Hot Springs National Park KOA
Really nice cabin w/ lots of amenities. koa was flexible in letting us rent the cabin for our daughter and grandkids while we slept in the Rv out front.
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Catherine State Park Campground houses luxurious yurts and premium glamping accommodations with lake views and private docks for fishing. Located near Hot Springs, Arkansas, this glamping resort provides electric hookups, comfortable beds, and climate-controlled spaces that elevate the outdoor experience beyond traditional camping. The accommodations include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to modern restroom facilities with hot showers. "I love this place because it's so peaceful. This is why I like places with forests and lakes," one guest shared, highlighting the tranquil setting that attracts visitors year-round. The glamping options at Catherine's Landing complement the state park offerings, featuring safari-style tents and eco-friendly accommodations with resort-style amenities including full kitchenettes and private bathrooms.
The glamping experience centers around Lake Catherine's natural beauty and recreational offerings. Four hiking trails wind through the property, with the Falls Branch Trail leading to a seasonal waterfall that creates perfect photo opportunities and swimming spots during warmer months. A recent visitor noted, "The hike to the waterfall is a bit tricky, but worth the effort." Water activities dominate the summer season, with a designated swimming beach and marina offering boat, kayak and canoe rentals. The park's location just 15 miles from Hot Springs National Park provides easy access to thermal springs, historic bathhouses, and additional dining options. Most glamping accommodations remain open year-round, though reservations are essential as the park's premium sites often book up to a year in advance, especially for waterfront locations with private docks.
"PROS Senior discount
Reserved on-line 365 days prior to arriving
Site #68 allowed parking RV 12 feet from water edge which was fabulous
Totally level site
Asphalt campsite pad
Pea gravel and"
"Lake Catherine is a popular spot that’s on a first come first serve basis so arrive early. Most campsite have fire pits and grills. Nice space in between campsites."
from $15 - $25 / night
"The park is set on 400 acres with one mile bordering Lake Catherine and about eight or nine miles from downtown Hot Springs. "
"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 camp ground is hilly, but all the site are flat and level, the basic site comes with a picnic table, electric, water, and a fire ring."
"Would like to revisit without our dogs to check out the theme park nearby next time!"
"There is a loop on a peninsula that are reserved for walking in your gear to a tent site. These sites have GREAT views of the lake."
"Camping in the state park of lake ouachita in a tent. never. been. better. was on site T04 for tents and basically sites t01-t11(maybe 12) are on a small peninsula with the lake on both sides. you can"
"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."
"Well maintained, lodge on site, family and pet friendly."
"Full hook ups, big campsites with table, fire pit, and level gravel. River is close by with playground. Booked up fast for us on the weekend. 20 to hot springs."
"We arrived at this wonderful little COE with 9 sites and headed into back-in site 3 with FHUs. After we settled, we self-registered per instructions on the information board at the entrance."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $60 / night
"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."
"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."
from $13 / night
"PROS No reservation transaction fee
Senior discount
Quiet
Moveable metal picnic table on a concrete pad, pedestal BBQ grill, fire ring with cooking grate, and one hook lantern pole
Site 14 partially"
"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
"Nice quiet neighborly (most) pet friendly laundry showers wifi pool community gathering"
Really nice cabin w/ lots of amenities. koa was flexible in letting us rent the cabin for our daughter and grandkids while we slept in the Rv out front.
Nice quiet neighborly (most) pet friendly laundry showers wifi pool community gathering
Facilities look dated, but staff was great. Had an electrical problem on our pole after we were already set up and working. Allowed us to use neighboring site electricity, and started fixing ours. Lots of mature trees. Right off interstate so decent amount of road noise, but not a big deal.
Nice, spacious, clean rv park with solid amenities. Very near lots of outdoor activities and Hot Springs National Park
Been camping here for a few years now. Quiet at night. Clean bathroom and showers. Campground a little rocky and hilly. Some sites need some attention, minor water dripping or damage to facets mostly great place. Wonderful hosts. Gary and Michele. Good price.
