Staying Outside The Park
If youre looking for a camping spot outside the park, explore these nearby campgrounds:
- Cloud Nine RV Park: Located about 13 minutes east of the visitor center.
- J& J RV Park: Located about seven minutes east of the visitor center.
- Treasure Isle RV Park: Located on the Ouachita River, about 20 minutes west of the visitor center.
- Caddo Valley RV Park: Located about 45 minutes south of the visitor center.
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Experience Adventure in a new way! We are so excited to now offer Side x Side Rentals for a 2-hour GUIDED Off-Road Excursion. Whether you are here for the scenic views or you want the thrill of climbing rocks, our expert trail guides, will custom-fit your experience. If you are bringing your own off-road vehicle, and want a little extra guidance on the trails, you can book one of our expert Trail Guides to follow. either way, you can Book your Adventure
The 23 Best Camping Sites In Arkansas
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The natural beauty of Arkansas is one of the state’s claims to fame. Camping is one of the most enjoyable activities people can do in Arkansas. Known as the “Natural State,” the lakes, rivers, national and state parks, and forests make Arkansas a camper’s paradise. Also, with Arkansas’ moderate temperature, you can go camping almost year-round.
Usual camping favorites like swimming, burgers on the grill, s’mores, and ghost stories are already going to be quite a memorable experience for kids. But, what sets Arkansas campgrounds apart are the crystalline lakes, the natural habitats for bears and bald eagles, as well as the unique picturesque splendor of the waterfalls, cliffs, bluffs, and diamond deposits.
The sporting options are also comprehensive: hang gliding, rock climbing, ATV riding, golfing, horseback riding, championship-worthy fishing, and even diamond hunting.
Most Arkansas campsites take reservations so call before you visit. Take a look at the top 23 campsites in the state.
Also Check: Dispersed Camping Near Bend Oregon
Wrapping Up Hot Springs National Park Camping
I hope youve now added Hot Springs National Park to your camping list this season. Even rookie campers will enjoy the outdoor activities at these campgrounds, and if you decide to go the glamping route, I encourage you to plan a day seeing nearby attractions in the historic downtown!
Looking for more information on hot springs? Check out our Complete Guide to Natural Hot Springs!
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Visit Arkansas: Glamping Getaways
Have you ever gone glamping? What about staying in a Yurt rental? Arkansas, also called The Natural State, is an idyllic glamping destination for glamping newbies and veterans alike. Travel Arkansas and youll quickly discover the state is full of surprises 52 state parks, seven National Park Service sites, and three national forests covering almost 3 million acres provide plenty of space for glamping in Arkansas. Glamping here allows you to get away from the crowds, but up close to some of the top Arkansas tourist attractions. Visit Hot Springs National Park or go camping in the Ozarks spend a weekend out on the waters of Beaver Lake or paddle the Buffalo National River… so much of Arkansas tourism includes natural attractions, making glamping a great way to travel and explore! Browse our inventory and find the perfect place to stay when you visit Arkansas, where you can fill your days fishing, hiking, biking rock climbing, Arkansas river rafting, and so much more. So whether you have Arkansas state parks camping sites and private campgrounds, or something a little less rustic like one of our Heber Springs cabins, Glamping Hub has you covered. Book your Arkansas vacations here and get ready for a secluded, outdoor getaway youll always remember.
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Lake Ouachita State Park Ar
Only a 30-minute drive from the national park, Lake Ouachita State Park is a great spot that offers tent pads, a table and a fire ring. The walk-in sites are on a peninsula, which makes for some breathtaking views. Perfect for escaping the crowds, this campground showcases the natural beauty of Lake Ouachita.Reviews & Photos
Most Popular Campgrounds In Hot Springs National Park
Unlike other national parks, Hot Springs National Park is an urban park, located in the middle of Hot Springs, Arkansas. This gem of a mountain town has made an industry out of tapping and dispensing the parks major resource, mineral-rich waters of hot springs. The town prospered as a health spa in the mid-19th century and was a hot spot for the nations organized-crime leaders in the 1930s. If you want to camp inside this national park, then Gulpha Gorge is your only option. That said, here are three of the closest and most frequented campgrounds that are perfect base camps for experiencing the healing waters of this historic national park.
Read Also: Camping Within 100 Miles Of Me
Camping In Hot Springs National Park
Given the relatively small size of the park and its urban surroundings, camping options are limited inside Hot Springs National Park. Backcountry and dispersed camping are not permitted anywhere inside the park. The only place you can camp within Hot Springs National Park is at the Gulpha Gorge Campground, but fortunately, this is an excellent option.
