Best Camping in and near Hot Springs National Park

81% (8 reviews)

Explore historic bathhouses, thermal waters, and beyond in Arkansas’s Ouachita Mountains.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hot Springs National Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Hot Springs National Park

81%

(8)

Gulpha Gorge Campground

44 sites · RVs, Tents In Hot Springs National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park

99%

(190)

Bluegill Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Kirby, AR

Located at the southern foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and the northwestern edge of Lake Greeson, this 6 acre plot of land is part of a gentle hillside that descends into the lake. Enjoy two trails to Lake Greeson and easily access nearby boat launches, public beaches, parks, and much more! Come make yourself at home on Bluegill Hill and enjoy the small lake village lifestyle!

100%

(92)

Thunder Mountain Private River Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents81 acres · Caddo Gap, AR

80+ acres all to yourself!! This beautiful and very secluded property, with river, kayaks, trails, and creeks is offered to only one group at a time to ensure peace, quiet, and seclusion. No other guests will overlap your stay. You will enjoy the peaceful solitude in nature completely alone! (Note on trails: we are re-working the trails between guests in the spring of 2025 due to forest thinning operations that were done in Dec '24. We hope to have the trails back in great shape by summer 2025.) It's a great location for romantic getaways, silent personal retreats, yoga, playing in the river, or just spending quiet one-on-one time with your spouse or significant other. The last 1/2 mile of dirt road is sometimes rough, so cars with low ground clearance are not recommended. Campers on Thunder Mountain enjoy the entire property, including the unique outdoor bathhouse with outdoor tub and shower, amazing multi-level decks, kayaks, grill, trails, hammocks, and tubes - without the cost of the cabin. The cabin will be vacant during camping stays, but you can still enjoy the WiFi and other amenities outside. ($30-90/night camping; $190-280/night cabin - listed separately) Last minute bookings may have discounted rates. Camping bookings for 1 to 2 nights are sometimes available even if the calendar does not show due to cabin cleaning days. We'll try to move our cleaning days around to help you out if possible. If you see a price of $999, that is a date that can be opened up for you at a low price ($30-50) but will have some restrictions on check-in or check-out time. Just ask!

98%

(246)

Ouachita River Haven

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres · Pencil Bluff, AR

Welcome to Ouachita River Haven! Nestled between Ouachita National Forest property and the Ouachita River, our Haven is a peaceful little slice of nature for you to take a break, catch your breath, and enjoy the outdoors! Property has 1000 ft of river access, with canoe & kayak docks, swimming hole, volleyball and tetherball, horseshoes, swings. We offer hiking, mountain biking, and river shuttles as well as canoe/kayak/tube rentals and shuttles. Such trips should be reserved in advance by messaging us or visiting our website. Our office sells firewood for $5/bundle. We also have a small array of custom woodwork items from our woodshop, freeze dried snacks and hiking restocks, food from local vendors, and souvenirs! All primitive sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and campfire grill grate. Electric sites are 30 amp, if using for tent camping you will need a 3-prong converter (we can rent one to you for $5 if you do not have your own). RV/Camper MAXIMUM length is 28 feet. Tipi rental is a camping experience only; it does not have electricity, a/c or heat. There are solar lights inside. We do have a Queen Sized outdoor bed and bedding available to add to rental for $10/night. Bunkhouse is a camping experience - bring your own bedding. A/C, heat, electricity, TV & DVDs, Microwave, and Mini fridge are inside. Guests use campground restrooms Campground restrooms and showers are a short walk from campgrounds. We are pet-friendly. Dogs must be leashed at all times that they are not in a tent or camper and friendly with other dogs and people. There is a working dog on the property-he is friendly with all people and dogs.

