Crystal Campground

Star4.43
142 reviews
1523 Hwy 270E Mt Ida, AR 71957

Quick Facts

1,050 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Caddo Womble Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Crystal Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground is free and does not require any fees.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(870) 867-2101
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 142 reviews

131 Google reviews

"Crystal Campground receives mixed reviews, mainly focusing on its natural beauty, quiet setting, and free camping policy. Many users praised its proximity to crystal mining sites and natural springs, while some raised concerns about vault toilet maintenance, rowdy campers, and the rough access road."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1523 Hwy 270E Mt Ida, AR 71957

Crystal Campground

1523 Hwy 270E Mt Ida, AR 71957

Driving directionsTake Arkansas Hwy 27 north from Norman for 1 mile; turn right (east) on Forest Service Road 177 for 3 miles.
The road leading to the campground is gravel and may require slower driving speeds. It is noted as narrow and pitted with deep potholes in some user reviews. User reviews commonly mention it as manageable with caution or larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Norman: approximately 4 miles south (10-minute drive)
Mt Ida: approximately 20 miles northwest (30-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at Norman's Dollar General and gas station, located approximately 4 miles south. Additional supplies can be found in Mt Ida, which is approximately 20 miles northwest.

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Campground

Crystal Campground transforms with the seasons, offering year-round beauty with distinct personalities. Winter brings a crystalline quiet to the forest, with occasional dustings of snow that turn the landscape into a wonderland. Summer days warm the forest canopy, though the humid air is tempered by cool stream breezes and shaded campsites. For the ultimate camping experience, visit during the magical shoulder seasons: spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect temperatures, while autumn paints the Ouachitas in brilliant golds and crimsons under comfortably cool, dry skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer sees increased activity and rowdy groups per reviews, reducing peace.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall popular for cooler weather and fewer campers; reviewers recommend it.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring popular; reviewers praised early April stays and pleasant conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round and quieter in winter, but cold conditions and limited amenities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season pricing; campground is free year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Crystal Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Ouachita National Forest, Crystal Campground offers adventurers a gateway to one of Arkansas's best-kept secrets. This intimate, primitive campground sits alongside a babbling stream, where the gentle sound of flowing water provides a natural soundtrack to your outdoor escape. Known among rock hounds and nature enthusiasts for its proximity to historic quartz mines, Crystal Campground delivers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience far from the crowds and chaos of modern life.
Crystal Campground is a primitive campsite catering primarily to tent campers, but RVs are permitted with limitations due to road and site conditions. Group and cabin camping are not available.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum of two weeks stay allowed.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Crystal Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, picnicking, swimming, and crystal hunting. Its proximity to crystal mines adds unique appeal, and the surrounding natural beauty enhances the camping experience.
HikingDay hikes and small trails surround the area. A user noted a 'small trail behind camping areas' and another mentioned 'perfectly visible hiking trails through the forest.'
SwimmingA dammed creek provides refreshing swimming opportunities, although one review mentioned the water was 'mucky.' Another camper found swimming in the creek enjoyable and described it as clear and cold.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's natural setting offers opportunities for observing biodiversity. Species such as Umbrella Magnolia, Cucumber Magnolia, Pawpaw, and Sassafras, along with ferns, were noted by one user.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions may be challenging due to gravel and potholes. Wildlife such as snakes may be present, as noted in user reviews. Poison ivy is also mentioned as a concern.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Crystal Campground

Reviews

4.4
142 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Crystal Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crystal Campground receives mixed reviews, mainly focusing on its natural beauty, quiet setting, and free camping policy. Many users praised its proximity to crystal mining sites and natural springs, while some raised concerns about vault toilet maintenance, rowdy campers, and the rough access road.
Review Summaries
Based on 142 reviews

What Campers Love

Users commend the campground's serene environment, free camping, proximity to natural springs, and opportunities for crystal hunting. Many also highlighted its refreshing dammed creek for swimming.
Based on 142 reviews

Common Concerns

Vault toilet maintenance is a recurring issue. Users also report rowdy late-night behavior from other campers and poor road conditions leading to the site.
Based on 142 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing sanitizing supplies for the vault toilet and preparing for a secluded experience with limited cell service. Other suggestions include arriving early for better site selection...
Show more
Based on 142 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early fall are popular seasons due to cooler weather and fewer campers. Summer sees increased activity but also rowdy groups. In winter, the site is quieter, but users should prepare for...
Show more
Based on 142 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great free campsite...do not miss the water from the natural spring.' – Steve Rahm 2. 'No cell service (Verizon) if that’s a concern.' – TR33SA 3. 'Wonderful, free campground. Quiet, clean, and...
Show more
Based on 142 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Tent sites at the back corner offer the most privacy, as noted by Laura Clark: 'Especially if you drive in, turn left and in the back corner there is a secluded tent camp.' Some users mentioned poor...
Show more
Based on 142 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews provided.
Based on 142 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and several users appreciated the pet-friendly environment. One camper mentioned enjoying the site with their dog.
Based on 142 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Crystal Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Arkansas

Campgrounds
Ouachita National Forest
Crystal Campground