Campers park their RVs just steps from Lake Catherine's shoreline, with some sites positioned close enough to the water that kayakers can paddle directly to their campsite. The 84-site campground spreads across open terrain with scattered shade trees, offering full hookups in Area C and electric-water combinations throughout most other sections. Rangers patrol regularly, and the asphalt pads stay level even when the campground fills to capacity on busy weekends.
Wildlife encounters define much of the camping experience here. Squirrels approach close enough to eat from visitors' hands, while Canadian geese leave droppings throughout the grounds. Raccoons prove persistent enough to breach food storage, so campers need secure containers. The lake draws constant boat and jet ski traffic that continues past sunset, creating ongoing noise alongside the distant hum from a visible power plant across the water.
Four hiking trails wind through the park, ranging from ADA-accessible paths to challenging routes requiring what Natalie C. describes as being "part billy goat." The lakefront trail leads to a waterfall that serves as both photo opportunity and swimming hole. The marina rents boats, kayaks, and paddleboards, with Jackson Kayaks available for exploring the lake's coves and inlets.
Bathhouses maintain clean facilities with strong water pressure, though hot water runs out quickly during peak times. Verizon provides four bars of LTE service throughout the campground, while Wi-Fi remains unavailable. Sites near the water book up to a year in advance, particularly the prized spots with private docks. For additional camping options, explore campgrounds around Jones Mill or check nearby Catherine's Landing for lakefront alternatives. The 15-mile drive to Hot Springs National Park makes this location work well as a base for thermal spring visits.
Description
This peaceful park makes great camping near Little Rock and is located on Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the beautiful Ouachita Mountain region. The only full-service marina on the lake is here at the park and open in the summertime for bait, snacks/drinks, and fuel. Boat rentals are available year-round. The park also includes a launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a well-marked trail that leads to a 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. There are also many native stone and wood buildings on-site. The history of these structures dates back to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The park offers 70 campsites (47 Class AAA and 23 Class B), 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. Guided horseback rides are offered seasonally.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Catherine State Park Campground is located in Arkansas near Jones Mill
Address
1200 Catherine Park Rd
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Coordinates
34.437959541601735 N
92.91800944367333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/4/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 6/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/4/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/4/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 6/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 15 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 41 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 30 min from Texarkana, TX
- 2 hrs 28 min from Fort Smith, AR
