Hot Springs, Arkansas is situated in the gorgeous Ouachita National Forest only about an hour from Little Rock. Visitors will quickly realize that this is a stunning area with some of the best rivers, cleanest lakes, and beautiful forests in the state.
If you have an RV you will be pleased to know that there are also amazing RV parks near Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a great place for all kinds of camping with plenty of RV sites.
Here is a list of some of the best RV parks near Hot Springs, AR.
Amazing RV Parks Near Hot Springs, Arkansas
Some of the Hot Springs RV parks on this list are very close to the town of Hot Springs while others are farther away. However, all are within a 30 – 45 minute drive from the city.
There are a some absolutely stunning lakes in the region and many of these amazing RV parks near Hot Springs, Arkansas are located on one of the lakes.
Some of these Hot Springs RV parks also have cabins and other accommodations that visitors can rent so be sure and check those out as well.
However, In this post we are going to focus on RV camping!
Gulpha Gorge Campground
If you want to be near the Hot Springs National Park then this is the place for you. In fact, Gulpha Gorge Campground is the only campground in the Hot Springs National Park.
It is a nice campground with a great location. Many of the campsites are situated along a pretty creek. Best of all from the campground you can hike up and out of the gorge and connect with trails that will bring you to bath house row in the Hot Springs National Park and the town of Hot Springs.
You can read our full review of Gulpha Gorge campground here!
Catherine’s Landing RV Park
Catherine’s Landing RV Park is a very popular RV resort near Hot Springs due to its wonderful layout and great amenities. It is also situated on the banks of Lake Catherine and has about 1 mile of lakefront.
This is a large park with around 200 campsites. They all have concrete pads with full hookups and wifi. Some of the other amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, hiking trails, kayak rentals, a zip line, a nice children’s playground, fire pits, and more!
This is one of those campgrounds that people return to again and again.
Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine State Park has 70 campsites (47 Class AAA and 23 Class B) as well as six primitive tent sites. Many of these sites are right on the lakeshore.
This lovely state park also has the only full-service marina on Lake Catherine. The park also includes a launch ramp, gift shop, pavilion, picnic sites, and playgrounds. There are some nice hiking trails including one of our favorites which leads to a pretty waterfall.
If you camp here you might also enjoy participating in some of the ranger led programs. Guided horseback rides are even offered seasonally.
Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita is a gorgeous lake surrounded by the Ouachita Forest. Not only is it one of the best lakes in Arkansas, it is also consistently rated one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. This is an amazing lake for fishing, boating, water sports, and even SCUBA diving.
Lake Ouachita State Park has 93 campsites some of which are right on the water. There is also a marina, swimming areas on the lake, trails and picnic tables. You will definitely want to check out the historic Three Sisters’ Springs.
The visitor center is very nice with exhibits and gifts. There are Interpretive programs offered year round. These include things such as guided hikes, eagle cruises, and kayak tours.
Spa City
Did you know that the nickname of Hot Springs is Spa City? If you are thinking about having a relaxing facial or massage or soaking in the natural mineral waters on historic bathhouse row we have a list of the best spas in Hot Springs.
Lake Ouachita COE Brady Mountain
NOTE: There will be some ongoing construction at this park until March, 2024 which will close campsites 66-77.
This is a beautiful Corps of Engineers Class A park and campground located on the shores of Lake Ouachita about 20 miles west of Hot Springs. This campground has great views and is a favorite among local campers.
All of the 74 campsites have electric hookups and there is a dump station on the property.
It is also very shaded and has some wonderful trails and a nice swim beach on the lake which is also available for day use. You will also find a boat ramp, hot showers, a fish cleaning station, and a playground.
J&J RV Park
Of all the RV parks near Hot Springs, Arkansas, the J&J RV Park is one of the closest to town. This is a basic park with a super friendly proprietor, JJ, who will make you feel right at home.
The sites are fairly small but they are big rig friendly and pull through. Some are located on a pretty little creek which is fun for the kids to cool off in the summer and do some wading and exploring.
The location and friendly service at this RV park can’t be beat.
Hot Springs National Park KOA
This KOA RV park is located only minutes from the Hot Springs National Park. They offer shuttles to downtown Hot Springs for a fee and free shuttle rides to Magic Springs and Oaklawn Race Track seasonally.
