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

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4.7

(22)

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.

Tents

RVs

Photo coming soon

4.5

(74)

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.

Tents

RVs

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.

Tents

RVs

4.5

(571)

Tompkins Bend

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.

Tents

RVs

4.5

(257)

Alpine Ridge

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.

Tents

RVs

4.3

(37)

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.

Tents

RVs

4.3

(803)

Brady Mountain

Lake Ouachita
Hot Springs, AR

Solid 4.44 rating with exceptional review volume (1140) and unique cabin options. Brady Mountain's diverse accommodation types and full amenities make it perfect for various camping preferences.

Tents

RVs

4.4

(161)

Caddo Drive

Degray Lake
ARKADELPHIA, AR

Good 4.43 rating at Degray Lake with swimming and camping options. Caddo Drive provides another lake-based alternative with different recreational opportunities from Lake Ouachita locations.

Tents

RVs

4.1

(29)

Camp Clearfork

Ouachita National Forest
Hot Springs, AR

Acceptable 4.42 rating offering unique cabin accommodations in Ouachita National Forest. Camp Clearfork provides a distinctive forest camping experience with upgraded lodging options.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 10 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

Highway 27 Campground

Lake Sylvia Recreation Area

Denby Point

Tompkins Bend

Alpine Ridge

South Fourche Recreation Area

Brady Mountain

Caddo Drive

Camp Clearfork

Crystal Springs (Ar)

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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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Camping Near Hot Springs National Park FAQ

There are 13+ campgrounds within 30 miles of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. 7 accept online reservations and 3 are first-come, first-served.

Camping fees near Hot Springs National Park range from $5 to $80/night depending on the campground, site type, and season. RV sites with hookups tend to cost more than tent-only sites.

Most campgrounds inside Hot Springs National Park require advance reservations, especially during peak season (May–September). 3 nearby campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Book early — popular sites fill months in advance. Set up Outdoorithm alerts to catch cancellations.

Yes, Hot Springs National Park has campgrounds within park boundaries. These tend to book quickly and fill months in advance. If campgrounds inside the park are full, there are options just outside the park entrance within a short drive.

Based on camper reviews, the top-rated campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park include Highway 27 Campground. These campgrounds consistently receive high ratings for their facilities, location, and overall camping experience.

5 of the 10 campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park are pet-friendly. Dogs must typically be on a leash (6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Note: trails and backcountry areas inside the park may have additional pet restrictions. Check individual campground policies for breed or size restrictions.

Yes, 8 of the 10 campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park have shower facilities. These range from coin-operated to free hot showers depending on the campground.

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Hot Springs National Park Campgrounds Book Fast

The best campgrounds near Hot Springs National Park book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

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