Camping, Hiking, and Crystal Mining in the Ouachita National Forest

This weekend me and my friend Steph Tom went camping at Lake Ouachita State Park. The first day of our adventure, we went crystal mining at Ron Coleman's in Jessieville.

This was our first time crystal mining, and we were definitely unprepared. It cost $20 to mine all day. The place opens at 8 and closes at 5. We didn't bring any tools so we ended up buying what they had there...I would definitely recommend buying some heavy duty tools for digging before you go!

After crystal mining, we went to Charlies Pizza Pub in Hot Springs Village. The pizza was fantastic as was the service!

Later we built a campfire and Stephanie made vegetable soup over the fire. The weather was perfect.

The next morning we hiked Caddo Bend Trail, which is a 4 mile loop just past the state park visitors center. This trail was stunning. Lake views the entire way as well as a variety of different ecosytems, rock formations, and overlooks around the lake. This is definitely a place we want to come back to in the summer to swim and kayak.

Lake Ouachita has been named one of the cleanest lakes in America and it is definitely evident along the trails and throughout the state park!

As always, thank you for watching!

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