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Best Campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park, AR

1,118 Reviews

Campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park provide a mix of developed sites and natural settings within easy reach of the city's famous thermal waters and historical bathhouses. Gulpha Gorge Campground, located within the national park boundaries, offers full hookup sites for both tent and RV camping along a scenic creek. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground and Lake Catherine State Park Campground offer lakeside camping options approximately 15-20 miles from the downtown area, with amenities ranging from primitive tent sites to cabins and yurts. Several privately operated facilities like Catherine's Landing and Hot Springs National Park KOA provide additional glamping options with resort-style amenities.

Reservations are essential during peak season, particularly for waterfront sites at Lake Ouachita and Lake Catherine, which often fill months in advance. Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for hiking the park's trail system. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds but may be spotty in more remote areas of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest. A visitor noted, "We used Lake Ouachita State Park as our base camp for visits to Hot Springs National Park and Garvan Woodland Gardens. The park itself has a playground, marina, beach, spring, cabins, and geocaching."

Several campers highlight the convenience of staying at Gulpha Gorge Campground for its proximity to downtown Hot Springs and direct access to hiking trails. "The campground connects to the park trails so it's great for hiking. Can easily go up the mountain or walk into town," shared one reviewer. Lakeside campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for swimming access and scenic views, though some mention the visible power plant across Lake Catherine as a minor detraction. Many reviewers recommend Catherine's Landing for its resort amenities including a swimming pool, zip line, and boat rentals. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Crystal Springs Campground on Lake Ouachita offers Corps of Engineers sites with good swimming areas and hiking trails while still being within a reasonable drive to Hot Springs National Park attractions.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas (196)

    1. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    75 Reviews
    Hot Springs National Park, AR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 620-6715

    $34 / night

    "Beautiful brook side campgrounds right on the Hot Springs national park."

    "There are lots of good hiking trails in the Hot Springs National Park. While they do have nice restroom facilities, they do not have showers. The campsites are first come (not reservable)."

    2. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    Jones Mill, AR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 844-4176

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Yes there is a huge power plant across the lake but it didn’t bother us much. We had a water view site #032 loop B and there are many more."

    "PROS 

    Senior discount 

    Reserved on-line 365 days prior to arriving 

    Site #68 allowed parking RV 12 feet from water edge which was fabulous 

    Totally level site 

    Asphalt campsite pad 

    Pea gravel and"

    3. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 287-2757

    "One of the best lakes/ parks I’ve visited. I went to Arkansas to visit the Hot Springs National Park, and left wishing I had stayed longer in Ouachita rather than visit Hot Springs."

    "Nothing but great things to say about Lake Ouachita State Park. We were headed that direction to visit Hot Springs National Park, but chose to stay nearby at Lake Ouachita. It was phenomenal!"

    4. Catherine's Landing

    25 Reviews
    Hot Springs, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 262-2550

    "We had an overnight here after visiting the hot springs national park. The euro delights food truck was a tasty treat. Loved that the pool was open until 10pm just wish the store was open past 5."

    "The park is set on 400 acres with one mile bordering Lake Catherine and about eight or nine miles from downtown Hot Springs. "

    5. Hot Springs National Park KOA

    22 Reviews
    Hot Springs, AR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 624-5912

    "Laundry was a bit small especially in a world of social distancing but clean. You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower sites."

    "The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice."

    6. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    44 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 991-3390

    $14 - $80 / night

    "Great hiking, close to Hot Springs National Park and some scenic overlooks, clean enough bathrooms. The campground was full and plenty quiet. We had a wonderful few days."

    "It had trees for a couple hammocks, a picnic table and firepit facing the water(most of the sites are lakeside with wonderful views), and was an easy pull-thru for our vintage Avion trailer."

    7. Treasure Isle R.V. Park

    16 Reviews
    Royal, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-6852

    $45 - $95 / night

    "Sites are very level and it’s convenient to Hot Springs National Park. All sites are pull through and some are located on Lake Hamilton."

    "Nice and quite, right on the Ouachita River / lake Hamilton. Very friendly and helpful staff"

    8. J and J RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Hot Springs, AR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-9852

    $41 / night

    "It is right on a little creek, and there are turkeys somewhere nearby. The RV Park is very very close to Hot Springs National Park, and there is an amusement park right across the highway."

    "I was disappointed that they don't promote wearing masks and social distancing 😕😱 I would definitely stay again if Gulphea Gorge is full."

    9. Stephens Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mountain Pine, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 767-2101

    $30 - $50 / night

    "This is a decent small campground of eight sites, right next to the lake, and there are bathroom facilities that are fairly clean and showers."

    "Be sure you follow the email confirmation directions or put in Stephens Park Recreation Area, Blakely Dam Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956 as there is also Lake Ouachita State Park in the area."

