Hot Springs National Park; The Ultimate Guide to One of the Best Kept Secrets of Arkansas
Imagine combining two unforgettable trips into one: a road trip and a trip to a hot spring. Wait — forget that. Not just one hot spring. Forty-seven hot springs.
Take yourself on the retreat you deserve when you go RVing through Hot Springs National Park in Garland County, Arkansas. When you visit this serene hot spring oasis, you’ll find loads of incredible sightseeing and things to do on your RV trip.
Whether you want to spend your time indulging in the healing waters of the park’s luxurious hot springs or exploring the twenty-six miles of hiking trails in the Ouachita Mountains, you’re sure to find a memorable adventure on your road trip. Your two weeks of time off from work won’t feel short-lived when you spend it exploring this extraordinary national park.
Must-See Stops in Hot Springs National Park
With 47 hot springs and 5,500 acres of preserved forest, Hot Springs National Park is the smallest and most accessible national park in the United States. These lush lands are the oldest protected area in the country’s national park system and an excellent destination for RV road trips.
Here are some must-see stops when RVing through Hot Springs National Park.
Display Springs
Display Springs is an outdoor hot spring surrounded by a picturesque rock formation and a beautiful oasis shaded by moss-covered trees. Located directly behind the Maurice Bathhouse, it offers a mystical nature experience for visitors who want a relaxing afternoon listening to the babbling of the hot spring waters. No reservation is needed, and Display Springs is open year-round. You can touch the water here, but the pool is too shallow for swimming.
Sunset Trail
The Sunset Trail is the longest trail in Hot Springs National Park. The 10-mile trail courses through some of the most remote areas of the park, traversing all types of terrain. Three sections make up the Sunset Trail: Stonebridge Road, Sugarloaf Mountain, and West Mountain. Each section has its own scenic points and unique wildlife for you to see.
Lookout Point
At Lookout Point, you’ll find the historic pagoda overlooking the city of Hot Springs and the Ouachita Mountains. The pagoda was designed in 1911 by J.G. Horn and dedicated to superintendent Harry H. Myers. The Lookout Point is located along Lake Hamilton and can be accessed by vehicle. This is a great place to take a mini road-trip during your stay in Hot Springs National Park!
Goat Rock
If you want an unforgettable viewpoint, check out the Goat Rock Overlook. With awe-inspiring views overlooking the Zig-Zag Mountains between Indian Mountain and Silver Mountain, Goat Rock is a spot you definitely won’t want to miss. The Goat Rock Trail is home to flowery glades and massive boulders, so don’t forget to bring your camera on the 2.4-mile-long hike to the summit.
Zig-Zag Mountains
The Zig-Zag Mountains are a mountain range like no other. Featuring unique sharp angular folds within the mountains and lush greenery, the Zig-Zag mountains are a must-see when you go RVing through this region. The jagged, mountainous terrain provides an ethereal backdrop to the outdoor hot springs.
Tourist Information
Hot Springs National Park is FREE to visit. Pets are allowed throughout the national park and on all open trails. Free parking garages are available within the town.
This national park is an urban park, meaning it is partially located within the town. Some hot springs are indoors with an entry fee, while others remain outside and untouched, with swimming banned in these areas. There are no outdoor thermal hot springs available for use in the national park. However, there are two indoor hot springs bathhouses located within Hot Springs city. Visitors will find a wide variety of activities in the city, including restaurants, nightlife, museums, and accommodations.
Weather varies from season to season at Hot Springs National Park. Late spring and summer tend to be hot and humid, while other months can be much colder. This area sees moderate snowfall during the winter, but the high levels of humidity make the perceived temperature feel more tolerable.
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Things To Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The park is home to many different activities and attractions, making it a great place to visit for people of all ages while they cruise America on a road trip. Below are just a few of the things that you can do while you go RVing to Rocky Mountain National Park at any time of year:
- Hiking – There are over 350 miles of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Whether you want to admire the scenery or get some exercise, there is a hike that suits your ability level.
- Wildlife watching – The park is home to many different types of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, and more. You might even spot a bear or a moose if you are lucky!
- Fishing – Rocky Mountain National Park is home to over 50 lakes and 11 different types of fish, including trout, salmon, and pike. Whether you are an experienced fisherman or want to try your hand at catch-and-release fishing, you will be able to find a spot that is perfect for you.
- Picnicking – There are many picnic areas located throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you want to have a picnic in the middle of the wilderness or next to one of the park’s many lakes, you will be able to find a fantastic spot for your meal.
- Scenic drives – Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. You can take a leisurely drive through the park, stop at some of the many scenic overlooks, or challenge yourself with one of the park’s many mountain roads. Trail Bridge Road is one of the best places in the world to stargaze, as it reaches a height of 12,183 feet.
These are just a few things that you can do while you go RVing to Rocky Mountain National Park. No matter what time of year you visit, you will be able to find an activity that is perfect for you, to take a break from your road trip.
Things To Do Near Hot Springs
Unlike most national parks, the site is located within the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is great for RV travelers who want the best of both worlds — there’s plenty to do in both nature and the city when visiting Hot Springs National Park!
Bathhouse Row
Exploring the world-famous Bathhouse Row is essential when you go RVing through Hot Springs National Park. Take a relaxing soak in one of two first-class bathhouses located on the row. The most famous of the two, the Buckstaff Bathhouse, is the only bathhouse that has never closed since its opening in 1912. The second, the Quapaw Bathhouse, features thermal pools, spa services, a steam cave, and private baths.
Fordyce Bathhouse
When RVing around Hot Springs National Park, one of the most popular things for visitors to do is visit the Fordyce Bathhouse. Although the legendary Fordyce Bathhouse is no longer open for swimming, it now acts as a museum and Visitor’s Center for Hot Springs National Park. With exquisite stained-glass ceilings and luxurious amenities, this bathhouse was in business from 1915 until 1962. You can tour the Fordyce Bathhouse for free when visiting Hot Springs in Arkansas.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Get a bird’s-eye view of the lush national park when you check out the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The 216-foot tower provides a panoramic view of the mountainous national park — a must-see if you’re RVing around the area. Hot Springs Mountain Tower is open year-round, and free parking is available for visitors. General admission is $11 per person; various rates apply for students, senior citizens, and military.
Gangster Museum
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Hot Springs National Park is the Gangster Museum of America. Visiting this historical museum is an exciting and entertaining experience, as visitors receive detailed accounts of some of the most notorious gangsters of all time. The museum charges $15 for general admission and various prices for children and seniors.
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Camping Tips
When camping in Hot Springs National Park, it’s essential to remember that stays are limited to a 14 consecutive day maximum and a 30-day maximum per calendar year. RV maximum length allowed is 60 feet. To check out some RVs suitable for your trip to Hot Springs National Park, click here.
All campsites have 30- and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections. Flush toilets are available to campers 24/7. Visitors can also use each site’s personal picnic table, pedestal grill, and water source. Fires are permitted in grills and fire pits only. To utilize the group fire ring at the Gulpha Gorge Amphitheater, a permit must be obtained.