With a shady and idyllic location on the banks of Gulpha Creek, Gulpha Gorge Campground accommodates both tents and RVs and gives campers easy proximity to trails, bathhouses, the Visitor Center, and other attractions. It is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hot Springs National Park Campground Going To Reservation System
Contact:Missy Smothers
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About Hot Springs National Park: Established as a federal reservation in 1832 to protect the unique geothermal spring water and associated lands for public health, wellness, and enjoyment. In 1921, the area became a national park with the same mission preservation of the 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain and the historic resources built for visitor enjoyment of the hot springs. Visit us at www.nps.gov/hosp, on Facebook www.Facebook.com/HotSpringsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/HotSpringsNPS.About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for Americas 424 national park sites and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice and Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice.
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Plan Your Rv Trip To Hot Springs Arkansas
If you think about it, you really did just find your familys homesteadeven if only for a few days. You can finally relax knowing that youve chosen one of the best RV parks in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
And now its time to explore, but dont stress. Yes there are many things to do in the Hot Springs area Bathhouse Row, breweries, wineries, dining, a gator farm, water parks, hiking and biking trails, and so much more, but there is also plenty of time.
Heres our list of the 21 Best Activities in Hot Springs, Arkansas!
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Soaking In The Hot Springs
The thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park are being enjoyed and preserved in separate bathhouses. While they dont feel like natural outdoor springs, they are more protected from pollution and provide a much cleaner bathing experience.
These natural resources astound us at their course of travel far underground, then re-emergence superheated here in the middle of Arkansas. They bring with them healing properties and bountiful hope, both in the past, present, and future, because of Hot Springs National Parks existence.
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About Hot Springs National Park
If just those two words hot springs calm your mind, then you know youll love Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the water comes out of the ground naturally at 143 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot Springs National Park, the first national park, offers hiking trails, mountain vistas, campgrounds, RV parks, and more.
With the town of Hot Springs also a part of Hot Springs National Park, offering a plethora of dining and drinking options, combined with Bathhouse Row, where your toe and your entire body can sink into several tubs of natural hot springs water, your body, mind, and soul will rejoice after hiking all those miles.
Knowing that your home is mere minutes away in one of the best RV parks in Hot Springs, Arkansas, go ahead, pretend you are from the 19th century and have just founded your familys homestead, and are now taking a much deserved break soaking in a tub full of natural hot springs.
If only you could remember which RV park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, you were staying at. No worries, weve got you covered.
Pro Tip: When researching RV parks we recommend using Campground Reviews. They have the most quality reviews in our opinion.
What To Bring And How To Prepare
- Make sure you have a bathing suit to enjoy as much hot spring soaking as possible during your visit.
- The bathhouses are a bit of a drive from the campground, so towing a toad or dinghy is advised if visiting in a motorized RV.
- Bring and wear good walking shoes to explore Bathhouse Row and downtown Hot Springs.
- Get a good hiking backpack for when youre ready to hop out of town and explore the parks hiking trails.
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Catherines Landing Rv Park
Price: With rates starting around $70/night for an RV site with full hook-ups and varying from there based on desired site, along with extended stay rates, youll feel as though you are fully protected from any stress of the outside world.
Miles to Downtown: 6
Why Youll Love It: Catherines Landing RV Park has it all. So much so, that you may not want to leave. Located on Lake Catherine, youll find every amenity under the book here, from full hookups to cottages to ziplines to water parks to boat rentals, and more.
This isnt just an RV park, this is a resort. If you dont want to leave, you dont have to. They even have premium beer, coffee, and wine for sale here. You might want to leave the kids at home.
Whats The Word: Ryan from Austin brought his family here on vacation and was thrilled with all they had to offer. Loved it so much we stayed an extra week. Great bike and hike trails back in the shade near the disc golf course, dont miss the special spot near the water for a secluded picnic! Kids loved the pool and splash pad.
Hot Springs, AR RV Park Vibe: 8.6/10 Action-packed
Hot Springs National Park Koa
Price: At around $45/night for full hookup RV spots, not only will you enjoy the KOA experience, youll get it at an affordable rate.
Miles to Downtown: 3.5
Why Youll Love It: Minutes from Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs, Hot Springs National Park KOA gives you the convenience of the hot springs, dining, and shopping, along with their amenities of a swimming pool, mini-golf, full hookups and the KOA community.
With internet connectivity available and a variety of size sites including space for some big rigs, this KOA will fit what you need.
Whats The Word: This RV park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, gives you the peace of mind for a great vacation for everyone. The kids can play at the arcade and the playground, go swimming or fishing and you can sit back knowing that breakfast will even be made for you.
I dont think weve ever stayed at a KOA beforeIm not sure why. I think we had a negative impression of them for some reason. But this campground changed our minds. The folks were super friendly, the area was well kept, and our gravel site was fairly level. They have a cook to order breakfast on the weekends. We would definitely stay here again.
