Lake Ouachita surrounds the Hot Springs Village area with over 40,000 acres of crystal-clear waters and 975 miles of shoreline, making it Arkansas' largest lake. Camping elevations range from 578 feet at water level to 1,100 feet on surrounding ridges. Winter nighttime temperatures typically drop to the 30s while summer daytime highs reach the 90s with humidity levels above 70% during peak season.
What to do
Crystal mining excursions: Crystal Ridge RV Park provides direct access to one of the area's most unique activities - crystal digging at the adjacent Ron Coleman Mine. A campground reviewer noted, "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."
Waterfall hiking: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers several notable hiking trails leading to scenic 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," shared one visitor.
Lake kayaking: The clear waters of Lake Ouachita provide excellent flat-water kayaking opportunities with Lake Ouachita State Park Campground offering rentals. A camper mentioned, "This was our second time staying at Lake Catherine. We had a site overlooking the lake. We enjoyed the hiking trails and rented a few kayaks. It's a great lake for kayaking as the water was calm and there were only a couple of boats on the water."
Disc golf: Several campgrounds near Hot Springs Village feature disc golf courses, including Catherine's Landing. "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," commented one reviewer.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Catherine's Landing receives consistently positive feedback for its site layout and privacy. A camper explained, "Top notch RV campground that is well maintained and has a friendly professional staff. Lots of amenities like disc golf, hiking trails, pool, zip line course, lake access and two dog parks that were the cleanest I've seen at an rv park."
Year-round yurt camping: Hot Springs Village yurt camping options include heated and air-conditioned structures that remain comfortable regardless of season. As one visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park noted, "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."
Lake views: Many campers specifically seek waterfront sites for the scenic views. At Stephens Park Campground, one reviewer shared, "This is a small campground with 9 sites and they are huge. I believe it is site 3 that is right on the water. Electric water sewer. Quiet all weekend. Shaded. Nice bathrooms. Water is ice cold and clear. Clearest I have seen."
Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate the dedicated facilities at several campgrounds. According to one Catherine's Landing visitor, "My husband and I camped 3 nights with the dogs an a travel trailer. The check in process was very easy and the facilities were immaculate. The dog park was small but sufficient for them to run a bit off the leash."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Mobile connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Hot Springs National Park KOA, a camper noted, "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."
Reservation timing: Popular yurt camping sites near Hot Springs Village fill quickly during peak seasons. A visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park shared, "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. A loop cons: very little shade, would be rough in summer months without shade tents, awnings, etc. '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."
Water availability: Some campgrounds require planning for water access. One camper at Brady Mountain noted, "There are no water hook-ups at the sites, only electric. The cell signal on the 'down the hill' portion of the campground is pretty non-existent. BUT the views of the lake from almost all of the 74 sites are amazing!!!"
Campground remoteness: While proximity to Hot Springs is convenient, some campgrounds require additional driving. A visitor to the Hot Springs KOA mentioned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Check trail difficulty: Petit Jean State Park offers multiple trail options suitable for different age groups. One family noted, "We took my nieces on a weekend trip in our camper to Lake Catherine State Park. Our campsite backed up to the lake, so we had a great view. We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail."
Pack swimming gear: Lake beaches and pools provide cooling options during hot summer months. A visitor to Catherine's Landing shared, "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."
Consider yurt camping: For families new to camping near Hot Springs Village, yurts offer comfort while maintaining an outdoor experience. According to one DeGray Lake camper, "From our stay in Mar 15 2021. Lots of activities here, we stayed at the De Roche Ridge campsite area, love the view of the lake no matter which site you stay and enjoyed beautiful sunsets from ours. Full hookups, level pads, clean and well maintained picnic benches, fire pits and grills."
Book ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance family camping experiences. A Lake Ouachita visitor mentioned, "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes. We will be back!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the Ouachita Mountains region have uneven sites. A Brady Mountain camper advised, "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."
Water hose length: At some campgrounds, hookups may be positioned unusually. One RVer at DeGray Lake Resort State Park observed, "The water spigot was in the back of the site away from the sewer and electric so we needed about 30' of water hose. The sites were basically level."
Site selection for yurt camping: When choosing sites near yurt camping options around Hot Springs Village, consider seasonal factors. A Lake Ouachita camper noted, "We stayed in A35 which is a triple A site with level site with all the trimmings! Wooded campsite with adequate shade, picnic table, fire pit and raised grilling station. It was very clean and well kept. We stayed on an inner site but several back up to Ouachita Lake."
