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Best Campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park, AR

1,083 Reviews

Some of the best camping in Arkansas is at Hot Springs National Park. Near Hot Springs, AR, campers can enjoy nature and learn about the park’s rich history. Relax in a palatial historic bathhouse and explore 26 miles of trails winding through the forest, giving you spectacular views of natural scenery. Stay at one of the campgrounds by Gulpha Gorge and spend the day swimming in the crystal clear water. RV resorts come equipped with the amenities drivers’ need for a comfortable stay in their vehicles. If tent camping isn’t ideal for you, there are options offering roomy campsites with comfortable cabins and stylishly decorated yurts for glamping.

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Best Camping Sites Near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas (190)

    1. Lake Catherine State Park Campground

    83 Reviews
    •280 Photos•
    404 Saves
    Jones Mill, Arkansas

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $15 - $25 / night

    2. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park

    74 Reviews
    •211 Photos•
    422 Saves
    Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

    Overview

    Gulpha Gorge campground is a tree lined retreat nestled on Gulpha Creek just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row. Open all year, the campground features 44 campsites all suitable for RVs and tents. This popular spot is the ideal base camp for all of your Hot Springs adventures and tends to fill up quickly, even in the fall and winter. Reservations are recommended.

    Recreation

    Hot Springs National Park boasts 26 miles (42 km) of stunning trails. Gulpha Gorge Campground has a trail access to Hot Springs Mountain and Bathhouse Row. The campground sits adjacent to Gulpha Gorge Creek. The creek is perfect for wading, sitting and playing.

    Natural Features

    Sit back and relax to the sounds of adjacent Gulpha Gorge Creek under the canopy of towering trees while being serenaded by the local winged inhabitants and you just may forget you are so close to downtown Hot Springs National Park. Enjoy a stunning hike to Bathhouse Row with mountain-top views along the way. Dip your toes in Gulpha Gorge Creek or stretch out on the cool grass to enjoy the breeze while planning a visit to one of the stunning spas on historic Bathhouse Row.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (501) 620-6715.

    Nearby Attractions

    Gulpha Gorge campground is just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row.

    Charges & Cancellations

    __Cancellations more than 72 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 72 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $34 / night

    3. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    •232 Photos•
    409 Saves
    Mountain Pine, Arkansas

    This recreation area is part of Ouachita Lake

    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    4. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    43 Reviews
    •53 Photos•
    56 Saves
    Royal, Arkansas

    Overview

    Crystal Springs Campground, perched on the shores of Lake Ouachita in Arkansas, is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples. Approximately 1.2 million people visit the lake each year to explore its crystal clear waters and scenic mountain landscape.Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy fishing, water skiing, hiking and boating. Scuba diving is particularly popular because of the lake's high underwater visibility. Small and rare freshwater jellyfish (non-stinging) can be found, in addition to many types of fish, including the striped bass, lazily drifting between rocks. Bald eagles are a big attraction for bird watchers and photographers in winter months.

    Natural Features

    Lake Ouachita is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The pool is fed by the cool waters of the Ouachita River and extends about 30 miles over 40,000 surface acres.

    Nearby Attractions

    Part of the scenic 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs just north of the lake. Here, hikers and mountain bikers can explore an array of breathtaking views in the Ouachita Mountains.

    Contact Info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $14 - $80 / night

    5. Catherine's Landing

    24 Reviews
    •116 Photos•
    195 Saves
    Hot Springs, Arkansas

    Whether your perfect vacation is action-packed or laid back, you’ll find everything you need at Catherine’s Landing. Conveniently situated on 400 pastoral acres with a mile of frontage on beautiful Lake Catherine just outside historic downtown Hot Springs. Catherine’s Landing offers an ideal natural environment mixed with a range of accommodations and on-site activities that appeal to every form of traveler. Choose from RV sites with modern concrete pads, fully-furnished resort cottages, yurts for a true "Glamping" experience, or raised and bordered tent sites. Add exceptional on-site amenities, a convenient concierge at your service, a beautiful lake right outside your door, Wi-Fi and cable, and you have everything you need for your next getaway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    6. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park

    102 Reviews
    •609 Photos•
    636 Saves
    Adona, Arkansas

    The campgrounds feature a total of 125 campsites (including 26 pull-through sites). Thirty-five of the sites—the Class AAA sites—have 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer hookups. The 90 Class B sites offer 30 amp electrical and water hookups. All sites are reservable. Campsites are divided into four campground areas. Each includes a modern bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Area "A" is near Lake Bailey and include sites along the lakeshore. Areas "B," "C," and "D" are located on the south side of Ark. 154 in wooded settings.

    Other campsite choices in the main camping area include a 44-unit Rally-style Area with 20 amp electrical service available for camping clubs.

    A trailer dump station is centrally located near the Rally-style camping area.

    Petit Jean is Arkansas's only state park with its own airport.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $40 / night

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

    30 Reviews
    •156 Photos•
    117 Saves
    Bismarck, Arkansas

    This recreation area is part of Degray Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins

    8. Hot Springs National Park KOA

    20 Reviews
    •34 Photos•
    118 Saves
    Hot Springs, Arkansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    9. Treasure Isle R.V. Park

    16 Reviews
    •66 Photos•
    13 Saves
    Royal, Arkansas

    Treasure Isle RV Park is located on the banks of Lake Hamilton. There are many types of RV sites including Concrete back-in, Concrete pull thru, gravel pull thru, and lakefront sites. Amenities include: coin laundry, bath house, pool, large playground, three covered pavilions with seating and grills available for use by the park guests, and fishing piers. There are kayaks and pontoons available to rent. Come enjoy your vacation with us!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $45 - $95 / night

    10. Brady Mountain

    11 Reviews
    •22 Photos•
    174 Saves
    Royal, Arkansas

    Overview

    Brady Mountain Campground delights visitors with its family-friendly facilities, fabulous views and idyllic placement on Arkansas's Lake Ouachita. The lake attracts visitors who come for the crystal clear waters and bountiful fishing opportunities. Click here for the Lake Ouachita Virtual Tour.

    Recreation

    A unique way to explore the lake is to follow the Geo-Float Trail, coined as the first water-based interpretive trail included in the National Trails System. The self-guided boat tour leads visitors on a 16-mile trip to see incredible geologic features as it stretches from the Spillway Recreation Area to Brady Mountain Recreation Area. Hikers enjoy the scenic land-based nature trail accessible from the campground. Boating, fishing and scuba diving among the remains of the flooded mountain valley are also popular here.

    Natural Features

    Lake Ouachita sits in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, just 10 miles west of Hot Springs National Park. The lake stems from the Ouachita River and boasts 692 miles of shoreline with 178 islands.

    Contact Info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (501) 767-2101.

    Nearby Attractions

    Head to Hot Springs National Park and enjoy a traditional bath or modern spa experience with the natural spring water.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $16 - $50 / night

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Recent Reviews near Hot Springs National Park, AR

1083 Reviews of 190 Hot Springs National Park Campgrounds

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

  • What camping is available near Hot Springs National Park, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Hot Springs National Park, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Hot Springs National Park, AR and 28 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Hot Springs National Park, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hot Springs National Park, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hot Springs National Park, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Hot Springs National Park, AR.

  • What parks are near Hot Springs National Park, AR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Hot Springs National Park, AR that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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