99%

(133)

Sunsets on the Arkansas River

2 sites · Tents13 acres · Fourche, AR

Sitting above the Arkansas River you have an excellent view of the river from two vantage points. With a large almost 2 acre clearing there is plenty of room to roam. Magical sunsets and more stars than you can count! When it's a full moon, you can watch it coming up through the trees as you are sitting in front of the fire. If you are really lucky, sometimes you can watch the searchlight from the river barges as they navigate the big bend in the river. If you are a nature lover this place has it all. Navigate to the entrance here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GyC2mifqGSaosHSm7) and you will find the main entrance to both sites: Is located near the bottom of the road but actually has two views of the river. It is very secluded and a little more concealed, which can be good on hot days as there are more trees for coverage. NOTE: Site 2 can only support tents and small popups. The site will allow for multiple vehicles to be parked, so no problem there. If you bring any vehicles please do not ride them on the property as they damage the grass, there are lots of good off-road riding to be had in the area. Toadsuck Lock and Dam park are about 30 minutes away, and if you need a big Walmart there is one 10 minutes past that. There is also a big Walmart about 30 minutes in the other direction at the intersection of Chenal Parkway and Cantrell Road. And if you like hiking and climbing then you cannot miss Pinnacle Mountain State Park! Climb to the top and get the best views in all the area, 360 degrees views up there. And if you want something a little less steep, the Kingfisher trail at the bottom makes a nice gentle loop next to the Little Maumelle river where you can see absolutely GIANT cypress trees. Also, the Ouachita National Recreation Trailpasses just 5 miles from our place, and it loops around the entire north side of Lake Maumelle. There is a trailhead and parking near North Shore Landing. There is plenty of mountain biking in the area too. Here's a link to some of the trails: mtbproject.com/directory/8007059/pinnacle-mountain-state-park-monument-trails

100%

(10)

Ouachita Campground at Edendell

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Oden, AR

Ouachita Campground at Edendell is a great place to basecamp out of. We offer 26 full hook up rv sites with free wifi, tent camping, glamping deck, and guest house. We have 6 Kayaks for rent with optional shuttle service. Near by activities are ATV trails, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, boating, crystal digging, diamond mine is 1 hour away. We also have an airsoft battle ground on site for special occasions. Our guest facilities for all campers include bathrooms, showers, laundry, and kitchenette.

99%

(405)

Petit Jean Farm Orchard

2 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Morrilton, AR

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park your small trailer or RV in a picturesque orchard on the edge of Petit Jean Mountain. You'll have a backdrop of woods and grazing sheep, with the Petit Jean Farmer's Market barn -- offering locally sourced produce, cheese (some made on the premises), baked goods, honey, preserves, meat, and crafts -- only steps away. The market operates on Saturdays, when hot lunches are often served, but it is open on a self-serve basis the rest of the week. Petit Jean State State Park is a very short drive, with spectacular hiking trails, a CCC-built lodge and restaurant, and a lake. Campers are welcome to use the fire pit, grill, and trampoline, and they have access to the half-bath in the barn. They're also more than welcome to help Ed with the chores : ) An electric hookup is $10. Firewood is available for $10.

97%

(111)

Fishers Pond at the Treehouse

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Little Rock, AR

Fishers Pond at the Tree House was built as a tree house for my son. There is wildlife to view: cranes on the pond, squirrels, deer out the windows. I have seen as many as 6 at one time. Catfishing is great. We have pulled fish as big as 10 lbs. I have trails cut through the woods on my 10 acres for short nature walks

100%

(22)

Southwinds on the Arkansas River

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Atkins, AR

Located on the Arkansas River and just minutes from Interstate 40 in Atkins, this RV/camping site backs right up to a gorgeous view of the Arkansas River and Petit Jean mountain. Water and electricity are located at each site! Just minutes away you have boat access to the Arkansas River at Sweeden Island Park AND Lake Atkins through the Lucky Landing launch site. This site is a sportsman's paradise as it is also conveniently located to the Galla Creek Wildlife Management Area, also just minutes away. Also, we are located right across the river from Petit Jean State Park and a few minutes from quaint downtown Atkins. Whether you're looking for great fishing and hunting or a peaceful respite from the world with a million-dollar view, this is the site for you! The 10 acres are open to explore and include three RV/campsites with water at each location and a gorgeous gully that empties into the Arkansas River. When the river is at a normal level a rock shelf lines the entire length of the river to make fishing and sunbathing, a breeze! If you want to venture out a bit, may we recommend the many offerings of Mount Nebo, Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Magazine, Altus, Russelville, and Conway; all located within 30 minutes to an hour from the campgrounds. While swimming in the river is not advisable, here are some swimming holes you and your family might check out while staying with us: -Atkins City Pool (has a day rate) -Lake Dardanelle -Illinois Bayou -Old Iron Bridge Swimming Hole -Long Pool Bayou -Falling Water Falls

