Lake Catherine and Lake Ouachita serve as the primary natural backdrops for cabin accommodations near Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. These water bodies, part of the Ouachita Mountain region, provide visitors with access to clear water recreation while staying in weatherproof structures. Cabin rentals operate year-round at several locations, with peak demand occurring between May and September when daytime temperatures average 85-95°F.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Lake Catherine State Park offers hiking opportunities with cascading water features. "We absolutely love it here. Wonderful trails, fishing, cabins and camp sites and tons of photo opportunities. The waterfall was flowing a little on the low side. That's not unusual since it is the end of summer," notes Tina B.
Crystal digging: Crystal Ridge RV Park provides cabin access near crystal mining. "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," reports Justin M.
Ropes course activities: Catherine's Landing features adventure elements beyond basic cabin amenities. "The climbing and ropes course is enormous and will make any kid's jaw drop in disbelief. There's an affiliated zip line just outside of the park," explains Taylor D.
Lake activities: Lake Ouachita State Park cabins offer water access with rental equipment. "The cabins are beyond wonderful to stay in and well worth the price. Beautiful scenery and tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," shares Josh H.
What campers like
Cabin privacy: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers sufficient space between structures. "The camp sites are spaced for privacy and are level for both campers and tents. The facilities are updated and well maintained. The park has a couple hiking options along with the lake activities," states Chad K.
Modern cabin facilities: Petit Jean State Park maintains upgraded accommodations. "A loop pros: it's new, it's laid out ideally, full hook up sites with sewer, and plenty of gravel and concrete to keep from dealing with too much dirt, mud, sand," reports Ryan S.
Lakefront views: Brady Mountain cabins position visitors directly on the water. "Beautiful campsite right on Lake Ouachita. Site 61 is right on the water. PROs: lake views, spacious camp, cell service," explains Shiloh M.
Clean amenities: Hot Springs National Park KOA maintains sanitary cabin conditions. "Stayed 2 nights in a basic one room cabin. Had a double bed and bunk bed. Heat/air and cable tv. Clean and well kept. Porch swing, fire ring and water at the site. Friendly staff. Clean facilities," shares Rachael H.
What you should know
Seasonal cabin availability: Hot Springs National Park KOA operates throughout winter. "We stayed here only as an overnight on our trip cross-country trip, but overall nice campground. 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," cautions Roxy V.
Cabin conditions vary: Crystal Ridge RV Park offers utilitarian accommodations. "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," notes Trevor B.
Reservation planning: Petit Jean State Park requires advance booking for cabins. "'Stays booked 93% of the year' -Park Office. It's really hard to get a reservation if you don't book at least a year out in A loop," warns Ryan S.
Distance considerations: Brady Mountain cabins require additional travel time. "We used this as our base while visiting Hot Springs. It took us about 30 minutes to get there, with the last few miles being down a somewhat curvy, yet easily navigable and very pretty road in the mountain," explains Carole G.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Catherine's Landing offers multiple water recreation options for children. "A paradise for everyone! The property is so peaceful and quiet. We came with little kids and they explored their hearts out. Along the river there's a trail and fun places for the kids to play and play," shares Lauren N.
Entertainment options: Catherine's Landing includes amenities beyond standard cabins. "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 Bridget C.
Educational opportunities: Lake Ouachita State Park provides family learning activities. "The staff is friendly and the sites are, for KOA standards, spacious. The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes. We will be back!" notes Josh H.
Hiking difficulty: Lake Catherine State Park offers trails for various age groups. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail. We will definitely camp here again," recommends Alison C.
Tips from RVers
Positioning considerations: Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita offers multiple cabin layout options. "We really liked this place, even though we picked the 'wrong' campsite. Our site was spacious & level, I just wish I selected one on the upper loop- the views are nicer as well as the breeze," advises Bob M.
Supply planning: Hot Springs National Park KOA requires advance provisioning. "Make sure you come in with all of your supplies otherwise you will be driving back out a ways for groceries, supplies, etc. Everyone there was very friendly- families, seniors, etc," suggests Roxy V.
Site selection: Treasure Isle R.V. Park offers varying cabin locations. "If you get a lakeside spot, they look lovely. But 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')," warns Stacy W.
Utility considerations: Brady Mountain cabins have limited hookups. "Great place. very nice place to stay if you want for hook. Easy access to Hot Springs. Only downside is no water at RV spots," notes Bob P.
