Crystal Springs Campground Introduce
Nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Ouachita, in the heart of the beautiful Ouachita National Forest, lies Crystal Springs Campground. For Arkansas locals seeking an unparalleled outdoor escape, this destination in Royal, AR, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and comfortable amenities. Whether you're an experienced RV adventurer, a family looking for a memorable tent camping trip, or simply someone yearning to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, Crystal Springs Campground provides an idyllic setting. It's renowned for its crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps campers returning season after season.
Arkansas truly lives up to its moniker, "The Natural State," with its majestic mountains, dense forests, and an abundance of shimmering lakes and rivers. Camping here isn't just an activity; it's a cherished tradition that allows residents to fully appreciate the state's diverse landscapes. Crystal Springs Campground embodies this spirit, offering a meticulously maintained and thoughtfully designed space that caters to various camping preferences. From the tranquil mornings watching the sunrise over Lake Ouachita to adventurous days filled with fishing, boating, or hiking, this campground serves as an exceptional base for exploring the best of what Arkansas has to offer. Its reputation for cleanliness and friendly hosts, as highlighted by numerous local campers, further solidifies its standing as a premier camping destination for Arkansans.
Crystal Springs Campground boasts a superb location that is incredibly convenient for residents across Arkansas. You'll find this natural gem at 1130 N Crystal Springs Rd, Royal, AR 71968, USA. This address places you directly on the banks of Lake Ouachita, an immense body of water celebrated for its clarity and recreational possibilities, and within the verdant embrace of the Ouachita National Forest. The charming community of Royal, in Garland County, serves as a gateway to this outdoor paradise, offering easy access while maintaining a serene, natural feel.
Accessibility to Crystal Springs Campground is a significant advantage for local users. Situated just about 15 miles west of Hot Springs National Park on US 270, with a short turn north onto Crystal Springs Road, the journey is straightforward and scenic. This convenient drive allows for quick weekend getaways or longer, more relaxed vacations without the hassle of extensive travel. The well-maintained access roads are suitable for vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs and trailers, ensuring a smooth arrival. Its strategic positioning means that while you feel completely immersed in nature, the amenities and attractions of nearby Hot Springs are just a short drive away, offering a perfect balance of wilderness and urban convenience. The positive feedback from campers about the campground's accessibility and easy navigation upon arrival reinforces its suitability for local adventurers.
Crystal Springs Campground offers a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to make your camping experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The meticulous attention to detail, as noted by delighted campers, ensures a seamless stay for all visitors.
Services Offered:
Water and Electric Hookups: The majority of the 74 campsites feature both water and electric hookups (including 30 and 50 amp options), providing essential conveniences for RV and tent campers alike. This allows for comfortable living, powering appliances, and access to fresh water directly at your site.
Accessible Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: Well-maintained and clean restroom facilities with flush toilets are available, along with hot showers, offering a refreshing and comfortable experience, especially after a day of outdoor activities. Customer reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
Trailer Dump Station: A convenient dump station is on-site for RV and trailer campers, facilitating easy waste disposal before departure and ensuring the cleanliness of the campground environment.
Picnic Tables and Ground Grills/Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a concrete picnic table and a ground grill or fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining, cooking over an open flame, and enjoying traditional campfire experiences. Lantern posts are also often included.
Potable Water at Sites: In addition to electric hookups, potable water is typically available directly at each site, offering unparalleled convenience for cooking and cleaning.
Group Campsites: For larger gatherings, families, or clubs, Crystal Springs offers reservable group campsites with electric and water hookups, making it an ideal location for shared outdoor adventures.
Fish Cleaning Station: For the avid angler, a dedicated fish cleaning station is provided, ensuring a convenient and hygienic space to prepare your catch of the day.
On-site Hosts: Friendly and helpful campground hosts are available, as praised by campers, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant and respectful environment for all visitors.
The true allure of Crystal Springs Campground lies in its exceptional features and the natural splendor that surrounds it, offering a myriad of activities and memorable experiences.
Features / Highlights:
Direct Lake Ouachita Access: With many campsites located directly on the water in quiet coves, campers have unparalleled access to Lake Ouachita. This "crystal clear" lake, Arkansas's largest entirely within its borders, is perfect for swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and notably, scuba diving due to its incredible visibility. Many campers enjoy tying their boats directly to the shore next to their site.
Beautiful Swim Beaches: The campground boasts excellent swim beaches, often with playgrounds right on the sand, making it a fantastic spot for families with children. The clear waters and designated swimming areas provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
Boating and Marina Facilities: A well-maintained boat ramp provides easy access to Lake Ouachita, and nearby Crystal Springs Marina offers boat rentals, a full-service marina, and a restaurant, enhancing your water-based recreational options.
Fishing Paradise: Lake Ouachita is renowned for its excellent fishing, with abundant populations of bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass. Anglers will find ample opportunities to cast a line and enjoy the tranquility of the lake.
