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

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hot Springs National Park

81%

(8)

Gulpha Gorge Campground

44 sites · RVs, Tents In Hot Springs National Park

from

$10

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park

94%

(35)

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.

Booked 15 times

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.

63%

(4)

Camp Cedar Creek

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Fountain Lake, AR

Camp Cedar Creek is on 10 beautiful acres nestled in Hot Springs National Park. We have 2 spring fed ponds stocked with feisty bass and crawdads in the creek! Paddle boats and a canoe awate in both ponds. We are approx. 10 min from Magic Springs amusement park and 15 min from all of the wonderful amenities offered by Hot Springs National Park.

100%

(7)

Cedar Creek Farms Eclipse Camping

5 sites · Tents30 acres · Lonsdale, AR

Our land is home to a plethora of animals along with my husband and I. During your stay you can visit with or just watch our cattle, horses, goats, donkeys, chickens and turkeys along with several species of wildlife. Also, the camping area is behind a gate so you don’t have to worry about your things if you decide to explore the area, unlike a state park or other campground! Part of our land is cleared for pasture and the rest is undisturbed forest. Three different creeks and hundreds of cedars adorn the land, hence the name "Cedar Creek Farms." Come enjoy the sounds of Ouachita Mountain nature and farm life with us.

87%

(15)

Camp Geneva

1 site · RV1 acre · Hot Springs, AR

I purchased this property for a nice getaway camp and it is a nice place to getaway to with the live creek its very relaxing. And I would like to share that with othersLearn more about this land:Nice flowing creek with primiatave camping available as well as a full hook up spot for a rv. Not far from town nice country setting. Lake and boat ramp closePrimitive camping is $12.00 a night

50%

(5)

Branching Willow Estate

15 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Bismarck, AR

Branching Willow Estate offers a tranquil escape amidst lush forests and abundant wildlife, inviting you to bask in the serenity of nature and take in the stunning mountain views. Here, you have easy access to nearby waterfalls and a plethora of exciting outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, and rafting. If you ever tire of cooking over the grill, there are also charming restaurants just a stone's throw away, ensuring you never run out of dining options. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire and enjoy moonlit nights in this idyllic natural setting. It's the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and relaxation.

100%

(3)

Old Bear Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Royal, AR

Open just in time for the solar ecolpse, 95% blackout Primitive camping, no electricity or restroom facilities. Campers must bring their own camping toilet or self contained camper Nestled on 9 acres bordering the Ouachita National forest. Spring fed pond. Minutes away from Lake Ouachita 10 miles from Hot Springs Very secluded and wooded Plenty of Deer and other wild life Owls hoot in the evenings Firewood available

100%

(10)

Possum kingdom farm

13 sites · Tents40 acres · Jessieville, AR

Open fields with horses. Trails to hike. Running creek to set along side or wade. Hill top cramping you can see pinnacle mountain from. Lake ouachita 1/2 mile down the road to the south. 30 acres of wood land to camp and have camp fires with several different wildlife creatures. In the early summer we have Chantelle mushrooms you can pick (I will show you how to identify). Several hundred acres of USFS timberland to explore I recommend bringing a portable GPS.

Saved 30 times

Peaceful Lakefront Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Hamilton, AR

Pitch your tent or park your motor-home among beautiful oak trees on Lake Hamilton. Learn more about this land:Back-in site with concrete pad for pitching a tent. Full utilities for your RV on Lake Hamilton. Included are Wi-Fi, cable, electricity, water and wastewater hookups. Your vehicle must fit through a 10' wide gate.

