodations including electric and water hookup sites, tent-only sites, and group campsites with amenities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
4:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights allowed during a rolling 30-day period during peak season (May 1 - September 30). From October 1 to April 16, stays can extend up to 56 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking, and boating. Scuba diving is popular due to high underwater visibility. 'Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility.' (Authoritative Source).
HikingHiking trails available, including part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail. User Review: 'Did a 14-mile round trip hike to Camp Charlton and the 19-mile round trip to the vista overlook.'
FishingFishing opportunities include striped bass and freshwater jellyfish sightings. User Review: 'Fishing from the bank rendered a few bream and a keeper largemouth.'
SwimmingSwimming areas include a swim beach and lake spots accessible directly from campsites. 'Beautiful River! Campground is kept clean. There was a swimming area with a sand beach.' (User Review).
BoatingBoating opportunities include pontoon rentals and docking options directly from campsites. User Review: 'Boaters were respectful of the no-wake zone.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife includes bald eagles, Canadian geese, and rare freshwater jellyfish. Seasonal highlights include bird watching in winter months.
Beach activitiesBeach activities available at the swim beach; however, some complaints about geese droppings: 'Dang geese at swimming area! Makes it hard to find clean spots to swim.' (User Review).
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsOccasional unlevel campsites may pose difficulties for larger RVs. Wildlife such as geese can be a nuisance, and water activities require caution due to boat traffic.
Active AlertsNo active park alerts were listed.

Weather at Crystal Springs (Ar)

Reviews

4.4
1.1K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Crystal Springs (Ar) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crystal Springs Campground receives highly positive reviews for its scenic location, cleanliness, and variety of activities but mixed reviews on site privacy and maintenance issues. 'Absolutely beautiful place! Beautiful lake, well kept campground.' (User Review).
Review Summaries
Based on 1068 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean bathrooms, scenic lake views, and friendly hosts: 'We enjoyed a great experience at Crystal Springs Campground over Xmas 2021. The campground is quiet & well kept.' (User...
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Based on 1068 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on site leveling issues, crowded conditions, and maintenance delays: 'Sites are close together.' (User Review).
Based on 1068 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommended activities include visiting Hot Springs National Park and hiking the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Tips include bringing leveling blocks and avoiding certain spots during busy...
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Based on 1068 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are praised for bald eagle sightings and peaceful camping. Summer reviews highlight water activities but mention crowds and maintenance concerns.
Based on 1068 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful River! Campground is kept clean.' (User Review). 2. 'The lady at the check-in was helpful and friendly. Our site was clean and level.' (User Review).
Based on 1068 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 16 and 17 have water views but are close together. Site 18 is on a steep slope. Site 19 has electrical issues. Group D sites lack privacy despite being marketed as private.
Based on 1068 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed accessibility reviews. Some find the campsites suitable for larger RVs, while others struggle with tight roads and unlevel spots.
Based on 1068 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Some complaints about unattended dogs barking and causing disturbances. 'The camp next to us had two dogs barking all day and night until the campers returned to camp.' (User Review).
Based on 1068 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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