Ouachita National Forest Exploration: The campground is set within the vast Ouachita National Forest, offering endless possibilities for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nature trails. The scenic beauty of the Ouachita Mountains provides a stunning backdrop for all outdoor pursuits.
Spacious and Shaded Campsites: Reviewers consistently highlight the well-maintained, spacious, and often shaded campsites. The mature pine trees provide natural shade, offering a comfortable environment even during warmer months, and the strategic layout ensures a sense of privacy despite the campground's popularity.
Proximity to Hot Springs: Being just a short drive (approximately 20-30 minutes) from Hot Springs National Park means campers can easily enjoy the historic bathhouses, vibrant downtown, dining, shopping, and other attractions of Hot Springs while still enjoying a serene natural retreat.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography: The rich ecosystem around Lake Ouachita and the Ouachita National Forest provides opportunities for spotting diverse wildlife, including bald eagles in winter months, and offers breathtaking scenery for nature photography.
Contact Information:
Address: 1130 N Crystal Springs Rd, Royal, AR 71968, USA
Phone: (501) 767-2101
Mobile Phone: +1 501-767-2101
For reservations and the most up-to-date information regarding availability, specific site details, and booking policies, it is highly recommended to visit the Recreation.gov website or contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District directly, as they manage many campgrounds around Lake Ouachita.
Conclusion: Why Crystal Springs Campground is Suitable for Locals
For Arkansans, Crystal Springs Campground stands out as an ideal camping destination, offering an unmatched combination of natural beauty, recreational abundance, and convenient access. Its prime location on Lake Ouachita, enveloped by the Ouachita National Forest, means that world-class outdoor adventures are literally at your doorstep, often just a short drive from major population centers within the state. This proximity eliminates the need for extensive travel, allowing locals to maximize their leisure time enjoying the great outdoors and minimize time on the road.
The consistent positive feedback from local campers, praising the friendly hosts, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the sheer beauty of the surroundings, underscores its suitability. The wide variety of campsites, from electric and water hookup sites for RVs to more traditional tent camping spots, ensures that every type of outdoor enthusiast can find their perfect fit. Whether it's the thrill of fishing in Lake Ouachita's clear waters, the peace of hiking through shaded forest trails, or the simple joy of a campfire under the stars, Crystal Springs Campground delivers on all fronts.
Beyond the amenities and activities, choosing Crystal Springs Campground supports the continued preservation and maintenance of Arkansas's invaluable natural landscapes. It offers a tangible connection to the state's natural heritage and promotes a healthy, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. For families, it's a place where cherished memories are made, children can explore and learn in a natural environment, and adults can unwind from the stresses of daily life. Crystal Springs Campground isn't just a place to visit; it’s a treasured resource for Arkansans, offering an accessible and deeply rewarding outdoor experience that epitomizes "The Natural State." Make it your next Arkansas adventure.
Crystal Springs Campground Photos










Crystal Springs Campground Location
Crystal Springs Campground
1130 N Crystal Springs Rd, Royal, AR 71968, USA
Crystal Springs Campground Reviews
Crystal Springs is a camper’s paradise! I can’t decide on a favorite site—#26, 32, 47, 23, 69—they’re all fantastic, honestly. The hosts are super nice and give you space without being nosy, which I really appreciate. It’s perfectly located, close enough to Hot Springs for a quick town trip and not too far from Patty’s either. A peaceful, well-kept spot that makes every camping trip a joy—highly recommend!
May 12, 2025 · Stephen HaskinYou must register after you find your spot, then fill the little yellow card out and post it at your stop. Make sure you're not in a group camping spot first! Also, you cannot book a Friday night without also booking for Saturday night. Very clean grounds, beautiful scenery, and we stayed 3 nights! Will 100% come back!
Dec 15, 2024 · Shronn SchuelkeSince it was off-season, the first gate was locked. But you can just drive down and go through the second entrance and double back to get to the first loop.The sites are perfect! Plenty of options for your personal setup. The restroom facility was fairly clean and has full showers available.There's some site lighting as well.
Feb 16, 2024 · Jon RinehartWent for an overnight trip to visit Hot Spring National Park and camped out here during the visit. The atmosphere was nice. Reaching the campsite entrance and check in was slightly confusing. Google told me I reached my destination before I actually got to the entrance so I was able to see the campground before I arrived at the entrance. The email instructions said to fill out the self check-in form and a ranger would come around to verify. We never saw a ranger or anyone come around to verify. The cost to stay was very low and it was about 30 minutes away from Hot Springs National Park. There is not much super close by so it's a quiet campground with a lake on the campground and more lakes nearby.
Mar 17, 2024 · Stephanie DThis place was BEAUTIFUL. The playgrounds were right on the beaches of the swim area so the kids were always entertained. We could see the swimarea/playground from our site which made it easier for us to cook while the kids played.
May 12, 2024 · Rain Orr
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