Top 10 RV Parks Near the Hot Springs, AR Area

Top 5 reasons why it is a fun place to visit:

1. Hike the Grand Promenade
2. Visit the Gangster Museum of America
3. Check out the Hot Springs Mountain Tower
4. Hike the Hot Springs National Park
5. Visit the Bathhouse Row

List of top 10 RV Parks in the Hot Springs, AR area:

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Lake Ouachita State Park

This park is breath-taking in views, from water to woods to wildlife. There are many ways to connect with nature, on land and on water.

What makes this park unique?

Located on 360 acres of beautiful, wooded nature, this park is a soul retreat from the busyness and noise of city life. The camp has lake views and one can rent out cabins, as well. According to the Website, other “facilities include Caddo Bend trail, picnic tables, swimming areas, and a marina with boat and kayak rentals, bait, and supplies. Historic Three Sisters’ Springs is in the park. There are also exhibits and a gift shop inside the visitor center. Interpretive programs such as guided hikes, eagle cruises, and kayak tours are offered year-round. The state park is near Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village.” (Source: Lake Ouachita State Park | Arkansas State Parks).

2. Caddo Drive Campground

According to Recreation.gov, the Caddo Drive Campground sits along the pristine shores of DeGray Lake in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The area offers stunning scenery and panoramic views, and Caddo was awarded one of Americas Top 25 Scenic Views.

What makes this park unique?

There are only a few RV sites of different lengths, but the views are spectacular and the cost of staying in this park is unbeatable. Especially travelers with shorter trailers should take the opportunity to stay a few nights and explore the beautiful peninsula.

3. J & J RV Park and Storage

This park has sites backing right next to a creek, with untamed nature all around and paved road access for an ease of travel and parking for the RVs.

What makes this park unique?

This park is owned by a friendly couple that lives on site. There are amenities that allow one to stay for an extended period, as well as a possibility for group gatherings. The Wi-Fi has excellent quality, which is a great fit for those visitors who work on the road.

4. DeGray Lake Resort State Park

According to their Website, the lodge on the property “offers stunning views of DeGray Lake and includes a conference center, heated swimming pool, indoor hot tub, fitness room, and more. The lodge’s Shoreline Restaurant offers a full menu, plus banquet catering services that can accommodate groups and special requests. The 300-seat conference center and breakout meeting rooms host corporate retreats, weddings, and reunions. Being able to provide the best service and hospitality for weddings and events is a point of pride for this park. Swimming beaches, boat launches, pavilions, bicycle rentals, and an amphitheater round out DeGray’s offerings.” (Source: DeGray Lake Resort State Park | Arkansas State Parks)

What makes this park unique?

This park has cabins, RV sites of assorted sizes, tent sites and rent-a-yurts for people who’d like to experience a different way to lodge outdoors. It is a great family gathering/celebration venue for folks who like to be out in nature and spend time together doing activities outdoors.

5. Lake Catherine State Park

This is one of the most popular State Parks in Arkansas and as such, it books out amazingly fast. There are hikes to waterfalls and breath-taking views that make this park a coveted destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

What makes this park unique?

Most of the sites are on the lakeshore; there is also a full-service marina with a snack-bar and bait shop. One can also try to rent out the yurts, as well as cabins.

6. Catherine’s Landing

Located close to water and surrounded by mature trees, this park is a great getaway with clean level sites.

What makes this park unique?

This is an extremely popular and sought-after park with wide sites and breath-taking 360-degree views. The park is peaceful and clean, with zip-lines and disc golfing. The sites are paved and spacious, with plenty of space between each site.

7. Leisure Landing RV Park

With an equal amount of back-in and pull-through sites, this park made sure they kept the roomy pull-through sites (by offsetting each site in the center against its counterpart), rather than doubling sites and converting to back in sites only.

What makes this park unique?

Close to all the local tourist attractions, such as the annual basketball championships and local roller coaster parks. One can also spend their visit fishing or visiting the gallery walk. The park itself is exceptionally clean, friendly and one of the top choices for RVers visiting the area. The park also has lake access with a boat dock/landing. It is very quaint and peaceful there. Max RV length is 60 feet.

8. Edgewood Campground

Operated by the Corps of Engineers, this park is a no-frills nature campground by DeGray Lake. It provides a wonderful place to camp while enjoying the great outdoors of Arkansas, while still close to Hot Springs.

What makes this park unique?

The best this about this park is that it is a COE park, which means it is affordable. The downside is the 14-day limit, with max of 30 days total a year. The lots are nice size with trees for privacy and nature feel. According to their Website, DeGray Lake is one of the region’s five Diamond Lakes, known for their clear waters. The lake flows from the Caddo River in western Arkansas and spans 13,500 surface acres. This makes it an incredible place to stay and explore the beautiful area.

9. Treasure Isle RV Park

Under new management since 2016, this park strives to be a top choice in the area. The park is well-maintained, and the staff is friendly. This park is close to everything in the Hot Springs area.

What makes this park unique?

Located on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, this park is a wonderful place to kick back and relax.

10. Gulpha Gorge Campground

This is a National Park Service campground, meaning that the sites are rugged and surrounded by nature.

What makes this park unique?

Breath-taking views, skipping over creeks and being amazed by waterfalls…these are all responses when one stays at this campground. There is such beauty in simplicity, by unplugging from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spending time outdoors. This park offers many ways to engage with nature.

Note: Camping in Gulpha Gorge Campground is limited to a total of 14 consecutive days and a cumulative total of 30 days in any calendar year. Each 14-day consecutive stay must be followed by a minimum of a 7-day break.

TIPS TO GET TO HOT SPRINGS

Hot Springs is appropriately named after the hot springs that are in the Ouachita Mountains. One can get to Hot Springs via US-270 coming from the West or via I-30 coming from the Northeast or Southeast, turning off on US-70 going West toward Hot Springs. There are some roads that go through the mountains, but depending on the RV length, these alternate routes might not be advisable. Use an RV GPS to look for the best route recommendation based on your RV specifications. Note: Arkansas has mostly State Parks when it comes to RV parks.