Valerio M.
Scout
ScoutLake Hamilton Escape
Honest place
Very good place! River access! Quiet and peaceful! Good laundry and a wonderful staff!
Camping near Hot Springs Village, AR
209 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds around Hot Springs Village in central Arkansas blend National Park accommodations with state park facilities and private RV parks. Hot Springs National Park's Gulpha Gorge Campground provides the closest access to the historic bathhouse district, offering both tent and RV sites with electrical hookups. Within a short drive, Lake Catherine State Park and Lake Ouachita State Park campgrounds feature lakeside camping with cabins, tent sites, and RV facilities. Crystal Ridge RV Park offers unique camping near crystal mining areas, while several private RV parks cater to visitors seeking amenities like full hookups and wifi.
The region generally permits year-round camping with most facilities remaining open regardless of season. "The campground is on the small side, but with a nice shower area and coin laundry. The paved areas (including the RV pads) are a bit rough, but ok. Leveling pads were needed for our site," noted one camper about Cloud Nine RV Park. Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation, particularly for larger RVs and trailers. Fire restrictions may apply during summer months, and lakeside campgrounds often fill quickly during peak season. Most established campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially for weekend stays and holiday periods.
Waterfront camping experiences dominate the region's highest-rated options. Lake Ouachita and Lake Catherine State Parks consistently receive positive reviews for their water access and scenic shorelines. One visitor to Catherine's Landing mentioned, "boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in" options for accessing campsites. Tent campers will find more limited options, with several reviews noting concrete pads at some RV-focused parks making tent setup challenging. Proximity to Hot Springs National Park remains a significant draw for many campers, with Gulpha Gorge providing trail access directly from the campground. While the more developed campgrounds offer amenities like showers and electrical hookups, reviewers noted that sites are often close together with minimal privacy, though the convenience to attractions compensates for this limitation.
Best Campgrounds near Hot Springs Village (209)
1. Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
"There are many positives to this campground well beyond the proximity itself. With electricity at all sites and a flat rate it seems to have a lot of positives to check off."
"With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, AR, this campground is well maintained and convenient but lacks in privacy. I stayed here as an overnight while driving north through the Midwest."
from $34 / night
Check Availability2. Lake Catherine State Park Campground
"Lake Catherine State Park, like all Arkansas state parks, is immaculately clean! Most RV sites have close access to the water and there are small stationary docks to park your boat. "
"We stayed in site 54 (w/e/s) that was right on the lake. We could walk to the dock right behind the site to fish, although did not have very good luck."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
"This was our second stay here, and it confirmed what we’re starting to realize: Arkansas state campgrounds are next level."
"This state park sits on one of the prettiest and clearest lakes in the state of Arkansas. The area that I will be focusing on is the primitive tent sites."
4. Hot Springs National Park KOA
"Laundry was a bit small especially in a world of social distancing but clean. You have to drive through the entire campground to get to the lower sites."
"The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice."
5. Catherine's Landing
"Gorgeous setting on pristine Lake Catherine close to historic Hot Springs. I was in lakefront site 123 for one night but would have liked to stay longer."
"The lake was beautiful and very natural. However if you like roughing it and being close to the water, you better have an RV of some sort or you'll miss the good spots."
6. Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
"I don’t think camping at this RV park is about the camping experience; it’s about the proximity to the crystal mines. It is a good campground for the price, but it is not anything fancy."
"12 a night, full hookup potential AND you are walking distance to the mine!!! For $20 you can go spend the day diggin through dirt and finding crystals."
from $13 / night
Check Availability7. COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground
"Site 40 water faucet is broken Showers are hot and free Arkansas is very pretty but the trash on the road sides and road kill is too much. Clean up after yourself people!!!"
"Arkansas has variable weather in January. Cold clear day today but higher temps predicted for later in the week. Many sites available. Beautiful views."
from $16 - $100 / night
Check Availability8. J and J RV Park
"It is right on a little creek, and there are turkeys somewhere nearby. The RV Park is very very close to Hot Springs National Park, and there is an amusement park right across the highway."