94%

(45)

Spa City HipCamp Now

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Hot Springs National Park, AR

Welcome to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas! Are you looking for a convenient space to rest your RV, motor home or tent for a night or two? You’ve come to the right place 😊. Let my space be your space! Welcome to my beautiful oasis with 5 acre blessed with trees, pond and creek. Conveniently located just right outside city limits. Close to everything yet secluded enough to have privacy , peace and quite. It has green grass most of the year with lots of lightning bugs at night, abundant wildlife: deers, bunnies, possums, raccoons and squirrels 😁. Very well spaced out mature trees that provides shade and fresh air. Well house for water supply in property as well but no hookups of any kind in place at the moment. Also has concrete custom made swimming hole that freshly feeds off the pond and streams but may be dry right now due to extreme heat and no rain in forecast. My space is suited best for well prepared campers as I don’t offer any amenities on site at this time. Land is close to everything Hot Springs, Arkansas has to offer. 1.3 miles away from Magic Springs 2.5 miles from Gulpha Gorge 4.9 miles from Oaklawn Racing & Gaming 6.1 miles from Hot Springs mall 3.6 miles from historic downtown Hot Springs and Arlington Hotel.

96%

(102)

Caddo River Camp: Tent, RV, Cabins

126 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Caddo Gap, AR

We are surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Within an hour or less, you will find hiking and bike trails, 4-wheeling/ATV, crystal mining, diamond mining, historic Hot Springs, museums and so much more. Or, you can just put your chair in the water and hang out on the gravel bar. Arrowhead has been rated as "The Best Swimming Hole in Arkansas" by the Arkansas Times®. Our facilities, located in Caddo Gap, include, cabin rentals, bunkhouse accommodations for 50 (w/separate quarters for boys & girls), screened pavilion with kitchen, RV sites with full-hook-ups and septic, semi-primitive campsites, bathhouse, nearby canoe and kayak rentals, swimming, fishing, basketball court, and tether ball.

100%

(75)

Jubilee Farms Campground/& Rentals

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Leola, AR

James and Jimmilea Berryhill are delighted to offer 5 RV camping sites with water and electric service; 12 tent campsites; and 5 nightly rentals. Shalom Suite Guest Room, Yachov 2 br tiny house, Ahava House (1 br apt), and The Dove, luxury RV sleeps 2 adults and 1 0r 2 small children. The Berryhills have been hosting guests for 8 years with over 300 excellent reviews. They welcome respectful and happy guests to this place where Christian families enjoy the outdoors and where country life is celebrated. There are ducks chickens, and guineas. Guests receive a sample of the lovely bars of goat's milk soaps made with the finest oils and goat's milk from their granddaughter's prize-winning goats. James and Jimmilea enjoy hosting their guests and will offer as much or as little interaction as guests prefer. They welcome groups as well. Summer catch-and-release fishing, hiking, and enjoying the small dipping pool, playground, game court, and a large fire pit by the pond and three other fire-pit areas near the RV and campsites as well as by Yacht and the Cottage. These are just a few of the things that help make a stay at Jubilee Farms special. Picnic tables and charcoal grills provide for family enjoyment. The farm is surrounded on three sides by timber and the camping and lodging sites are situated away from the road making it a quiet and restful place.

75%

(6)

Wooded spot close to downtown

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Hot Springs National Park, AR

Have owned since 2019Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in our semi wooded area. Close to downtown hot springs. This property is close the the road & sits beside my sons driveway. There is also some highway construction going on during the weekdays. Pets are allowed, just please keep them close & clean up after them. We have an area with a few basic cooking supplies. We have a charcoal BBQ grill, & chairs on site. There is a trash can & private camping toilet/sink. Although the neighbors are close, This area is wooded and has all the outdoor bugs. Although we treat the camp area. Bring your repellants for fleas, tics, chiggers, mosquitoes, ect. Just in case.

