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Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use

USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — ROYAL · Arkansas · Lake Ouachita

AgencyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
AreaLake Ouachita
LocationROYAL · Arkansas · Lake Ouachita · 34.54068, -93.34635 · Map
Sites2 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group shelter electric
Getting a siteReservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below.
HookupsElectric at 2 of 2 sites (up to 20 amp where reported)
Water hookups at 2 of 2 sites
Sewer hookups at 0 of 2 sites
Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 2 sites
Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way.
Max RV lengthNot reported in the federal data
Months openNot in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov.
FeesNot reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground.
Check-in / outIn 7:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing)
PetsAllowed at 2 sites, as reported
Accessible sites2 marked accessible in the listing
Amenities, as reportedLake accessPlayground
Phone501-767-2101

Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →

This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.

From the official listing

Overview  Crystal Springs Day-Use Area, perched on the shores of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples. Approximately 1.2 million people visit the lake each year to explore its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain landscape.

Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

Recreation Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks. 

Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.

Facilities The Day-Use Pavilion has electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and lighting. Other amenities include a bathroom/shower facility, a playground, and a swim beach. 

Natural Features Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres.

Nearby Attractions Part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake. Here, hikers and mountain bikers can explore an array of breathtaking views in the Ouachita Mountains.

Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

Nearest federal campgrounds

USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCrystal Springs (AR)
0 mi straight-line · ROYAL Arkansas
FSU.S. Forest ServiceCharlton Recreation Area
3 mi straight-line · Royal Arkansas
USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersBrady Mountain Day-Use
5 mi straight-line · ROYAL Arkansas
USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersBrady Mountain
5 mi straight-line · ROYAL Arkansas
USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersJoplin
6 mi straight-line · Mt. Ida Arkansas

Trip Card — Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use

ROYAL · Arkansas · Lake Ouachita

AgencyUSACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
LocationROYAL · Arkansas · Lake Ouachita
FeesNot reported in the federal data
Getting a siteReservable
HookupsElectric at 2
Max RVNot reported
Months openNot in federal data
Sites2 sites

Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10120791 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.