"I was disappointed that they don't promote wearing masks and social distancing 😕😱 I would definitely stay again if Gulphea Gorge is full."
from $41 / night
Check Availability9. Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
"_ There are several viewpoints/vistas that you can access from roads (just two close together that involve some driving on gravel)."
"Super cool paths, views and community. Tons of historical value and it's obvious that Arkansas cares about it's forests, natural resources and outdoor communities."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability10. Treasure Isle R.V. Park
"All sites are pull through and some are located on Lake Hamilton."
"Nice and quite, right on the Ouachita River / lake Hamilton. Very friendly and helpful staff"
from $45 - $95 / night
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Drive Time
- 28 min from Hot Springs, AR
- 57 min from Little Rock, AR
- 2 hrs 1 min from Texarkana, TX
- 2 hrs 38 min from Fort Smith, AR
Recent Camping Photos near Hot Springs Village, AR
291 Photos of 209 Hot Springs Village Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Goose Pond Road Camp
Crystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park KOA
J and J RV Park
Forest Service RD 132 Ouachita National Forest
Oakhill CampgroundC
Forest Service RD 153 Ouachita National Forest
Ouachitas FR179 Dispersed Site
Lake Ouachita State Park Campground
FR94 Dispersed Campsite
Stephens Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Hot Springs Village, AR
1152 Reviews of 209 Hot Springs Village Campgrounds
- JJordan B.Scout
Base of North Fork Pinnacle Dispersed, Forest Road 132
Nice cool lake nearby
There is a bit of an incline getting to this spot, most cars will make it if you want to tow a trailer up here better make sure your vehicle is well equipped. there is the space for it, but the ground is not level. It is early September, Little Rock got up to 98 degrees, it was nice to come back to lake Sylvia that is nearby. Nice and warm on the surface and colder down below.
Joseph K.ScoutPalarm Boat Launch
Palarm Boat Launch (Public)
This spot can be fairly active at times but still a good hideaway to car or van camp for a night or two. There are no amenities so bring it or don't be needing it.
Lucy B.
GuideCharlton Campground
Peaceful Camp & Swimming Area
Stayed 3 nights. Tent camped, family of 6. Nearly vacant campground. Friendly camp hosts. Clean hot showers and bathrooms. Drinkable spring water. Campsite was alongside the creek, shaded under the trees. Short drive to swimming recreation and picnic area with plenty of shade, grass picnic tables and bathrooms. Beautiful spot. Kids were kept busy for hours searching for crystals and swimming.
- SStephanie C.
TravelerMaumelle COE campground
Its a nice area of town
It's been a bit strange. No placard for our car, only room to park one vehicle. Dog poop at our site. My husband stepped in it as we were unhooking. It's quiet and other than the dog poop situation it seems clean.
- Melinda E.Traveler
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Phenomenal Vacation!
We stayed a week at Petit Jean in one of their gorgeous cabins. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The check-in and check-out was easy. Finding the cabin was easy with the directions and map we were given. They were clearly marked, with parking for two vehicles, as they were setup like a duplex. The cabin was beautiful and clean, inside and out. There was a large, heavy, all wood porch swing on each side. Relaxing in it was a peaceful experience, listening to the sounds of birds and the breeze through the tall pines. Inside it was all beautifully stained wood and roomy enough for two people, much like a hotel room, except for the cathedral ceiling. In fact, the setup was better than most hotel rooms we have stayed in. There was a mini-fridge with a small freezer, microwave, coffee pot(with coffee, cups, creamer, sugar, etc,) a Keurig, blow-dryer, iron, ironing board, and broom. It had all the toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, tissue, cups. The open closet had plenty of shelving and hangers for clothing and bags. The bathroom was standard with water that quickly got hot for your bath or shower. There were two full size beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of pillows and warm bedding, with a nightstand between. There were plugs to charge your phone and a landline. There was also a fireplace, however it was locked closed. The air unit in the room had cooling/heating that was easy to operate and sufficiently cool. We were near the highway, close to the lodge, but did not hear traffic while in the cabin. Parking at Mather Lodge is just like any other, with a short, easy walk to the entrance. Once inside, you pass the check-in desk, a small, well-stocked gift shop,(with something for every age,) an open meeting area and bar before reaching the restaurant. It is beautifully constructed from large logs stained and polished to a gleaming shine. From floor to ceiling, it is the epitome of rugged elegance. We ate