This is a nice park where the sites have a bit of space. Most are also very shaded which is great to help beat the heat of an Arkansas summer. There are both pull-thru sites and back-in sites.
Like many KOA’s this one has plenty of amenities such as an arcade room, a fishing pond, and a swimming pool. They also have breakfast on offer at Grandpa’s Griddle.
More Hot Springs Information!
DeGray Lake Resort State Park
As the name indicates the DeGray Lake State Park has the definite feel of a resort. It is one of the few Arkansas state parks with a lodge. However, there are also 113 campsites ranging from walk-in tent sites to Class AAA sites with full hookups.
But it is not just camping that is available here. Some of the amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course that has a driving range and a pro shop.
Of course you can go out on the beautiful lake from the full-service marina that has boat rentals including party barges, kayaks, and pedal boats. They also have fuel for the boats and bait and tackle for those who want to do a little fishing.
There are also two swim beaches, basketball and tennis courts, five hiking trails, a Frisbee disc golf course, and guided horseback riding. In other words, you are never going to get bored while staying at this campground. Of course, you can also just relax and take in the scenic views of the lake.
Lake Ouachita COE Crystal Springs
This is a favorite campground situated right on the shores of beautiful Lake Ouachita. Many people say that it is their favorite campground on the lake.
The campground consists of 68 sites including 63 sites with electric and water hookups. What is particularly nice about this campground is how many of the sites are located right on the waterside. They also have a decent amount of spacing between the sites and plenty of shade.
Some of the other amenities include a nice swim beach, a dump station, a fish cleaning station, hiking trails, hot showers, a boat ramp, and a children’s playground.
Charlton Recreation Area
The Charlton Recreation Area is located about 20 miles from Hot Springs on Highway 270 and is very near the Crystal Springs Campground mentioned above. In fact, there is a trail that leads between the two campgrounds.
Charlton Recreation Area and campground is located in a valley alongside a lovely spring fed stream. The stream also has a gorgeous, clean swimming hole that is said to be the coldest swimming hole in the state. It is one of our favorites!
In fact we have a review of the Charlton Recreation Area and campground that you can read.
This is a great campground for swimming, hiking, and fishing. There are also some old CCC built buildings on the site.
Treasure Isle RV Park
Treasure Isle RV Park is located on Lake Hamilton. This is a very popular place and is one of the RV parks nearest to Hot Springs. Treasure Isle is located on the northwest corner of the lake. Some of the sites are lakefront and all are spacious and have great amenities.
This is a very pet and family friendly park with a swimming pool, a newly expanded children’s playground, and a dog park. They also offer free wifi, boat and kayak rentals, laundry facilities, a nice bathhouse, and a store.
This is an RV park that you will definitely want to check out!
More Places to Stay in Hot Springs
Finish Line RV Park
Finish Line RV park is the newest park on this list and is located with easy access to the Oaklawn Race track. We haven’t been to this one ourselves yet so I don’t want to say too much until we do.
Let us know if you give it a try. It looks like more of an urban camping situation with paved concrete pads, water, and electricity. This place could be perfect for anyone wanting to attend the horse races and be right near town.
Let us know what you think if you stay here!
Denby Point COE Campground
This is another COE campground on Lake Ouachita. It is located near the town of Mount Ida outside of Hot Springs. This is a nice quiet campsite with great views.
The sites are large and shady with long paved pads. Of the 67 sites 58 have electric and water hookups. Some of the other amenities include a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, a boat ramp and a swim beach.
The park is also near a good marina if you want to rent a boat or get fishing supplies.
Tompkins Bend Campground
Tompkins Bend Campground is on Lake Ouachita. It is another lakeside favorite.
Tompkins Bend is located on the southwest end of Lake Ouachita right next to the beautiful Shangri La Resort and Marina. (Insider tip: Get a piece of pie at Shangri La)
The sites are very large and shady and the views are exceptional. In fact, many people say that Tompkins Bend has the best views of views of any campground on Lake Ouachita. Hikers will enjoy the campground’s location on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT).
63 of the campgrounds 77 sites have electric and water hookups. You will also find a dump station, fish cleaning station, hot showers, a children’s playground and a boat ramp.
I hope that you have enjoyed this list of amazing RV parks near Hot Springs, Arkansas. There is no better way than camping to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains.
Let us know if there are campgrounds that you think should be included!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
