Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use

Campground · Arkansas · 2 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

2
Bookable sites
up to 125
People per site
2
Accessible sites
600 ft
Elevation
Crystal Springs Day-Use Area
Photo: USACE Lake Ouachita · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

  • 2 bookable sites
  • 2 sites for day use only
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Up to 125 people per site
  • Loops: Crystal Springs Day-Use

Site types

  • 2 Group Shelter Electric

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use

Check-in 7:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
PAVILION 1Crystal Springs Day-UseGroup Shelter Electric—Paved—125♿ 🐾
PAVILION 2Crystal Springs Day-UseGroup Shelter Electric—Paved—125♿ 🐾

Getting there

34.54068, -93.34635 · 34°32'26.5"N 93°20'46.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 91°F in Aug, down to 50°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F505463727987919184736152
Low °F293238465663676660483832
Precip in3.94.65.35.86.54.54.43.34.14.75.55.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Crystal Springs Day-Use Pavilion 2
Photo: USACE Lake Ouachita · Recreation.gov
Crystal Springs Day-Use Area
Photo: USACE Lake Ouachita · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use

Can you reserve a site at Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use?
Yes, Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use have?
2 sites.
Are pets allowed at Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use?
Yes, pets are allowed at Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use.
Does Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use have hookups?
Electric, Water.

Camping near Crystal Springs (AR) Day-Use

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.