The best camping near Hot Springs National Park guide

Overview

About

Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park is the only to have bathhouses as its focal point. However, Historic Bathhouse Row isn’t home to your typical bathhouses; instead, these unique structures have a fascinating story to tell of mineral waters and magic cures from the late 1800s. Explore the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to see what visitors would have experienced at the height of the grandeur. Or partake in the traditions; the Buckstaff Bathhouse offers a full spa treatment utilizing the thermal waters that give this Arkansas town its name. After soaking in relaxation, head to Hot Springs Mountains for epic views and hiking trails.

Notable campgrounds

Best classic national park camping: Gulpha Gorge Campground, operated by the NPS, offers tent sites and RV sites with full hookups.
Best for lake lovers: Lake Catherine State Park has waterfront campsites.
Best for relaxation: Lake Ouachita State Park is further outside of town, offering scenic lakefront campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All campsites at the Gulpha Gorge Campground are full hookups, offering 30 or 50 amp electric, water, and sewer.
Reservations for Gulpha Gorge Campground open 6 months in advance and may be booked online through the Recreation.gov website.
Arkansas State Parks offer reservations up to 12 months in advance.
Arkansas State Parks may require 2-night stays for weeks and 3-night stays for holidays.

When to go

Spring is a popular time to visit Hot Springs National Park, as the wildflowers bloom and the weather warms. The thoroughbred horse-racing season at nearby Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort brings many visitors. Through summer, the temperatures reach highs in the 90s, with high humidity. A stroll on the Grand Promenade takes you out of the sun. Through fall, the mountains alight with colorful leaves, reaching their peak in October. Due to the southern location, Hot Springs has moderate winters, allowing for year-round camping. Freezing temperatures and snowfalls are rare.

Know before you go

While flush toilets are available at Gulpha Gorge Campground, on-site showers are not.
Cell signal access may be limited in the hills and valleys in Arkansas’s Ouachita Mountains.
Lake Catherine and Lake Ouachita State Parks offer cabin rentals in addition to camping spots. Lake Catherine State Park also has yurt rentals for glamping.
Hot Springs National Park is an urban park located in the city of Hot Springs.
Several lakes around Hot Springs are hotspots for kayaking, boating, and other watersports. The nearby Caddo River also offers fishing and kayaking.
Dispersed camping may be found in the greater Ouachita National Forest.
The thermal springs are not open for swimming, but various locations have water access or offer spa treatments using the mineral waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hot Springs National Park have a campground?

Yes, Hot Springs National Park has a campground called Gulpha Gorge Campground. The campground offers 40 sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) for both tents and RVs. Reservations are not accepted, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Hot Springs National Park camping page.

Can you swim at Hot Springs National Park?

While you cannot swim in the natural hot springs within Hot Springs National Park, there are two historic bathhouses where you can experience the thermal waters. The Buckstaff Bathhouse offers traditional bathing experiences, while the Quapaw Baths & Spa provides modern spa services, including soaking pools. Swimming in the natural hot springs is prohibited to protect the water quality and the unique ecosystem.

How much does it cost to enter Hot Springs National Park?

Hot Springs National Park is unique among national parks in the United States, as there is no entrance fee to visit the park. Visitors can enjoy the park's natural beauty, hiking trails, and historic bathhouses without having to pay an entrance fee. However, fees may apply for certain services or activities within the park, such as camping or using the bathhouses.

What is the best time of year to visit Hot Springs, Arkansas?

The best time of year to visit Hot Springs, Arkansas, is during the spring months of April and May, or in the fall months of September and October. During these periods, the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (15-27°C). These seasons also offer lower humidity and fewer crowds compared to the hot, busy summer months. Additionally, the fall months provide beautiful foliage colors, while spring brings blooming flowers and greenery.

How do I get a campsite reservation at Hot Springs National Park?

Securing a Hot Springs National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Hot Springs National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Hot Springs campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in Hot Springs National Park?

Most Hot Springs National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Hot Springs National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Hot Springd campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.