Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Star4.52
216 reviews
Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Quick Facts

Price

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

ElectricShowers

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Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use
No fees available
Campsite 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(501) 767-2101

What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 216 reviews

287 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshowersrestrooms

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Crystal Springs Day-Use and campground, praising its clean facilities, clear lake water, and attractive setting. Visitors consistently describe it as peaceful, well-maintained, and a great spot for swimming, boating, picnics, and camping, with many noting they return often."

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Best Time to Camp at Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Winter transforms Crystal Springs into a wildlife sanctuary where majestic bald eagles soar overhead and perch along the shoreline, offering breathtaking opportunities for bird watching and photography. The lake's appeal extends year-round, with warm summers perfect for water sports and cooler months providing serene beauty and exceptional fishing conditions.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

    About Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

    Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Ouachita, Crystal Springs Day-Use Area invites families to experience one of Arkansas's most stunning aquatic playgrounds. Whether you're diving into the crystal-clear waters at the swim beach, casting a line for trophy bass, or gathering under the fully-equipped pavilion with electrical hook-ups and lighting, this day-use haven combines convenience with natural beauty.
    Crystal Springs is identified as a day‑use area on the shores of Lake Ouachita; the source material does not describe camping, RV, group, cabin, or glamping accommodations.
    Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Crystal Springs into a wildlife sanctuary where majestic bald eagles soar overhead and perch along the shoreline, offering breathtaking opportunities for bird watching and photography. The lake's appeal extends year-round, with warm summers perfect for water sports and cooler months providing serene beauty and exceptional fishing conditions.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe Ouachita Mountains cradle Lake Ouachita's 40,000 surface acres of remarkably transparent water, creating a landscape where forested peaks meet mirror-like shores. Fed by the Ouachita River and stretching approximately 30 miles, the lake's exceptional underwater visibility has earned it a reputation as one of the region's premier scuba diving destinations. The crystal-clear waters reveal a hidden world below while reflecting the surrounding mountain vistas above, offering visitors both terrestrial and aquatic beauty in one spectacular setting.
    Geological RegionOuachita Mountains
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesScuba diving is particularly popular here because of the lake's high underwater visibility.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutDay-use pavilion with electrical hook-ups, picnic tables and lighting; additional amenities include a bathroom/shower facility, playground and swim beach.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Picnic tables
    Electricity hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Recreational opportunities center on lake-based and trail activities, with notable wildlife viewing in winter.
    Hiking
    Hiking opportunities exist nearby, including access to portions of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail just north of the lake.
    Fishing
    Fishing is popular on Lake Ouachita, which supports many types of fish including striped bass.
    Swimming
    A designated swim beach is available for swimming.
    Biking
    Mountain biking is available along sections of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail north of the lake.
    Boating
    Boating is a listed recreational activity on Lake Ouachita.
    Wildlife viewing
    Bald eagles are a major attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.
    Beach activities
    A swim beach provides shoreline recreation opportunities.
    Winter Activities
    Winter birdwatching for bald eagles is highlighted in the description.
    Water Sports
    Water skiing and scuba diving are mentioned; scuba diving is noted as popular due to the lake's high underwater visibility.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsSmall, rare freshwater (non-stinging) jellyfish may be present in the lake; no other hazards are described.

    Weather at Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

    40
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Mainly clear
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 46%
    Wind: 4.6 mph
    Mainly clear

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresPerched on the shores of Lake Ouachita (lakefront/day-use on the lake).
    HostThis location is unstaffed.

    Campground Map

    Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use
    Nearby places
    Hot Springs National Park — approximately 10 miles (Lake Ouachita is about 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park)
    Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.5
    216 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Crystal Springs Day-Use and campground, praising its clean facilities, clear lake water, and attractive setting. Visitors consistently describe it as peaceful, well-maintained, and a great spot for swimming, boating, picnics, and camping, with many noting they return often.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 216 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Users love the clean, clear water of Lake Ouachita and describe the area as beautiful, serene, and peaceful. The day-use area is praised for its maintained beach, playground, picnic tables with...
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    Based on 216 reviews

    Common Concerns

    There are very few complaints in these reviews. One detailed review notes that the beach area could use mowing and that some sticks and logs needed to be picked up. Another mentions that restrooms...
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    Based on 216 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Expect a small day-use fee (one reviewer notes $5 per vehicle, paid at a pay box in the parking lot). You can drive down to the bathroom/changing room to unload gear before parking, and there is a...
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    Based on 216 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "There is a small fee which is used to keep the bathhouses clean a stocked as well as fresh clean sand in the swimming area." "Awesome camping trip! Clean restrooms and showers." "It was peaceful and...
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    Based on 216 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Pavilion 1 and Pavilion 2 in the Crystal Springs Day-Use loop are specifically mentioned. One reviewer notes Pavilion 1 was reserved properly with their name on it and they had "no issues at all."...
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    Based on 216 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Several convenience-related details are mentioned that may help with accessibility: you can drive down to the bathroom/changing room to unload gear before parking, there is a sidewalk leading from...
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    Based on 216 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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