breakfast and dinner exclusively at the lodge. The food was exemplary, every meal, cooked to perfection and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and we were never rushed or made to feel as if we overstayed our welcome. The service was fast, even when every table was occupied. The servers were friendly and attentive. We had only one server, one time that was"less than," maybe she was new, not sure, but we did not see her again. Tommy, Thomas, Jessie, Brad, Rebekah, and Lindsay were all so pleasant, always greeting us, even when they weren't our servers, remembering us and making us feel like family. The view of the gorge with it's tall trees and towering rock formations was incredible! There was a common area behind the lodge, just outside the restaurant with tables, chairs and benches for observing the gorge, taking photos, relaxing and socializing. You could walk right down to the edge of the huge flat rocks for photos with a stunning background. We spent every evening there, watching the exquisite sunsets. This place is a nature lovers paradise. There is a pool surrounded by loungers behind and to the side of the lodge. It was clean and well-kept with a small waterfall at one end. Thick thirsty towels are provided for your convenience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. We never saw or heard a mower but the grass was cut to perfection and there wasn't a single piece of litter in the entire park. At check-in we were given a map, brochure and weekly schedule of events/tours at the park. The map was very necessary for navigating around this extensive park of which the lodge area was only a small part. The brochure described the hikes and other available activities(such as climbing and repelling) with descriptions of what could be observed, length and difficulty levels. Trust the brochure! If it says strenuous, it is. Plan accordingly. There were four ranger guided tours the week we were there. We took two of them. They were genuinely interesting and pleasurable. Baron, our ranger, was exceedingly knowledgeable about the geology, animal and plant life and history of the area. Exceptionally so, for someone who was seemingly so young. He was attentive to the needs of those attending the tours, stopping to rest if necessary and moving a bit slower for us older folks. He was so affable and easy to talk with, it seemed as if we were old friends. Willing to spend extra time after the tours, talking with us, was an indication of how much he enjoyed his job. We were very appreciative of someone of his character and enjoyed spending time with him. He is the perfect model of what one would think a park ranger is and should be! Any hike can be taken unguided and there are plenty of them. In fact, we had plans to go outside the park on other hikes, but never made it off the property for those. We actually did not have enough time to do all we wanted to do within the park. If you are looking for a phenomenal vacation, this is the trip you should take!
Jessica K.ScoutOuachita Campground at Edendell
Beautiful place to stay
The scenery is lovely with so many options for how you can stay there. The owners are helpful and very friendly.
- SSherri B.Guide
Petit Jean State Park — Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas's first state park
Well maintained state park especially for its age. All sites have a picnic table, ground grill, and tent pad. Roads and campsites are paved. Nicely spaced sites. Clean bathhouse.
tom B.ScoutCrystal Ridge RV Park at Ron Coleman Mine
Nicest people
We stayed in the tini cabin because it was 98* out, and we were sun burnt from digging crystals. It had an AC, shower, full bathroom, kitchen, TV, a charcoal grill with charcoal, and the camp host brought over fire wood with no charge.
Guide to Hot Springs Village
Camping sites near Hot Springs Village, Arkansas offer diverse outdoor experiences along lakes and within easy reach of crystal mining areas. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 600-900 feet, creating distinct microclimates across the region. Camping options remain available year-round with winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, making this area suitable for four-season outdoor recreation.
What to do
Crystal mining excursions: Crystal Ridge RV Park provides direct access to Coleman Crystal Mines where 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," notes one camper who discovered gems in their campsite.
Lakeside kayaking: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers boat and kayak rentals for exploring the calm waters. "It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water," shares a visitor who enjoyed peaceful paddling conditions.
Hiking trail networks: Petit Jean State Park Campground features multiple well-maintained trails with varying difficulty levels. "There is no place like Petit Jean! We went to the Cedar Falls Overlook, Palisades Overlook and Stout Point Overlook. We also made the hike down to Cedar Falls," explains a camper who recommends being in decent shape for the Cedar Falls trail.
