Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hot Springs National Park, AR
Gulpha Gorge Campground welcomes pets at all sites within Hot Springs National Park. The campground offers full hookups for RVs and spacious tent sites along a stream, making it ideal for campers traveling with dogs. Lake Catherine State Park Campground and Lake Ouachita State Park also permit pets throughout their facilities, including in select cabins and yurts with appropriate pet deposits. Campers should keep dogs leashed at all times on trails and in camping areas. Most campgrounds limit pets to 2-3 per site, though specific policies vary. Catherine's Landing provides picnic tables and designated pet waste stations throughout the property. Sites at Gulpha Gorge are tightly packed compared to most state and national parks, so campers with reactive dogs should consider more secluded options.
Several hiking trails accessible directly from Gulpha Gorge Campground welcome leashed dogs, providing excellent exercise opportunities without leaving the park. The creek running alongside campground sites offers water access for dogs needing to cool off during summer months. Pet owners should pack portable water bowls for trail hikes, as summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. The nearby Hot Springs downtown area features pet-friendly patios at several restaurants near Bathhouse Row, allowing campers to include their dogs in post-hike dining. Veterinary clinics are available within a 10-minute drive of most campgrounds. While most parks in the area permit pets, Lake Hamilton RV Resort enforces breed restrictions that may impact travelers with certain support animals. Campground quiet hours typically begin at 10 PM, and excessive barking is discouraged.
