Cabins near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas range from lakeside cottages to rustic accommodations within easy driving distance of thermal waters. Located in the Ouachita Mountains at elevations between 600-1,400 feet, the park area experiences mild winters and hot summers with average annual rainfall of 55 inches. Vacation rental cabins throughout the region typically require advance booking, especially during peak racing season at Oaklawn Park from January through May.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Catherine State Park offers several hiking options including Falls Branch Trail. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," notes one visitor to Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Kayaking: Lake Ouachita provides excellent paddling opportunities with minimal boat traffic. At Lake Ouachita State Park Campground, "Kayak rental was cheap (and didn't charge extra for staying out longer!)" according to one satisfied camper.
Crystal mining: Near Hot Springs, cabin lodgers can search for quartz crystals. At Crystal Ridge RV Park, "For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals. I don't think everyone has the luck we had but we came after a rain and cleaned up. Hundred bucks in gems."
Fishing: Lake Hamilton offers good fishing opportunities close to rental cabins. "Very nice and clean park. Nice and quite, right on the Ouachita River / lake Hamilton. Very friendly and helpful staff," reports a visitor to Treasure Isle R.V. Park.
What campers like
Lake views: Many cabin renters appreciate waterfront locations. At Brady Mountain, "Beautiful campsite right on Lake Ouachita. Site 61 is right on the water. PROs: lake views, spacious camp, cell service," according to one reviewer.
Swimming opportunities: Natural swimming areas enhance the cabin experience. One Lake Ouachita State Park visitor shared, "Being so close to the water kept the temperature comfortable, and having direct access to the lake was perfect for swimming. Ducks and geese also made appearances that thrilled the kids."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained cabins and bathhouses are frequently mentioned. A guest at Catherine's Landing noted, "The check in process was very easy and the facilities were immaculate. Concrete pads and sites were well kept. The yurts on property looked very big and clean so maybe we will do that next."
Park amenities: Recreational options beyond basic lodging are valued. "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," reported a Catherine's Landing visitor.
What you should know
Reservation windows: Cabin bookings may require planning several months ahead. At DeGray Lake Resort State Park, "Be sure to reserve well ahead of your desired dates," advises one camper.
Grocery access: Many cabin areas have limited on-site supplies. "It is about 20 min off the main highway. Things close up early here and once off main highway there really is nothing as you drive to the park. Make sure you come in with all of your supplies," warns a Hot Springs National Park KOA visitor.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between properties. At Brady Mountain, "The cell signal on the 'down the hill' portion of the campground is pretty non-existent," notes one camper, while others report stronger signals at different locations.
Weather considerations: Cabin rentals may be affected by seasonal conditions. "Be aware of the weather, as if it's raining hard, parts of this road are subject to being the pathway for the water to cross as it flows down the mountainside," cautions a Brady Mountain visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Accommodation selection: Choose cabin sites near activities for children. At Hot Springs National Park KOA, "There were lots of activities to keep the kiddos busy. I would recommend this campground to anyone going to or passing through Hot Springs," mentions one family.
Fishing access: Look for properties with fishing piers or shore access. "The boat ramp and docks were safe for fishing. The dog park was small but sufficient for them to run a bit off the leash," reports a Catherine's Landing visitor.
Educational programs: Take advantage of ranger-led activities at state parks. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes. We will be back!" notes a Lake Ouachita State Park cabin guest.
Swimming beaches: Select cabin locations with designated swimming areas. "This park has everything you need. We got an amazing site right on the water and spent a day here because it was so beautiful," shares a Lake Catherine State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose lakefront sites when possible. "We had site 204 which is a back in site with FHU on driver's side. We loved this site because it was on the back side of the campground, near the dog park and lots of open space behind us to play with our dog," advises a Catherine's Landing guest.
Accessibility: Note that some cabin areas require navigating mountain roads. "The campsites were walk up, which was mildly inconvenient at first, but ultimately a big plus with no vehicles driving by the actual sites," explains a Lake Ouachita State Park visitor.
Utilities: Check which cabin rentals include full hookups versus basic services. "All sites have water, 50/30 amp, sewer, cable, and wifi. Fire pits and picnic tables accompany all sites. There are a variety of sites ranging from waterfront back-in, pull-thrus, or interior back-in," notes a reviewer staying at Catherine's Landing.