Booked 2 times

Carpe Diem Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Piney, AR

We’re located just 7-10 min drive from Hot Springs, Arkansas, inside Hot Springs National Park. With 1.75 acres, lots of tall trees offering shade and 125 feet of lake front, you will find all you need for a fun time by the lake! There are neighbors on either side of the property. There is a private boat ramp and year-round water views. No boat dock. Situated outside the city limits. No utilities on the property. Campers will need to bring water

100%

(23)

Royal Berry Farm

1 site · RV32 acres · Royal, AR

Along the foothills of the Ouachita National Forest, the acreage has been a working farm and homestead since the 1960s and was the site of an 1800s homestead. The farm later came to UPick blueberries and remains so today as the Royal Berry Farm. We have beautiful sunsets from your site , no city lights so you can see the night sky of stars! Owl calls can often be heard in the evening, as well as red shouldered hawks. Turkeys are nearby in the forest. Bluebirds, cardinals and many other are farm residents, along with woodchuck, road runner, rabbit and deer. Park your RV under our old oak trees on a working berry farm located along a pine covered Ouachita Mountain ridge. This private camp with water/electric is a 5 minute walk to the main house, and you will enjoy views of pasture, forest and walks to the creek or National Forest. Walking access to the Ouachita National Forest. We are dog friendly. Woof 💕 Close by are marina, boat launch, fishing, swimming and paddling on Lake Ouachita. Historic Hot Springs National Park is a unique must see sightseeing destination 20 minutes away.

100%

(9)

Fern Dell Glamp - Dog Friendly

2 sites · Lodging16 acres · Hot Springs National Park, AR

Let go and relax in nature in this private, off-grid, secluded glamping site for two on 16 wooded acres in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains minutes from downtown Hot Springs. This is comfort camping with just about everything you'll need for a memorable getaway. Located next to miles of hiking and biking trails, but only 7 minutes from downtown restaurants, spas, shopping, theaters and attractions. Designed by tent campers for tent campers... and people who have never camped before. Black Fox Den is fully set-up with a 10x12' tent, real queen bed, patio, prep kitchen, chairs, hammock, stone fire-pit, charcoal grill, 2-burner camp stove, picnic table and cooking gear. All of the get-back-to-nature peace and quiet without all of the loading, unloading, setting up and breaking down of camp! Shared campground restrooms with our other glampsite (up to 2 people) - approximately 1/8th mile walk or drive - include a half bath and a separate three-quarter bath with shower, sink, vanity, mirror and toilet. Both bathrooms have running water, electricity and septic. Hand soap, towels, wash cloths, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer and toilet paper provided. What to pack: Clothes (layers recommended), footwear suitable for the natural outdoors, personal hygiene items, sunscreen, umbrella, cooler, drinks, and your food! Don't forget ice, oils, spices, condiments, etc. BEFORE YOU RESERVE YOUR ADVENTURE, YOU AGREE: No infants, toddlers or other children under 10 permitted. No more than 2 people total and 1 must be an adult. No illegal activities. No events or parties. No fireworks. No smoking in the tent. No hunting, trapping, shooting, archery or similar. Dogs must be with owner(s) on a leash at all times. Unregistered daytime guests must be discussed with us in advance. Guests who violate these rules will be asked to leave immediately without a refund. YOU ALSO UNDERSTAND: No air conditioning is provided. No bathroom facilities at the campsite. No electric or running water at the campsite, but both are available at the restrooms. No internet, wi-fi, cable or TV provided. Cell phone reception is not guaranteed. We get a reliable Verizon signal. It is a packed gravel drive to/from the campsite; not paved. PROVIDED AT CAMP: Dishes, cups, mugs, wine glasses, pots, pans, mixing bowls, strainer, cheese grater, cutlery, knives, serving/preparing utensils, marshmallow / hot dog sticks, paper towels, dish towels, dish soap, sponge, hand soap, percolating coffee pot, coffee, instant coffee, cocoa, creamer, sugar/substitute, salt & pepper, aluminum foil, cards, Uno, dominoes, restaurant recommendations & trails guides, flashlight, lanterns, kitchen & tent area string lighting, starter pack of seasoned firewood (additional wood for sale onsite), insect repellent spray, 2 burner propane stove, charcoal grill, campfire grate for cooking/grilling, foot pump operated sink, all-purpose cleaner, sheets, blanket(s), 4 pillows, comfy throw, camp chairs, hammock, picnic table, and all listed in above bath section. The 16 acre property includes the owner’s home and a second glampsite (Fern Dell), which are approximately 1/8th of a mile from the wooded and secluded Black Fox Den campsite.

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.