How much does camping cost at Gulpha Gorge Campground?

Camping fees at Gulpha Gorge Campground range from $34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gulpha Gorge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Gulpha Gorge Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gulpha Gorge Campground before I book?

Yes! Gulpha Gorge Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Gulpha Gorge Campground?

Gulpha Gorge Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Gulpha Gorge Campground?

Yes, Gulpha Gorge Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Gulpha Gorge Campground have?

Gulpha Gorge Campground has 44 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gulpha Gorge Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gulpha Gorge Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Gulpha Gorge Campground?

Gulpha Gorge Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Gulpha Gorge Campground

4.10

638 reviews

305 Gulpha Gorge Rd, Hot Springs, AR, 71901

Top 10% in ARWinter

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Arkansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

551 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

551 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Gulpha Gorge Campground

$34.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site: $34.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

501-620-6715HOSP_Park_Information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

305 Gulpha Gorge Rd, Hot Springs, AR, 71901

Gulpha Gorge Campground

305 Gulpha Gorge Rd, Hot Springs, AR, 71901

Nearby places

Hot Springs is approximately 2 miles away, accessible by car or a 2-mile hike.

Weather at Gulpha Gorge Campground

Best Time to Camp at Gulpha Gorge Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic foliage, and lower crowds — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s. Trails through the gorge light up with yellows and golds and wildlife becomes more active, making hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding; creekside sites are pleasant without the summer humidity. Expect moderate visitor levels (busier on weekends and holiday weekends) so reserve early for October and mid Peak months: October, April, May, November

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called best: mild temps, colorful foliage, pleasant creek and excellent hiking weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Gulpha Gorge Campground

Gulpha Gorge Campground sits alongside Gulpha Gorge Creek in Hot Springs National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The mid-sized campground offers full hookups for RVs and tent sites under mature shade trees, with direct trail access into the park and a short drive to downtown Hot Springs. Campers use it as a base for hiking the gorge trails, visiting the historic bathhouses, and exploring the thermal springs area.

Gulpha Gorge Campground accommodates a mix of RV and tent camping, with more emphasis on RV setups due to full hookups and paved sites. While group camping and cabins are not explicitly mentioned, the site layout includes options close to natural features like the creek.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic foliage, and lower crowds — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F with crisp nights in the 40s–50s. Trails through the gorge light up with yellows and golds and wildlife becomes more active, making hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding; creekside sites are pleasant without the summer humidity. Expect moderate visitor levels (busier on weekends and holiday weekends) so reserve early for October and mid Peak months: October, April, May, November

Elevation551 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGulpha Creek winds through the campground, creating pools and small cascades beneath a canopy of large hardwoods. The gorge sits at 551 feet elevation in the Ouachita Mountains, surrounded by rolling peaks and rock formations shaped by the area's ancient thermal springs. Trails from the campground climb to viewpoints above the gorge. Shade is heavy under the mature trees, though sites vary in how much creek access they offer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, and up to 30 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is limited to 8 people and two vehicles per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by contacting the facility directly.

AccessibilityTwo ADA-accessible campsites, Sites 4 and 17, are available. These sites are located on concrete pads and feature accessible picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and hookups. They are reservable one week in advance.

Site SizeSites vary in size, but many are reported to be small and tightly spaced, which may limit privacy and flexibility for larger setups. Some sites require significant leveling efforts.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are generally low due to the close proximity of campsites. User reviews highlight this as a drawback.

Total Campsites44 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers are advised to choose sites near the creek for more space and shade. Avoid sites near the highway due to noise.

Best CampsitesSites 22 and 44 get the most praise in reviews for creek views and ambiance. Look for sites closer to Gulpha Creek for quieter conditions and better scenery. Sites farther from the creek pick up more road noise.

Need help booking Gulpha Gorge Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Gulpha Gorge Campground offers a range of amenities designed for camper convenience and comfort. All 44 sites provide both 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups, water hookups, and sewer hookups. Sites are equipped with fire rings and/or grills, and picnic tables, although there are issues with some sites lacking these amenities as reported in user reviews. Paved parking is a standard feature, and the roads within the campground are paved and one-way to reduce traffic congestion. Three restroom facilities are available, although some reviews mention closures and maintenance issues. A day-use area adds to the recreational options, and the campground host is on-site to assist visitors. The campground is located adjacent to the scenic Gulpha Gorge Creek, making it a pleasant retreat.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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Policies & Safety

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

638 reviews

Satisfactory

Gulpha Gorge Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Gulpha Gorge Campground are mixed, with many praising the campground's natural setting, proximity to trails and Hot Springs attractions, and full hookups. Common complaints include the small and crowded campsites, road noise, and the lack of functioning fire pits or showers. Additionally, maintenance issues with restrooms and missing campground hosts were frequently mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 638 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's location next to Gulpha Gorge Creek, its proximity to hiking trails and Hot Springs attractions, and its full hookup amenities. Many appreciated the shade...

Based on 638 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews highlight the lack of privacy, small campsite sizes, and issues with leveling. Noise from the nearby road and the absence of showers are consistent complaints. Maintenance issues...

Based on 638 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews suggest that sites near the creek are highly desirable for their views and ambient sounds. Specific complaints include Site 19 being small and exposed, Site 7 being extremely uneven, and Site...

Based on 638 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to book sites closer to the creek for a quieter experience and to ensure the site has the desired amenities, such as fire pits. Tent campers should be prepared to set up on...

Based on 638 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is noted for its tranquility and less crowded conditions, while summer reviews often mention the creek as a relief from the heat but also highlight the lack of showers. Spring and fall...

Based on 638 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The trails are in your backyard with access to Bathhouse Row." "The campground is beautiful, clean & well maintained." "Road noise not so great." "Camp host was very accommodating."

Based on 638 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible sites (e.g., Sites 4 and 17) are mentioned positively for their features. However, some reviews indicate general accessibility could be improved, such as better restroom availability.

Based on 638 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground, but specific reviews discussing pet experiences or policies are limited.

Based on 638 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a full-service campground inside a national park with easy access to thermal springs and downtown attractions.

Skip if

You need perfectly level sites or want to avoid road noise and occasional security concerns.

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Campgrounds

Hot Springs National Park

Gulpha Gorge Campground

About Hot Springs National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Gulpha Gorge Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.

Directions

From Little Rock: Take I-30W towards Texarkana. Exit 111 for US 70W/Hot Springs. Turn Right onto Spring St. Turn Right onto Central Ave. Drive North, the Park will be on the right after Reserve St. From Texarkana: Take 1-30E. Exit 78 for AR-7 and turn left under the highway. Follow AR-7 North for 31 miles. AR-7 becomes Central Ave., the Park will be on the right after Reserve Street.