    10. DeGray Lake Resort State Park — De Gray State Park

    30 Reviews
    Bismarck, AR
    20 miles
    Website

    "Great ranger led boat tour of the lake. Lots of nice level sites. Super cool yurts for rent that have the best views! Arkansas has the best State Parks!"

    "Nice campsites, lakeside, lake view and in the woods, YURT rentals have the best location, DeRoche Ridge second best if you want to be right next to the lake."

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Recent Camping Photos near Hot Springs National Park, AR

298 Photos of 196 Hot Springs National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hot Springs National Park, AR

1118 Reviews of 196 Hot Springs National Park Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Toad Suck

    Lock & Dam

    Small clean campground. Some spots are very private Some not so much. Spots are large. Great views of lock. Multiple playgrounds and pavilions. Basketball, volleyball and store across the street.

  • Christopher T.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Maumelle Park

    Great volunteers

    Love this place and the people who work there

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    Camping in luxury

    So here’s the thing, me and my partner do not like fruit, fruit and frills. I’d rather be in the middle of the woods with out a bathroom in sight, then having loads of facilities. But something about this location, turns all of that on its head for us.

    The campsites were well-maintained, the bathroom facilities were clean, but the park lodges, which also function as a trailhead for one of the major hikes there are like nothing I’ve seen before

    A pool at the top of an expensive out overlook which ultimately leads down to a gorgeous waterfall. That same lodge has a fully functioning bar and restaurant attached to it and on either side of the state park there are small coffee shops, a 24 hour farmers market with some of the weirdest and most pleasant people I’ve ever met.

    It was just cool, I’ll leave it at that

  • Makayla C.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Buckville - Lake Ouachita

    Island Camping!!!

    We decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Downtown Riverside RV Park

    In town on the river

    I clean and pleasant place to stay in town along the river. It was quiet and there were loads of things to do. All the spots had large concrete pads.

  • Charity S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Irons Fork

    Peaceful

    We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.

Guide to Hot Springs National Park

Camping near Hot Springs National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "Three beautiful hikes right out of the campground" at Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, you’ll love the access to lakes. A review noted, "Every site on the water has a small dock you can fish off" at the same campground.
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have swimming areas. One visitor said, "Nice swimming beach" at Gulpha Gorge Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review from Gulpha Gorge Campground stated, "Cleanest shower house I've ever seen."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private sites. One camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground said, "The spaces are so far apart you can enjoy your own spot without interruption."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. A review from Catherine's Landing highlighted, "The staff was awesome; I would definitely go back."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Gulpha Gorge Campground noted, "No showers" available.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Denby Point mentioned, "Raccoons were active at night and grabbed any food or trash accidentally left out."
  • Road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A review from Charlton Campground mentioned, "Despite being close to the main road, it was very quiet."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. One family enjoyed the "great swimming areas" at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
  • Space to play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A camper at Catherine's Landing said, "Plenty of room for the kids to play behind our water site."
  • Plan for meals: Bring food supplies, as some campgrounds lack markets. A visitor at Treasure Isle R.V. Park noted, "There’s no market."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site access: Some sites can be tricky to back into. A review from Denby Point mentioned, "Some sites are hard to get to."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground appreciated the "full hook ups."
  • Quiet hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially in RV parks. A visitor at Treasure Isle R.V. Park suggested, "I wish quiet hours were enforced."

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, hot springs national park camping has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Hot Springs National Park?

The primary camping option within Hot Springs National Park is Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park. This campground offers beautiful brookside sites that are first-come, first-served (available at noon daily). Each site includes power/water/septic hookups, a fire pit, and picnic table. The campground is suitable for tents, hammocks, and RVs. While the facilities are typical of national parks, the location provides convenient access to all park attractions. Sites fill quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

What campgrounds are available near Hot Springs National Park?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Hot Springs National Park. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground offers breathtaking views, pristine bathrooms, and beautiful trails just a short drive from Hot Springs. Many visitors find it superior to staying directly in the national park. Another great option is COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground which features waterfront sites with a swim area, great hiking opportunities, and clean facilities. Both campgrounds provide a peaceful natural setting while maintaining convenient proximity to Hot Springs National Park attractions.

Are there RV camping options in Hot Springs, Arkansas?

Hot Springs offers several quality RV camping options. Catherine's Landing provides full hookups, paved roads, and amenities including a pool open until 10pm and an on-site food truck. It's an excellent base for exploring Hot Springs National Park. Treasure Isle R.V. Park offers lake views and clean, well-maintained facilities, though sites are somewhat close together. For budget-conscious travelers, Cracker Barrel — Hot Springs permits overnight parking in their well-lit, level asphalt lot—perfect for a quick overnight stay after visiting the park.

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