Camping near Hot Springs National Park offers visitors a chance to explore natural thermal waters located where the Ouachita Mountains meet the Gulf Coastal Plain at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet. Campgrounds within the region experience significant temperature variations throughout the year, with winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing while summer highs can reach into the 90s with high humidity. The Ouachita River watershed provides numerous waterfront camping options with varying levels of development.
What to do
Hiking the trails: Lake Catherine State Park features several well-maintained trails, including a waterfall trail that's popular with families. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," notes a visitor to Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Visitors can rent boats directly at many campgrounds for exploring Lake Ouachita's clear waters. At Catherine's Landing, "The canoe, kayak and boat rentals are in good condition, the paved sites and roads are very smooth and level, the office/lodge and facilities are definitely above average here and quite modern."
Disc golf: Several campgrounds offer disc golf courses as an additional activity option. One visitor mentioned that Catherine's Landing provides "lots of amenities such as a pool, store, boat rentals, zip line and trash pickup. We stayed here for a couple of nights to visit the Hot Springs and it was the perfect location."
What campers like
Clear water access: The crystal clear water of Lake Ouachita receives consistent praise. "The lake is beautiful with very ragged edges and islands so there is a lot to explore by boat," notes a visitor at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground. "It's near the edge of the giant National Forest and close to Hot Springs National Park."
Peaceful natural settings: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel despite proximity to urban amenities. A visitor to COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground stated, "We saw eagles every day and fishing was great. Campground is secluded and quite." Another mentioned, "The clear lake that is a short walk away from the campsite. The sites are pretty big and has a shelter because it rains pretty often here."
Hiking trail accessibility: Gulpha Gorge Campground receives consistent praise for trail access. A camper noted, "Beautiful location next to a stream, although the sites are tightly packed in comparison with most state and national parks. Lots of hiking trails accessible from the nearby trailhead and a quick drive to the historic and charming Bathhouse Row downtown."
What you should know
No shower facilities at some sites: Gulpha Gorge Campground within Hot Springs National Park lacks shower facilities. "Beautiful, clean, great location. Camped here in Feb 2020, right on the river. Full hookups, mostly back-in but some pull throughs. Paved, level. Tent sites, too. Clean bathrooms, little camp store. Close to town. Would camp again," notes one reviewer who mentioned the absence of showers.
Reservation systems vary: Campgrounds operate under different reservation systems. At Hot Springs National Park KOA, a late arrival noted, "We were late check-ins and they were extremely accommodating by placing our paperwork on the check-in board for us. Even in the dark our site was easy to find."
Distance considerations: Some campgrounds advertise proximity to Hot Springs but require significant driving. Crystal Springs Campground is "about 16-17 miles from Hotsprings, Arkansas," according to a camper. Another noted about J and J RV Park: "Great value for the price, $48 cash/$53 card. No online reservations. Owner is really nice and helpful. Clean facilities. Quiet. Sites along the stream have a great view and a great place to sit and enjoy nature. About 10 minute drive to the National Park/Downtown Hot Springs."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities for children. "Kid friendly. Great upkeep and sites that are easily accessible. Playground, splash pad, and pool. We were not able to access the pool because of the time of year, but we will definitely be back in warmer weather," notes a family who stayed at Catherine's Landing.
River exploration opportunities: Children often enjoy wading in shallow waters near campsites. At Stephens Park Campground, "The river is beautiful with clear, cold water. Campsite 3 is right on the river. Sites are full hookup. There is a day use area with access to be able to fish from the bank."
Educational programs: State parks frequently offer ranger-led activities. At Lake Ouachita State Park, "The ranger programs, educational displays, swimming beach, cabins and traditional tent/RV camping. You can rent boats onsite and you will want to! Clean and renovated facilities, nice and simple."
Tips from RVers
Utility setups: RVers should be prepared for varying hookup placements. A visitor to J and J RV Park advised, "Recommend using a water pressure regulator, one of my pipes started leaking from the pressure."
Leveling challenges: Many sites in the area require significant leveling. "Few if any of the sites in this section of the CG were anywhere close to level and our site, one of the few pull-throughs, was one of the worst, I mean seriously sloped even after ratcheting up the front levelers as far as they'd go," cautioned an RVer at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds present navigation challenges. One RVer noted about Hot Springs National Park KOA: "You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower sites. Felt a little tight at times and we just have a 13 footer."
