Hot Springs National Park
RV Guide

During the summer season, you can get out of the RV and take a ranger-guided tour of the park. You’ll begin at Fordyce Bathhouse and stroll down the historic Grand Promenade and Bathhouse Row. Along this great tour, you can learn from the experts all about the amazing story of the park’s magical hot springs as well as the exciting history of the area's early bathhouses. Because the National Park follows a city street, you might have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the entire area, and not just the side of the road operated by Hot Springs National Park.

The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is appropriately named because the city sits over a natural hot spring source that spouts some of the smoothest and purest from-the-source water in the country. The water in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Hot Springs National Park is safe to drink; in fact, in 1822, Congress protected these precious springs, with the intent that people would drink the water. Today, the water is available at several jug-filling stations on both the national park side of the street as well as within the city limits. While it might seem odd to bring multiple water jugs with you to the fill sites, it's not strange at all. Where do you think the Hot Springs residents fill their water containers? We recommend bringing several fillable jugs with you in your RV. The water is so tasty, you won't want to share your water with anyone else, so it's best to bring a jug for everyone. If you forget to bring a container with you, or you want to take a souvenir home with you, stop by the Visitor Center to purchase a souvenir glass water growlers.

Park your RV and ascend Hot Springs Mountain via the scenic mountain drive to the 216-foot Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The observation deck provides 360-degree views of the Ouachita Mountains, downtown Hot Springs, and the surrounding valleys. At the base, you'll find concession stands and gift shops perfect for picking up souvenirs.

The tower is particularly stunning at sunset when golden light bathes the mountains. Bring your camera for breathtaking panoramic photos. Note that the mountain drive has a 30-foot RV length restriction—larger rigs should park at the base or use a towed vehicle.

Hot Springs, Arkansas used to be the home away from home for many notorious members of the organized crime community. The city's casinos attracted mobsters like Al Capone, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, and Charles “Lucky” Luciano, and other celebrities with ties to the mob, like baseball legend Babe Ruth, who also considered the city a favorite vacation location, even when spring training wasn't in season. Because Hot Springs National Park is located along one side of the city street, Central Avenue, the opposite side of the road is just as famous for tourists. While you are visiting the national park, walk across the street, and tour some of the shops and historical sites that have mobster memorabilia. For some visitors, the history of Hot Springs is almost as exciting as the springs themselves.

You can beat the summer heat with a visit to the historic Lamar Bathhouse. During the late 1800s, Lamar Bathhouse was once a bathhouse and gymnasium. Today, the bathhouse is home to the park’s library, archives, and museum collection. It is here that park guests can chat with a ranger and get their Hot Springs National Park passport stamps. If you want to pick up some souvenirs, you won’t want to miss a stop at the park’s gift shop, the Bathhouse Row Emporium, which is also located in the Lamar Bathhouse. Don't forget, while you are at Lamar Bathhouse, purchase a glass growler. The water in Hot Springs is some of the most delicious water in the country, and there are several sites in Hot Springs to fill your souvenir jugs for free.

Sunset Trail is a popular destination for avid hikers since it’s the longest and one of the most beautiful routes in the park. Once you park the RV and head out on this 10-mile trek, you’ll traverse through blooming spring wildflowers, gorgeous views of Lake Hamilton, a charming waterfall, and hardwood forest. You’ll want to bring your camera for some breathtaking views of the city and surrounding hillsides. Use caution on some of the steeper parts of the path to avoid becoming injured.

If you are traveling with kids, a must-do activity is to help your little ones become a Junior Ranger. When you get to Hot Springs National Park, stop by the Visitor Center and ask for a free Junior Ranger booklet. The booklet contains activities and tasks for kids to complete during their stay. Once several tasks are completed, bring the booklet back to the Visitor Center and present the book to a ranger. After a quick conversation, kids who've successfully completed the tasks can be sworn in as a Junior Ranger, and they'll leave with their own Junior Ranger badge.

The Stonebridge Area is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire park, showcasing a historic stone bridge over Lillian Lake. The land features portions of the old Fordyce-Ricks estate and a thickly-forested landscape. The Stonebridge Area, once owned by Samuel W. Fordyce, remained in the family until John Fordyce, Samuel's son, sold a portion of the land to the park service, and then eventually sold the remaining property to private owners. Today, the house and 17 acres of land sit on the hillside, overlooking the stone bridge and Lillian Lake. Visitors to this location have to opportunity to learn more about the history of the Fordyce family while spending time in one of the park's more scenic areas.

If you want to experience a relaxing afternoon during your RV trip to Hot Springs, take a stroll on the Gulpha Gorge Trail and enjoy a quiet picnic near the campground. This short and shady trail is a perfect spot for taking in views of lush forest and beautiful wildflowers. You can unwind with a bite to eat in the tranquility of nature at picnic tables nearby, or if you don't have a lunch with you, stop by one of the local eateries across the street from Bathhouse Row, and order takeout to bring with you on your picnic near the Gulpha Gorge Trail.

Spring is an ideal time to experience the therapeutic thermal waters that made Hot Springs famous. Start at Buckstaff Bathhouse for a traditional bathing experience unchanged since 1912—you'll enjoy a 20-minute soak in 100°F thermal water, followed by optional services like sitz baths, steam cabinets, and Swedish massage.

For a more modern approach, Quapaw Baths & Spa offers communal thermal pools at various temperatures, private soaking tubs, and a full spa menu including massages and facials. After a day hiking the wildflower-lined trails, nothing beats unwinding in these legendary healing waters.

