Crystal Springs Beach
Swimming hole in Texarkana, Texas · Spring
Visit Crystal Springs Beach, a spring-fed pool west of Texarkana. Offers swimming, slides, and diving. Find directions, fees, and safety tips.
About Crystal Springs Beach
Tucked into the pine and oak woodlands of Northeast Texas, Crystal Springs Beach offers something increasingly rare in the modern world: a genuine, spring-fed swimming experience that feels both wild and welcoming. Located west of Texarkana near the small community of Maud, this officially sanctioned destination draws families, day-trippers, and campers looking to trade chlorinated pools for something far more refreshing. The moment you arrive, the scent of pine resin and damp earth signals that you've found a place where nature does most of the work.
The Setting and Landscape
Crystal Springs Beach sits within the Crystal Springs Lake area, where the surrounding woodland creates a natural canopy of towering pines and broad-leafed oaks. The landscape has that deeply East Texas character — lush, green, and slightly humid, the kind of place where shade feels like a gift and the sound of water carries through the trees. The spring-fed source keeps the lake refreshingly cool even on the hottest August afternoons, and the exceptional water clarity means you can watch your feet on the sandy bottom long after you've waded in past your waist. Light catches the surface in shifting patterns that earned this place its name. The setting manages to feel secluded without being remote, a balance that makes it ideal for visitors of all ages.
Swimming, Sliding, and Diving
The water at Crystal Springs is the main event. Fed directly by natural springs, it carries that signature coolness and clarity that no municipal pool can replicate — clean, crisp, and inviting in a way that makes you want to stay in long after your fingertips have pruned. Designated swimming zones give the lake an organized feel without sacrificing the sense of open-water freedom. For those who want a little more excitement, diving platforms and slides add a playful energy to the experience. You'll hear shouts and laughter echoing off the water as kids launch themselves from platforms, while younger swimmers splash in shallower areas. It's the kind of place where generations can share the same afternoon and each find exactly what they came for.
Practical
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer is ideal for swimming and family outings; spring and fall offer quieter experiences with cooler weather; winter is less crowded but still scenic.
- Access Easy access; no hiking required. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Facilities Restrooms, picnic areas, ample parking, camping sites, and lifeguards during peak seasons. All facilities are well-maintained and family-friendly.
- Camping nearby Camping at site
Highlights & features
- Spring-fed crystal-clear waters
- Designated swimming zones
- Diving platforms and slides
- On-site camping facilities
- Easy access from Texarkana
- Spring-fed waters with exceptional clarity
- Diving platforms and slides
- Surrounding pine and oak woodlands
How to get there
Driving Directions to Crystal Springs Beach, TX Crystal Springs Beach is located west of Texarkana, Texas, along Route 67. Follow the directions below for a clear and straightforward route to this swimming hole:
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Starting Point: Texarkana, TX
Begin your journey in Texarkana, Texas. Locate Route 67 (US Highway 67), which runs westward out of the city. Drive West on Route 67 Travel west on Route 67 for approximately 20 miles. You will pass through the town of Maud, Texas, along the way. Maud is a small town, so keep an eye out for local landmarks such as gas stations or convenience stores if you need to stop for supplies. Look for Crystal Springs Beach After driving through Maud, continue west on Route 67. Crystal Springs Beach will be located on the right-hand side of the highway. There is a sign marking the entrance, so watch for it as you approach.
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Parking Information
Upon arrival, you will find parking available near the entrance to Crystal Springs Beach. The parking area is unpaved but spacious enough to accommodate visitors. Be sure to park in designated areas to avoid blocking access roads or trails.
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Final Approach
After parking, follow any visible paths or signs leading to the beach area. The swimming hole is easily accessible from the parking lot, with no significant hiking required. Bring any necessary supplies, such as water, sunscreen, and towels, as amenities may be limited. Enjoy your visit to Crystal Springs Beach!
Plan your visit
Crystal Springs Beach is easily accessible from Texarkana, Texas, making it a practical half-day or full-day escape from the city. The nearby community of Maud serves as a close landmark, and the broader Texarkana metro area — straddling the Texas-Arkansas state line — offers lodging, dining, and supplies for those driving in from farther afield. Whether you're a local looking for a reliable summer tradition or a traveler passing through Northeast Texas, Crystal Springs Beach is worth building your itinerary around.
Crystal Springs Beach is easily accessible from Texarkana, Texas, making it a practical half-day or full-day escape from the city. The nearby community of Maud serves as a close landmark, and the broader Texarkana metro area — straddling the Texas-Arkansas state line — offers lodging, dining, and supplies for those driving in from farther afield. Whether you're a local looking for a reliable summer tradition or a traveler passing through Northeast Texas, Crystal Springs Beach is worth building your itinerary around.
Access & fees
An admission fee is required. The site has facilities and is an official, sanctioned swimming area. Parking is available on-site in an unpaved lot.
An admission fee is required. The site has facilities and is an official, sanctioned swimming area. Parking is available on-site in an unpaved lot.
Frequently asked questions
Is CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH free to visit?
CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH may require a fee or pass. Reported fee: Yes. Fees and hours change seasonally — verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH?
Yes, CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Swimming, sliding, diving. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH?
CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH is a spring-fed pool on Crystal Springs located in TX, near TEXARKANA. Visit Crystal Springs Beach, a spring-fed pool west of Texarkana. Offers swimming, slides, and diving. Find directions, fees, and safety tips.
When is the best time to visit CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH?
The best time to visit CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH is Summer is ideal for swimming and family outings; spring and fall offer quieter experiences with cooler weather; winter is less crowded but still scenic.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH?
Reported facilities at CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH include: Restrooms, picnic areas, ample parking, camping sites, and lifeguards during peak seasons. All facilities are well-maintained and family-friendly.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH?
Camping at site
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Located in the Ark-La-Tex region, the area reflects a blend of Texas and Arkansas cultures, with Texarkana serving as a historical hub for commerce and community.
Conservation
Visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the lake’s ecosystem. Proper trash disposal and respect for wildlife are essential.