Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs

Family Friendly Arkansas

Overview

Hot Springs National Park in central Arkansas is unlike any other park in the system — it protects 47 thermal springs flowing from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain within the city of Hot Springs itself. The springs produce nearly a million gallons of 143°F water per day, naturally heated by percolating 4,400 feet underground over approximately 4,000 years. This is the only national park centered on a city, and its history as a spa destination stretches back to the early 1800s. Bathhouse Row, a collection of eight ornate bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923, forms the park's architectural centerpiece and is designated a National Historic Landmark. The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the park's visitor center, restored to its original grandeur with stained glass, tile work, and marble fountains. The Buckstaff Bathhouse still operates as a traditional thermal bath, and the Quapaw Bathhouse has been modernized with thermal pools where visitors can soak in the same mineral-rich water that drew millions to this "American Spa" over the past two centuries. Beyond the bathhouses, the park encompasses forested mountain trails on Hot Springs Mountain, North Mountain, and Sugarloaf Mountain, with 26 miles of hiking paths. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower provides panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, and the Grand Promenade, a half-mile brick walkway behind Bathhouse Row, connects thermal springs, display springs, and the start of several mountain trails.

Things to Do

  • Soak in thermal baths at Buckstaff or Quapaw bathhouse
  • Tour the restored Fordyce Bathhouse visitor center
  • Walk the Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row
  • Hike Hot Springs Mountain trails
  • Fill jugs with thermal spring water at public fountains
  • Climb the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views
  • Explore the historic downtown district
Lawn chairs posted beside a calming creek

Gulpha Gorge Campground

Sites available

RestroomsShowersWater
$34 Reserve
Two children in long sleeved shirts and hats hold up a magnifying lens
Junior Ranger Program

Become a Hot Springs Junior Ranger

Kids visiting Hot Springs National Park may earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a number of act...

30-60 MinutesWinter, Spring
RV parked at campsite in the woods.
Camping

Camp at the Gulpha Gorge Campground

BASIC INFORMATION Camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground costs $34 per night for all sites. All sites ha...

1-14 DaysWinter, Spring
A mossy stone wall lines a paved dirt pathway through the woods.
Hiking

Oak Trail

The northeastern end of Oak Trail is mostly flat. The trail is fairly steep for a short distance bet...

25-45 MinutesWinter, Spring
Gravel hiking trail surrounded by a dense forrest.
Hiking

An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails

The Hot Springs and North Mountain trails are popular since they are easy to reach and provide sceni...

30-300 MinutesWinter, Spring
A stone shelter built in a 1930s style sits alongside a gravel trail.
Hiking

Honeysuckle Trail

Honeysuckle Trail connects Peak Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail.

20-45 MinutesWinter, Spring
A picnic area with many tables sit beneath the shade of the trees.
Hiking

Short Cut Trail

Short Cut Trail connects Oertel Trail with Hot Springs Mountain Trail near the picnic area atop Hot ...

10-25 MinutesWinter, Spring
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A rectangular, yellow building with a brown roof and a white arch decorating the large front doors.

Administration Building

Administration building

The administration building was built in 1936 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It's the newest building ...

A group of young boys practice catching baseballs on the green lawn.

Arlington Lawn

Arlington Lawn

Arlington Lawn in a nice little area to enjoy nature and the town. It's right across the street from the shops and right...

A large tan brick building behind a hill of green grass

Army and Navy Hospital

Army navy hospital

Hot Springs is home to the former Army-Navy Hospital, the first general hospital in the nation that provided treatment t...

Six well-dressed men & women in front of carved railings of Arsenic Spring covered porch.

Arsenic Spring

Hot spring

Arsenic Spring is the northernmost of the springs located along Hot Springs Creek. By the late 1800s, a Victorian-era wo...

A sunset over a round hill spilling into a valley

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is located on Sugarloaf Mountain along Sunset Trail between Blacksnake and Cedarglades Road. It's a huge n...

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Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

White-tailed Deer Eastern Box Turtle Armadillo Pileated Woodpecker Red-tailed Hawk Gray Fox

Pro Tips

  • 💡 The Buckstaff is the last continuously operating bathhouse on the Row — a traditional, no-frills thermal bath experience
  • 💡 Quapaw is the modern option with communal thermal pools if you want a more social soak
  • 💡 Bring empty water jugs to fill at the public spring fountains along the promenade — the water is free
  • 💡 The park is tiny and in the middle of a city; you can see everything in half a day and combine with downtown restaurants
  • 💡 Spring and fall are the best times for the mountain trails; summers are hot and humid

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Hot, humid summers with highs in the 90s. Spring and fall are pleasant with temperatures in the 60-80°F range. Mild winters with occasional ice storms. The thermal springs flow year-round regardless of weather.

Best seasons: Spring, Fall