Trail access from camps: Gulpha Gorge Campground connects directly to the Hot Springs National Park trail system. "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," reports one visitor who appreciated the trail convenience.
What campers like
Waterfall access: Lake Catherine State Park features a scenic waterfall that draws campers for swimming and photography. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," reports one repeat visitor.
Secluded tent options: Lake Ouachita State Park Campground offers tent-specific areas with unique advantages. "The campsites were walk up, which was mildly inconvenient at first, but ultimately a big plus with no vehicles driving by the actual sites. The sites are on a small peninsula, so every site was right on the water."
Proximity to therapeutic waters: Hot Springs National Park KOA provides convenient access to the historic bathhouse district. "About 10 minutes from everything. We chose this vs the National Park just down the road because of showers for a few $ more," explains one camper who appreciated both the location and amenities.
Water temperature consistency: COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground maintains comfortable swimming conditions throughout summer. "Being so close to the water kept the temperature comfortable, and having direct access to the lake was perfect for swimming," notes a visitor who enjoyed the natural temperature regulation near the water.
What you should know
Cell coverage varies: Coverage can be inconsistent between providers throughout the region. "Cell service is not great but works. Slow speeds but works. Sometimes is good sometimes drops off," reports a camper at Crystal Springs Campground about the spotty connectivity.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring equipment for level camping. "Many sites were on an incline, so there was a lot of terracing with great use of railroad timbers and crushed rock. Leveling pads were needed for our site," notes a camper at Catherine's Landing.
Shower availability: Hot Springs National Park KOA provides shower facilities unlike some nearby national park campgrounds. "We chose this vs the National Park just down the road because of showers for a few $ more... Also, no cell signal at the park, but here it was fine," explains a visitor highlighting this important distinction between options.
Early arrival recommended: Gulpha Gorge Campground fills quickly due to its first-come, first-served policy. "This campground was full as it is a first come first serve campground. This was more than a little disappointing considering I had driven so far," warns a visitor who recommends arriving early, especially during peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Catherine's Landing offers multiple water amenities 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," reports a family who enjoyed the child-specific facilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Ouachita State Park provides frequent wildlife encounters. "Ducks and geese also made appearances that thrilled the kids," notes a family camper who appreciated these natural interactions.
Campground-based activities: Petit Jean State Park offers ranger-led programs suitable for children. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," shares a visitor who found the educational components valuable for family camping.
Temperature management: Tent sites at Lake Ouachita benefit from proximity to water. "Being so close to the water kept the temperature comfortable, and having direct access to the lake was perfect for swimming," explains a camper who found this natural cooling effect beneficial for family comfort during hot weather.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Hot Springs National Park KOA offers tiered sites that create privacy despite proximity. "The sites are close to each other, but they are stair stepped, so you feel like you have more privacy which was really nice," notes an RV camper appreciating the thoughtful layout.
Hookup logistics: J&J RV Park provides multiple hookup options at affordable rates. "If you're going out with your RV and you've got multiple waste port, this place has multiple lines in the sites for front and back tanks," explains a camper highlighting a unique feature not commonly mentioned.
Water pressure considerations: J&J RV Park water pressure can exceed comfortable levels. "Recommend using a water pressure regulator, one of my pipes started leaking from the pressure," warns an RVer who experienced plumbing issues.
RV amenities pricing: Treasure Isle RV Park offers discounted rates through camping clubs. "It accepts Passport America so I paid approximately $17/night. Has cable, WiFi, full hookups and a very nice bathhouse," shares a camper who found significant savings for a fully-equipped site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hot Springs Village, AR?
What camping is available near Hot Springs Village, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hot Springs Village, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 209 campgrounds and RV parks near Hot Springs Village, AR and 34 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hot Springs Village, AR?
Which is the most popular campground near Hot Springs Village, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hot Springs Village, AR is Gulpha Gorge Campground — Hot Springs National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 80 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hot Springs Village, AR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hot Springs Village, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Hot Springs Village, AR.
What parks are near Hot Springs Village, AR?
What parks are near Hot Springs Village, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Hot Springs Village, AR that allow camping, notably Ouachita Lake and Nimrod Lake.
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