Hot Springs, AR RV Park Vibe: 7.2/10 community-driven
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Fees And Registrations For Hot Springs National Park Camping
Gulpha Gorge now requires reservations and will cost you thirty-four dollars a night. You can stay up to fourteen days and thirty days in a calendar year. You may be able to sneak in last minute as they do run on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lake Ouachita State Park will also require you to make reservations ahead of time and averages about fourteen dollars per night to come camp in their state park, making it the easiest if youre on a budget. Lake Catherine State Park will cost you two hundred and thirty dollars a night to rent a cabin, but tent camping is much more affordable as it only runs about twenty-three dollars a night.
Hot Springs KOA Campground requires reservations and varies its rates depending on the type of camping you plan to do. For example, tent camping per night will cost between thirty-five to thirty-eight dollars a night, to give you an idea. Catherines Landing will require reservations and varies in cost per night depending on how you choose to come and camp. For example, tent camping per night will be range from sixty to one hundred and fifty-two dollars a night, while Yurt rentals range from one hundred and sixty to two hundred and eighty-four dollars a night.
Lake Catherine State Park Ar
Lake Catherine State Park offers many different outdoor options close to Hot Springs, including a variety of cabins and 70 campsites. With Lake Catherine at your door step, this campground has access to plenty of hiking and lake activities. The campsites here are nicely spread out with lots of trees for hammocking. If youre after a full amenity base camp thats close to Hot Springs, then Lake Catherine State Park is for you.
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What You Can Expect While Camping In Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is located in the great state of Arkansas and calls itself the oldest area in the national park system. In 1832, just forty years before Yellowstone became the first national park, President Andrew Jackson set aside the hot springs as a particular reservation.
When it comes to Hot Springs National Park, youll find it has a deep past. Historical bathhouse architecture has continued to spark curiosity in National Park campers for hundreds of years. Plan to thoroughly enjoy an array of ancient thermal springs, countless creeks, shaded forests, unique geology, and breathtaking mountain views without leaving the comforts of town.
Why Visit Hot Springs National Park
Very amenable to RVers and campers, Hot Springs has several nice campgrounds that cater to motorhomes and travel trailers. Tent campers can also find plenty of places to stay.
Imagine driving through the beautiful Ouachita Mountains to arrive at Hot Springs National Park, where you can enjoy the history of the area, and then participating in the bathhouse ritual of a tub bath, a sit in the vapor cabinet, application of hot packs, and relaxing in a cooling area, just as they did 100 years ago.
After this afternoon of pampering, you will definitely be ready for a nap in your RV, then a nice meal, either prepared at the campsite or taken at a restaurant in town.
The park and the town of Hot Springs lend themselves to a relaxing getaway. Having your home on wheels with you will give you more time to embrace the slower pace of Victorian times that are still prevalent here. Even your RV will feel pampered when you leave this mountain hideaway!
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Hot Springs National Park Camping: Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita is one of the most favored camping locations in Hot Springs! It offers a vast forty thousand acres of beautiful clear water. Lake Ouachita Park has ninety-three campsites for tents and RVs, even locations directly on the water. You can even rent a fully equipped cabin that overlooks the gorgeous lake.
Lake Catherine State Park
A peaceful place to pitch your tent, Lake Catherine State Park is located on Lake Catherine and is most notable for its breathtaking waterfall. The park has 20 fully equipped cabins, including one two-bedroom cabin with a patio overlooking the water and private access to the lake from its own fishing pier. The park offers 70 campsites, many of which are on the lakeshore. Take a guided hike, lake tour, or seasonal guided horseback ride! For more information on camping at Lake Catherine State Park,
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State Park Camping Near Hot Springs
Lake Ouachita State Park
Arkansass largest lake, Lake Ouachita offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. The park has 93 campsites , some right on the water.-source
Lake Ouachita State Park address
5451 Mountain Pine RoadMountain Pine, AR 71956
Lake Catherine State Park
The park offers 70 campsites , six primitive tent sites, one Rent-A-Camp, and one Rent-A-Yurt. Many of these sites are on the lakeshore. Park interpreters offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round.-source
Lake Catherine State Park address
1200 Lake Catherine Park RoadMalvern, AR 72104
DeGray Lake Resort State Park
DeGray Lake Resort offers a 96-room lodge with conference center just off shore and on an island 81 Class B campsites, and three Rent-A-Yurts an 18-hole championship golf course with driving range, practice green, and pro shop disc golf swimming tennis and hiking trails and guided horseback riding that are available in the park with world-class mountain biking trails nearby.-source
DeGray Lake Resort address
2027 State Park Entrance RoadBismarck, AR 71929