Camping at Hot Springs

America's oldest national park with natural thermal springs and Ouachita Mountain beauty.

13+ CampgroundsBest: Year-round (varies by season)

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Campgrounds Near Hot Springs National Park

Great options within 90 minutes of the park entrance

4.7

(360)

Tompkins Bend Day-Use

Lake Ouachita
Hot Springs, AR; Mount Ida, AR, AR

Excellent 4.71 rating with substantial reviews (360) makes this a top-quality day-use area. Located at Lake Ouachita, it offers hiking and fishing activities perfect for combining with Hot Springs National Park visits.

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4.7

(95)

Highway 27 Campground

Lake Ouachita
Royal, AR

Outstanding 4.70 rating with full camping amenities including both tent and RV options plus swimming. Lake Ouachita location provides a scenic base camp with diverse recreational activities.

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Ouachita National Forest
Perryville, AR

High 4.59 rating in the beautiful Ouachita National Forest setting with comprehensive camping facilities. The forest location offers a different environment from the park while maintaining easy access for day trips.

Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Lake Ouachita
AR

Strong 4.51 rating with significant review volume (287) ensures reliability. Crystal Springs day-use area at Lake Ouachita provides excellent swimming and recreation opportunities between park visits.

4.5

(459)

Brady Mountain Day-Use

Lake Ouachita
Hot Springs, AR

Solid 4.51 rating backed by extensive reviews (459) demonstrates consistent quality. Brady Mountain's lake access and swimming make it an ideal retreat after exploring Hot Springs' thermal features.

4.5

(579)

Denby Point

Lake Ouachita
Mt. Ida, AR

Reliable 4.51 rating with the highest review count (579) among similar-rated options, offering both tent and RV camping. Denby Point's Lake Ouachita location provides full amenities for extended stays.

Lake Ouachita
Mt. Ida, AR

Good 4.50 rating with substantial reviews (571) and overnight camping capabilities. Tompkins Bend offers a quieter camping alternative while maintaining lake access for recreation.

Degray Lake
ARKADELPHIA, AR

Strong 4.48 rating with comprehensive amenities at Degray Lake, providing geographic diversity. Alpine Ridge offers tent camping, RV sites, and swimming as an alternative lake destination.

South Fourche Recreation Area

Ouachita National Forest
Hollis, AR, AR

Decent 4.47 rating in Ouachita National Forest setting with basic camping facilities. South Fourche provides a more rustic, forest-based camping experience as an alternative to lake campgrounds.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 13 campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park

Map of campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park

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Park Boundary

Near Hot Springs National Park

Tompkins Bend Day-Use

Highway 27 Campground

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Brady Mountain Day-Use

Denby Point

Tompkins Bend

Alpine Ridge

South Fourche Recreation Area

Brady Mountain

Caddo Drive

Camp Clearfork

Crystal Springs (Ar)

View all 13 campgrounds on interactive map

About This Destination

Hot Springs National Park, nestled in the scenic Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, offers a unique blend of natural thermal springs, historic bathhouses, and outdoor recreation that makes it an exceptional camping destination. With 13 campgrounds in the surrounding area, visitors can experience everything from lakeside retreats at Lake Ouachita to forested hideaways in the Ouachita National Forest.

Best Time

The optimal time for camping near Hot Springs National Park spans from March through May and September through November, when temperatures are moderate and the natural beauty is at its peak. Spring brings blooming dogwoods and redbuds throughout the forests, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

Destination Highlights

13+ campgrounds within 30 miles
Located in Arkansas
Options for every camping style

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Touring the historic Bathhouse Row and experiencing therapeutic thermal bathsBoating and kayaking across Lake Ouachita's 40,000 acres of crystal-clear waterWildlife watching for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird speciesExploring downtown Hot Springs' shops, restaurants, and galleriesStargazing from remote campgrounds away from city lights

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve your campsite well in advance, especially for weekend visits during spring and fall when demand peaks and the weather is most favorable.
2Consider staying at Lake Ouachita campgrounds if water activities are your priority, as the lake offers exceptional fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities just minutes from Hot Springs National Park.
3Bring layers of clothing regardless of season, as mountain temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, often dropping 20-30 degrees after sunset.
4Don't forget to pack insect repellent, particularly during summer months when mosquitoes and ticks are more active in forested areas.

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