Although Carriage Road is a very short trail, it’s a great pit stop for history buffs. You can check out interpretive displays that detail the heritage of this interesting spot.
This gravel path is where carriage parties trekked from the nearby Army-Navy Hospital to the top of Hot Springs Mountain at one time. You’ll be staring down the roads of history starting at the unique Army-Navy cast-iron gate.
When you visit the park during the winter months, dress in layers to ward off any chill. Dogs are permitted on Carriage Road but must remain leashed at all times. Be sure to carry cleanup bags with you, so you can clean up and properly dispose of your dog's waste.

A winter RV getaway to Hot Springs National Park is the perfect chance to pamper yourself at the Quapaw Baths and Spa. The spa was built in the 1920s on top of the city's natural thermal spring, and today, this full-service spa allows you to get a taste of the traditional bathhouse experience with all the modern amenities. You can soak in the area’s magical thermal waters with a private mineral or aromatherapy bath or sit in the serenity of the steam cave.

If you want to take a quick hike on a warmer winter day, Peak Trail is an excellent route. Take this short trek up the mountain and discover the spring water collection boxes that are dotted along the trail. If you venture out of your camper to take this rewarding hike, you’ll end up at the top of the mountain where you can have a relaxing picnic or enjoy striking views of the city below. During the winter, the humid air might feel colder than it actually is, so bring a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves with you so that you can spend more time outside hiking.

If you've ever wondered if a national park has an onsite brewery, wonder no more. Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the first brewery at a US National Park. The brewery is more than your average run-of-the-mill pub because the beer contains the park's thermal spring water as its main ingredient, and the facility was once home to the Superior Bathhouse, a functioning spa on Bathhouse Row. Don't let the name fool you. The Superior Bathhouse Brewery has more than thermal water-brewed beer. The Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a full-service, family-friendly restaurant with some of the best table-front views on the street.

If you want to see all of Hot Springs National Park once you park your RV, you can hire a private company to take a bus tour through the beautiful park and the historic downtown. You’ll learn all about the heritage of the wondrous hot springs from an expert guide and get some great views of the lush forest and beautiful waterways through this idyllic setting. If you need help choosing the best tour for your interests, consult with park officials for recommended guides, prices, and schedules.

If you want to walk along history’s tracks in a tranquil setting, Whittington Park is a prime location for a stroll. This gorgeous tree-lined greenway dates back to the late 1800s when it was once a place for Hot Springs' citizens to get outside and stretch their legs. Whittington Park used to have two lakes, a tennis court, picnic pavilions, and a physical fitness trail. As much as the city hoped to develop the area for more recreation, problems with infrastructure prohibited further growth. Today, the recreational features are gone, but the park continues to be a scenic oasis where people go to relax. RV road trippers who are looking for a place to get out of their rig and stretch their legs will find that Whittington Park is an excellent option off the main drag.

Autumn is an excellent time of year to catch a glimpse of the native birds that call Hot Springs National Park home. The changing leaves help to create a picturesque fall backdrop, perfect for bird photography. Patient birders who are searching for species like the northern mockingbird, Nashville warbler, or a great blue heron might have luck with a keen eye or a set of powerful binoculars. You won't want to head out on this adventure without your camera and a naturalist or bird-identification guide, so you can identify and record the birds you discover on your quest to find hard-to-spot species.

If you want to get out of your rig and escape into the natural beauty that surrounds Hot Springs, Arkansas, consider taking a hike along the 1.7-mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail. This trail is an excellent choice for hikers who are looking for a leisurely walk with plenty of scenic overlooks. This easy-rated trail traverses the top of a small mountain, but the incline and decent are minimal. The fall is a perfect time of year to venture out on this trek since you’ll hike along the shade-lined path of the colorful forest. If you want to take your pooch with you on this walk, make sure you keep your furry friend on a leash at all times.

An RV getaway to Hot Springs National Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum. Here, you can step back in time to the early 1900s when the building operated as a functional bathhouse. While visiting the museum, you will learn what it was like for guests who came to this bathhouse in search of the city's tranquil healing waters. After an orientation video, you can roam through the marble bath halls, massage rooms, music room, gymnasium, and bowling alley. Guided tours are also regularly available. While you are planning your visit, be sure to consult the museum's website for hours of operation and associated fees for tours and special events.

There are over 40 thermal springs dotted all over Hot Springs National Park. The springs emerge between gaps in the mountains when underground hot water mixes with cold groundwater to create the thermal spring. If you want to go on an adventure during your RV trip, explore this idyllic national park, and see how many mystical natural springs you can find.

Just a short drive from Hot Springs, Garvan Woodland Gardens encompasses 210 acres of botanical beauty on Lake Hamilton. Fall brings spectacular color changes, and the gardens feature a nationally recognized Japanese garden, Evans Children's Adventure Garden, and bird sanctuary hosting over 100 species. The Anthony Chapel, a stunning wood and glass structure, provides a breathtaking setting for visitors.

Plan your visit around the holiday season (starting Saturday before Thanksgiving through December 31) to experience the dazzling light display that transforms the gardens into a magical evening wonderland. Note that gardens close in January.

Experience the excitement of thoroughbred racing at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort during their fall racing meet. This historic racetrack has operated since 1904 and offers live racing, casino gaming, and excellent dining. The fall season features stakes races and betting opportunities, plus the famous Oaklawn corned beef sandwiches.

Dress up for a day at the races or enjoy the more casual infield experience with live music and food vendors. Oaklawn is just minutes from most Hot Springs RV parks, making it easy to return to your campsite after an exciting day at the track.