Hot Springs National Park – Trails, Camping & Best Tips

by Petr Novák, ? The accuracy of the information provided in this article was last verified on this date. If you spot any errors, please let us know in the comments. Thank you. :-) Updated 06/14/2023 Arkansas, National Parks, Tips for Trips

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is unique among all parks. Unlike wildlife reserves or vast canyons, it’s a traditional spa town known for its healing springs.

Information About Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park boasts several notable features. At just 14 mi, it is the smallest national park in the USA. For reference, Manhattan spans about 37 mi. The Hot Springs area was designated the first federally protected area in the United States on April 20, 1832, but was not declared a national park until March 4, 1921. In 2021, it attracted 2,162,884 visitors.

The healing springs are all found at the base of Hot Springs Mountain, producing nearly 2 million liters of hot, therapeutic water each day. As early as the mid-19th century, bathhouses began to appear on the site, and by the end of the same century, a spa promenade was established.

The surrounding area is densely wooded, dominated by oak, pine, and walnut trees, the oldest of which are over 200 years old. Wildlife includes squirrels, hares, deer, frogs, and skunks.

What to See and Do in Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park and the surrounding area is largely about spas and healing radon springs, which average 144°F. The water from all the springs is generally drinkable, with Happy Hollow and Whittington Springs, known for their cold water, being the most suitable for this purpose.

There are numerous bathhouses in Hot Springs, a list of which can be found on this page. They are mainly located on the street known as Bathhouse Row, where seven other early 20th-century buildings stand alongside the Fordyce Bathhouse. Prices for procedures vary, but you can expect to pay around $40 for a simple bath. A 30-minute massage will cost you about $60. For instance, the Buckstaff Bath House boasts more than a century of tradition.

Visiting the park doesn’t only entail spa treatments. Hot Springs is latticed with a network of 26 mi of hiking trails. You can find an overview of them on the park’s website.

The longest and perhaps most fascinating of these is the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which is just under 2 mi long. A lookout at the top of the mountain provides panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains.

When to Go to Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park and Gulpha Gorge Campground are open all year round. The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. Additionally, the Bathhouse Row Emporium and the shop at the Lamar Bathhouse are open.

The park experiences the classic four seasons. Virtually any month of the year is suitable for a visit, with the caveat that temperatures drop below freezing in the winter.

• Current weather forecast for Hot Springs National Park

Average Temperatures and Visitor Numbers at Hot Springs National Park

Average temperatures in Hot Springs National Park. Visitor numbers are based on a 2017-2021 average, and the data source is the National Park Service.

Admission to Hot Springs National Park

Entry to Hot Springs National Park is free of charge. You will only need to pay for individual treatments or overnight camping.

If your travel plans in the USA involve visiting more than one national park, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful pass. For a single fee of $80, this pass provides access to all USA national parks and monuments for a year from the date of first use.

Getting to Hot Springs National Park

The most convenient way to reach Hot Springs National Park is by car. As the park is situated near the northern edge of Hot Springs, there is ample parking. The larger parking area is located a block west of the park entrance.

For your convenience, a summary of distances, driving times, and routes from several nearby cities is provided:

If public transport is your preference, Greyhound buses are a cost-effective option that operates as far as Hot Springs.

Lodging in Hot Springs National Park

🏨 Hotels

A variety of hotels, resorts, and motels are available in the town of Hot Springs and around Lake Hamilton. Most come standard with an indoor pool and offer spa treatments or massages. For a simpler overnight stay, consider the Travelodge Motel.

• Find accommodations in Hot Springs National Park

⛺ Campsites

If you prefer outdoor accommodation, tent camping is available. The Gulpha Gorge campsite charges $34 per night and reservations are required. Facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and include a picnic table, barbecue, drinking water, and restrooms without showers.

Tips and Recommendations Before Visiting Hot Springs National Park

ℹ️ Visitor Center

The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as a visitor center, where you can watch a 9-minute film describing spa treatments in Hot Springs.

👍 Good to Know

To explore Hot Springs, you can walk (the park is not large) or use the local public transportation. Buses run throughout the city.

I recommend downloading a map of Hot Springs Park to your phone before your trip.

• Official National Park website
• Official Hot Springs website
• Map of Hot Springs National Park

Photos of Hot Springs National Park