USDA Forest Service

For Arkansas locals, the **USDA Forest Service** is synonymous with preserving and managing the state's vast natural timber resources and providing essential recreational opportunities. The location at **4472 AR-133 in Crossett, Arkansas** is specifically identified in public records as the site of the **Crossett Experimental Forest**. Established in 1934, this facility is not a conventional public campground but rather a dedicated site managed by the Southern Research Station (SRS) of the U.S. Forest Service. Its primary purpose is long-term research into sustainable forestry practices, particularly involving Southern Pine species like Loblolly and Shortleaf.

While the main function is scientific and educational, the presence of the Forest Service in this area signifies a commitment to the region's natural resources and public lands. This unique setting offers a different kind of experience than a typical developed state park. Visitors and local users consistently note the professional nature of the staff, describing it as a **"Peaceful place - great people to work for and very educational."** This suggests that for those interested in forestry, conservation, or a quiet, natural environment, the area around the Crossett Experimental Forest provides an enriching and serene setting.

As part of the broader federal land management system, the surrounding forests, which are managed for timber yield and wildlife habitat, often connect to opportunities for dispersed camping, hiking, and wildlife watching, typical activities across the national forests and experimental forest boundaries in Arkansas. For local users, this location serves as a critical knowledge center and administrative point for understanding the health and management of Southeast Arkansas's valuable pine and hardwood forests.

Prospective campers should understand that accommodations here would lean heavily toward the primitive or dispersed camping style often found on National Forest lands, rather than a developed RV park with full amenities. The educational value and the quiet, natural setting are the primary draw.

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The USDA Forest Service facility is centrally located in **Ashley County, Arkansas**, just south of the town of Crossett. This area is deep within the pine and hardwood forests that characterize the state's southern region, offering a genuine taste of Arkansas's timberlands.

The address is **4472 AR-133, Crossett, AR 71635, USA**. This location is easily accessible via state highway and is a known point of interest for forestry professionals and researchers:

• State Highway Access: Located directly off **Arkansas Highway 133**, the facility is simple to find, though access roads within the experimental forest may be rugged or restricted to research areas.
• Proximity to Crossett: The nearby town of **Crossett** (approximately 6 to 7 miles away) provides all essential services, including gas, groceries, a hospital, and local dining, making resupply for primitive camping convenient.
• Regional Connectivity: The location is within a reasonable drive for residents across South Arkansas and Northern Louisiana (such as from El Dorado or Bastrop), serving as a crucial point for regional forestry interests.
• Adjacency to Public Lands: The Experimental Forest is situated within a region rich in public lands, including the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge and the Ouachita National Forest in the greater area, suggesting ample opportunity for outdoor recreation nearby.

Visitors should note that, given its primary research function, the focus of the property itself is conservation and science, which dictates the layout and available areas for public use.

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As a USDA Forest Service research facility, the services provided at 4472 AR-133 primarily revolve around land management, research, and conservation rather than standard campground amenities. However, these services support an environment conducive to specific outdoor activities.

Services offered, relevant to the public and potential campers/visitors, include:

• Information and Education: As noted by a customer, the site is "very educational." Staff can often provide valuable information on **local forestry practices, timber health, and wildlife management** (call ahead to confirm visitor services).
• Access to Public Lands (Adjacent): The office manages and provides information regarding permits and access to nearby **Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)** and potentially dispersed camping areas, which often require self-sufficiency (no amenities like water/restrooms).
• Timber and Resource Management: The core function involves active research into sustainable timber yields and ecological health, which maintains a rich forest environment for wildlife watching and hiking.
• Administrative Contact: The facility serves as a local administrative office, offering a reliable point of contact for questions about **local forest orders, special use permits**, or fire restrictions in the surrounding woods.
• Historic Structures: The site includes historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which can be viewed for their historical and educational value.

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The highlights of the Crossett Experimental Forest lie in its unique status as a living research laboratory. For the discerning Arkansas outdoor enthusiast, it offers a rare opportunity to connect with the state's conservation heritage.

Key features that make this location noteworthy:

• Research and Educational Focus: Established in 1934, the forest provides a unique look at **long-term forestry research** and sustainable management of Southern Pine species, which is educational for all visitors.
• Peaceful, Natural Environment: Customer reviews emphasize the **"Peaceful place"** atmosphere, which is a massive draw for those seeking quiet hiking, reflection, or nature photography away from crowded parks.
• Historic CCC Buildings: The site contains several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and 1940s, offering a tangible connection to **Arkansas's conservation history**.
• Reynolds Natural Area: The forest includes a designated **80-acre area that has seen minimal human intervention** since 1934, providing a rare glimpse into the region's virgin timber structure.
• Wildlife Habitat: The actively managed forest landscape is excellent for **wildlife viewing** and provides access for hunting (with proper permits) in adjacent or appropriate areas.
• Dispersed Camping Opportunities: Although not a developed campground, the presence of the Forest Service suggests access to **dispersed camping** in the surrounding National Forest lands, offering a truly self-sufficient and secluded experience.

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For Arkansas locals interested in visiting, obtaining permits, or learning more about the Crossett Experimental Forest and nearby public lands, the following contact information should be used.

**Address:** 4472 AR-133, Crossett, AR 71635, USA

**Phone (Primary):** (870) 364-8730

**Phone (Mobile):** +1 870-364-8730

It is highly recommended that visitors call the office ahead of time to confirm the operational status of the research facility, inquire about any specific recreational or camping policies, and check on fire restrictions before planning a trip to the area.

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For Arkansas locals, the **USDA Forest Service facility at the Crossett Experimental Forest** is worth choosing not as a standard campground, but as a unique destination for **educational enrichment, peaceful solitude, and access to self-sufficient outdoor recreation**.

This location is ideal for the visitor who values **conservation, science, and a low-impact camping experience**. If you are looking for a true "get away from it all" experience, where the sounds of the forest are interrupted only by local wildlife, and where you can learn about the history of Southern forestry, this is the place. While basic amenities are minimal, the payoff is a **"Peaceful place"** with an "educational" focus, offering a rich and restorative experience for those prepared for primitive or dispersed camping in the beautifully managed timberlands of Southeast Arkansas.