Lake Ouachita and Lake Catherine frame the Hot Springs region, creating numerous waterfront camping cabin options. The area features elevations ranging from 600-1400 feet with humid subtropical climate patterns. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-95°F while winters remain relatively mild with occasional freezing temperatures. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round with peak season running April through October.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Lake Catherine State Park offers multiple hiking trails with waterfall access. According to one visitor, "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."
Kayaking: Lake Ouachita State Park Campground provides excellent kayaking conditions with relatively calm waters. A camper noted, "Kayak rental was cheap (and didn't charge extra for staying out longer!)" The lake's numerous islands and coves create natural exploration routes for paddlers of all skill levels.
Crystal mining: Located about 30 minutes from Hot Springs, Crystal Ridge RV Park offers access to crystal hunting. One visitor shared, "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."
Fishing: Multiple lakes provide fishing opportunities with various species including bass, crappie, and catfish. A visitor to Brady Mountain mentioned, "Caught a deliscious catfish. Spent a day in a hamock with a fantastic lake view."
What campers like
Quiet waterfront sites: Lake Catherine State Park Campground offers peaceful lakeside camping. A visitor mentioned, "The campsite was a great size and well spaced out from our neighbors. There were trees to hang our hammocks. We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old)."
Resort amenities: Catherine's Landing provides more upscale facilities than typical campgrounds. A camper explained, "The pool and adjacent waterfall are 5 star resort level. The climbing and ropes course is enormous and will make any kid's jaw drop in disbelief."
Lake access: Most campers appreciate the direct lake access. One Brady Mountain visitor stated, "The lake was gorgeous! I wish we had more time to walk trails, but we were just stopping for the night." Several cabins feature porches or decks with views of the lakes.
Rental flexibility: Many cabin locations offer equipment rentals for water activities. A visitor noted, "The canoe, kayak and boat rentals are in good condition, the paved sites and roads are very smooth and level, the office/lodge and facilities are definitely above average here and quite modern."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin facilities book quickly, especially waterfront options. One camper advised, "This park is beautiful. It has camping for all types. This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have more noise than others. A Brady Mountain visitor noted, "Ouachita Lake is gorgeous! Brady Mountain Campground was a bit too cramped for us. And unfortunately, we got one of the campsites right next to the water treatment system for the park. The cyclical noise was obnoxious."
Supplies access: Many cabin areas have limited grocery options. A visitor to Hot Springs KOA mentioned, "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. Make sure you come in with all of your supplies."
Water access variations: Not all sites have equal water access. One camper at Treasure Isle explained, "If you get a lakeside spot, they look lovely. But our spot was on gravel with little wiggle room."
Tips for camping with families
Activity access: DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers multiple family activities in one location. A visitor shared, "This park has everything you need. We got an amazing site right on the water and spent a day here because it was so beautiful."
Kid-friendly hiking: Several parks offer trails accessible to children. As one camper noted, "Each trail had a information board where you can scan a QR code to know more about the trail, what made it unique and what to look out for while you are out there."
Swimming options: Most cabin locations offer swimming areas. A Catherine's Landing visitor mentioned, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Many parks offer wildlife viewing opportunities. One Lake Ouachita visitor observed, "Ducks and geese also made appearances that thrilled the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking camping cabins near Hot Springs, Arkansas, consider elevation and view. A Lake Ouachita visitor 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."
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies significantly throughout the area. One Hot Springs National Park KOA visitor mentioned, "They advertise WiFi but we didn't get good reception even though our cabin was very near the office/pool/bathroom."
Driving conditions: Some cabins require navigating winding roads. A camper shared, "My advice would be to go very slowly on the road out there! Sometimes there was limited visibility and the roads are really windy."
Laundry access: Limited laundry facilities exist in the area. A visitor to Catherine's Landing noted, "At $1.50 per load the laundromat was one of the least expensive I've seen (and the dryers were great!)"
