Campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park offer various overnight options beyond the full-hookup RV parks featured in the national park itself. Located in the Ouachita Mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet, the area experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. Small creek-side campgrounds and lakefront properties provide alternatives to the busier facilities within park boundaries.
What to do
Crystal mining excursions: At Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine, visitors can dig for quartz crystals. "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," notes one camper. Sites often have crystals visible around fire pits.
Lakeside activities: Camp at properties with lake access for water recreation. "You're next door neighbor is about 12 to 15 ft from your door. So the sites are a little bit tight," mentions a camper at Leisure Landing RV Park, but the proximity to Lake Hamilton compensates for close quarters.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide stream or pond access. At J and J RV Park, "the creek is nice and you can hear the water flowing over the rocks at night, the proverbial babbling brook," according to one reviewer. Goose Pond Road Camp offers "peace and nature's finest. Rolling hills and beautiful pond and views."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campers highlight well-maintained facilities at RV parks near Hot Springs. At Leisure Landing RV Park, "the bathhouse reminded me of a dayspa!" one camper wrote. Another mentioned, "the bathrooms and showers were VERY clean. It is obvious that someone is taking very good care of this park, down to folding the toilet paper into neat triangles."
Quiet, natural surroundings: Cloud Nine RV Park receives praise for its peaceful setting. "Even though it's along a highway, it's quite a ways up a hill and through the woods. We had no issues with road noise at night," writes one camper. The park features "a huge porch where you can sit in a rocker and read."
Friendly management: Campground hosts receive positive mentions across multiple properties. At Hot Springs Arkansas Finish Line RV Park, "managers go out of their way to make you feel comfortable." Amenities include "spa showers, trash pickup, happy hour! This park is above and beyond all the others!"
What you should know
Varying site conditions: Site quality differs significantly between campgrounds. Some visitors to Treasure Isle R.V. Park note that "our spot was on gravel with little wiggle room. Low hanging wires were scary pulling into our site, scraping up against our ac units (13.5')." Another mentioned, "if you get a lakeside spot, they look lovely."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies by location and provider. At Cloud Nine RV Park, "both AT&T and Verizon have full bars," while other campgrounds have limitations. One camper mentioned, "T-Mobile cell phone services week Usually around two bars."
Seasonal factors: The Ouachita Mountains region experiences oak worms in certain seasons. One camper at Crystal Ridge RV Park warns, "the Oakworms were crazy. That's not rain you hear falling from the trees! lol Stay under the awning."
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly amenities: Many rv sites near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas include designated pet areas. "There is a little fenced-in dog spot overlooking the canal that makes its way out to the lake," notes a camper at Leisure Landing RV Park. J and J RV Park provides "plenty of space to walk your fur children."
Recreational facilities: Some campgrounds feature pools and gathering spaces. Arkadelphia Campground & RV Park offers "full hook-up sites, super clean restrooms and showers, laundry room, and an outdoor pool!" The park also includes "free Wi-Fi."
Proximity to attractions: When selecting a campground, consider distance to activities. Caddo River Access RV Park has "campsites are small and close together but very well kept. Grills, fire Rings, and picnic tables available. Nice shaded area for tent camping. They are very close to the outfitter drop spot."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many campers recommend bringing leveling equipment. "Sites were pretty level but some were kind of cramped," reports a camper at Treasure Isle R.V. Park. At Crystal Ridge RV Park, "leveling pads were needed for our site."
Water pressure management: Caddo River Access RV Park provides full hookups, but one camper at J and J RV Park recommends using "a water pressure regulator, one of my pipes started leaking from the pressure."
Access road navigation: Multiple reviewers mention challenging access roads. For Cloud Nine RV Park, "be careful on the road in. It's a little bumpy but it evident they do try to maintain it. It also has two turns that you want to take wide."