The camp ground is hilly, but all the site are flat and level, the basic site comes with a picnic table, electric, water, and a fire ring. The staff are very friendly and helpful, as we were a last minute check in. The bathroom facilities are very clean, air conditioned, and individual room that include a nice size shower. They have a very nice pool and offer shuttle service into Hot Springs!!
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!
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.
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.
Lake Catherine State Park and surrounding camping areas sit in the Ouachita Mountains of central Arkansas at elevations averaging 600-900 feet. The region features crystal-clear waters that remain cool even in summer months, with limestone formations creating distinct shorelines. Camping options range from full hookup RV sites to primitive tent areas, with most campgrounds open year-round despite occasional winter freezing conditions.
Kayaking on Lake Ouachita: Rent kayaks at Lake Ouachita State Park Campground where the waters are perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. "We enjoyed renting 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," noted Alison C., who found the experience peaceful.
Crystal mining excursions: Drive 30 minutes to Crystal Ridge RV Park where you can spend the day digging for quartz crystals at nearby mines. "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," according to Justin M., who even found crystals around their campsite fire pit.
Dam hiking: Explore the area around Stephens Park Campground to see Blakely Dam. "Nice hiking just up the road to look over Blakey Dam," mentions Josh H., who appreciated the combination of river views and high vantage points in one accessible location.
Spacious lakefront sites: Hot Springs National Park KOA offers well-maintained waterfront sites. "Even in the dark our site was easy to find. The tent pad was of good size with a fire ring, picnic table and pea gravel. Most all of the tent sites are located with tree shade above them," reports Roxy V., highlighting the practical amenities for tent campers.
Fishing access: Stephens Park offers immediate access to prime fishing spots along the Ouachita River. "The river is beautiful with clear, cold water. Campsite 3 is right on the river. Sites are full hookup. There is a day use area with access to be able to fish from the bank," shares Shana D., who appreciated the easy access from campsite to water.
Family facilities: Catherine's Landing provides resort-style amenities beyond standard camping. "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., who found the facilities exceptionally well-maintained.
Reservations essential: Plan months ahead for premium sites at Lake Catherine and neighboring areas, especially waterfront locations. "This SP will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," warns Chad K., reflecting the high demand at Lake Catherine State Park.
Limited privacy at some sites: Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita can feel crowded during peak seasons. "Brady Mountain Campground was a bit too cramped for us... No water at the sites... you have to tote your own water to and from the dispersed water spigots," notes Donna H., though she still found the views worthwhile.
Cell service variations: Service fluctuates significantly between campgrounds in the region. "The cell service was about 30-35 psi, the lowest we've had in a COE. We got a handful of OTA channels and 2 bars on Verizon, which was manageable for internet and phone calls," reports MickandKarla W. about their stay at Stephens Park.
Waterfall trails: Choose the Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park for kid-friendly adventure. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," shares Alison C., who found the effort level perfect for elementary-age children.
Beach alternatives: Petit Jean State Park offers family-friendly water access away from busier lakes. "The Cedar Falls hike is beautiful and a quick fun adventure. I recommend going to the Petit Jean Grave. The view is vast!" recommends Sondra M., noting the combination of natural features appeals to different interests.
Rain contingencies: Pack cards and games for potentially wet weather, especially in spring. "This is a great campground with many amenities. Even though the park was booked to capacity, it is so well laid out that it was really nice to be there," writes Jill B., who camped at Petit Jean during heavy rains but still found plenty to do.
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully at DeGray Lake Resort State Park for the best experience. "There are a lot of sites, but somehow they've maintained enough wooded space between each site to feel fairly secluded. Had we had our bicycles with us we could have explored more," shares Stacy M., who found the spaciousness impressive even during busy periods.
Backup plans: Always have alternative campgrounds in mind when glamping near Jones Mill, Arkansas. "We stayed here because we wanted to check out Hot Springs, AK the next day and it seemed like the closest option," writes Ethan K. about Stephens Park, noting its proximity to attractions compensated for site limitations.
Uneven terrain preparation: Bring extra leveling blocks to Lake Ouachita State Park Campground sites. "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," reports Don L., who found the premium sites worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Jones Mill, AR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Jones Mill, AR is Lake Catherine State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Jones Mill, AR?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 glamping camping locations near Jones Mill, AR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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