RVers and Arkansas go hand in hand. While you’ll certainly have a good time no matter where you park your RV in the state, some locations are significantly better than others.
We’ll explore some of the best outdoor activities for RVers in Hot Springs, Arkansas. One of these activities is sure to be on your to-do list during your next visit.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park offers a unique experience where you can park on Central Avenue and walk directly into a park that has been protected since 1832. It’s an accessible way to enjoy the beauty and history of the area.
The thermal springs here pump out 143-degree water that’s been underground for 4,000 years, and the eight bathhouses lining Bathhouse Row look like they haven’t changed since the 1920s.
Historic Bathhouses and Thermal Springs Downtown
The Fordyce Bathhouse operates as a free museum now, and walking through it feels like stepping onto a movie set. Three stories of marble fountains, stained glass, and old hydrotherapy equipment show how people “took the waters” a century ago.
If you want the actual experience, Buckstaff Bathhouse still offers thermal baths using the original spring water. They’ve been open every day since 1912.
The springs flow at nearly a million gallons daily. You can fill water jugs at public fountains along Bathhouse Row, though the mineral content gives it a strong taste.
Fun fact: Between 1832 and the 1940s, this place was a strange mix of healing retreat and vice den. Baseball teams trained here, mobsters hid out here, and everyone came for the healing waters that supposedly cured everything from arthritis to hangovers.
Easy Access From Timbercrest Park
Timbercrest Park puts you about ten minutes from downtown Hot Springs. You can set up your RV with full hookups, then drive your car or truck into the national park without dealing with tight streets or parking headaches.
The whole setup works perfectly for RVers who want quick access without the chaos of staying right in town.
From Timbercrest, you’re also close to the park’s 26 miles of hiking trails that climb into the surrounding mountains. Gulpha gorge campground sits inside the park boundaries if you want to stay even closer, but sites book up fast during spring and fall.
Ouachita Mountain Trails
The Ouachita Mountains run east to west, which makes them unusual for North America. They’re also over 300 million years old, older than the Appalachians, and covered in a mix of pine and hardwood forests you won’t find anywhere else.
The trails here don’t punish you with brutal elevation gains. Instead, they roll gently upward through woods that stay cool even in summer.
Sunset and West Mountain Scenic Hikes
Sunset Trail lives up to its name. The 10-mile loop takes you to the top of West Mountain, where you get views across the entire valley and Lake Hamilton below. You don’t have to hike the whole loop to see something worthwhile.
Even the first two miles reward you with scenic overlooks and rock formations that make good photo stops. The trail gets its name from the west-facing views that turn golden in late afternoon.
West Mountain Trail connects to several other paths, creating a network you could explore for days. The terrain shifts from rocky sections to smooth forest paths. In spring, wildflowers cover the hillsides. In the fall, the hardwoods turn orange and red against the dark green pines.
Routes for All Skill Levels Nearby
Not everyone wants a 10-mile mountain hike. The park offers shorter options like the half-mile Tufa Terrace Trail, which stays flat and shows you the spring formations that built up over thousands of years.
Goat Rock Trail gives you a steep but short climb to an overlook in under a mile. Families with kids can handle it easily.
Gulpha Gorge has several easy loops that wind through the campground area and along a creek. These work well for morning walks or cooling off on hot afternoons. The whole family can pick a trail that matches their energy level without anyone feeling left out.
Lake Hamilton Fun
Lake Hamilton covers 7,200 acres with over 200 miles of shoreline. The Corps of Engineers created it in 1932 by damming the Ouachita River, and now it’s one of Arkansas’s most popular lakes for recreation.
The water stays warm enough for swimming into October because of thermal activity in the area. Trophy bass live here, million-dollar homes line parts of the shore, and the lake handles both speedboats and lazy pontoon cruises without feeling crowded.
Pontoon, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals
Several marinas around Lake Hamilton rent pontoons by the half day or full day. A pontoon lets you explore at your own pace, pull into quiet coves, and jump in wherever the water looks good. Kids and dogs love pontoons because there’s room to move around without the cramped feeling of a smaller boat.
If you want something more active, kayak and paddleboard rentals let you explore the shoreline up close.
The lake has calm sections perfect for beginners and areas with light chop that give experienced paddlers a workout. Early morning paddling often means glassy water and wildlife sightings before boat traffic picks up.
Fishing, Swimming, and Sunset Cruising
Late afternoon on Lake Hamilton has its own rhythm. Pontoons drift slowly past wooded points and expensive docks. The light turns golden. People jump off the back of their boats for one more swim before heading in. This is what locals do on summer evenings, and visitors quickly understand why.
Swimming spots dot the shoreline, though most people swim from their boats in deeper water. The lake bottom drops off quickly in many areas, so you’re swimming in clean water rather than muddy shallows. Public access points have small beaches where families can wade and play.
Fishing Near Hot Springs
Hot Springs sits in the middle of some of Arkansas’s best fishing territory. Lake Hamilton, Lake Ouachita, and Lake Catherine all hold healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass.
The Ouachita River runs through the area with smallmouth bass and catfish. You can fish every month of the year here because winters stay mild enough to keep fish active.
Lakes and Rivers With Year-Round Fishing
Lake Ouachita, about 30 minutes west, is Arkansas’s largest lake and one of the cleanest in the country. It produces trophy striped bass, some over 40 pounds.
Anglers also catch walleye here, which is unusual this far south. The lake stays deep and cool enough to support fish species that normally prefer northern waters.
Lake Catherine sits between Hamilton and Ouachita in a chain of three lakes. It’s smaller and gets less pressure than the other two, which means you might have whole coves to yourself.
Crappie fishing here peaks in spring when fish move shallow to spawn. Catfish bite year-round, especially after dark near creek channels.
Easy Bank Access at Public Spots
You don’t need a boat to catch fish around Hot Springs. Public access points at all three lakes have fishing piers, cleared bank areas, and parking close to the water. Gulpha Gorge has creek fishing right from the campground. Kids can drop a line while parents set up camp.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission maintains several public fishing areas with amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and cleaning stations.
Catherine State Park has a fishing pier that extends into deeper water where crappie and bass hold. These spots work perfectly for RVers who want to fish without trailering a boat or dealing with launch ramps.
Nearby State Parks
DeGray Lake State Park sits about 45 minutes southwest of Hot Springs and offers something different from the thermal springs and historic downtown.
The lake here is crystal clear, fed by the Caddo River, and the park has Arkansas’s only resort lodge with a lakeside golf course. But the real draw for active RVers is the mix of water activities, hiking trails, and the state’s only public zip line canopy tour.
DeGray Lake Hiking and Zip-Lining
The zip line course at DeGray takes you through the forest canopy on seven different lines, some stretching over 400 feet.
Guides lead groups through the course, which includes suspension bridges and platforms built high in the trees. The whole experience takes about two hours and gives you views of the lake and the surrounding forest you can’t get any other way.
If you prefer staying on the ground, the park has over 15 miles of hiking trails that range from easy lakeside walks to more challenging climbs into the hills.
The Iron Mountain Trail system connects to longer routes if you want a full-day hike. Spring brings wildflowers, and fall colors here rival anything in the Ozarks further north.
Easy Day Trip From Hot Springs
DeGray makes a perfect day trip because you can leave after breakfast, spend the day hiking or zip lining, and be back at your RV by dinner.
The drive takes you through small towns and rolling hills that show off a different side of Arkansas than the tourist areas around Hot Springs. Pack a cooler and plan to eat lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas overlooking the lake.
The park also has a disc golf course that winds through the woods near the campground. It’s one of the best-maintained courses in the state park system and gives you another reason to spend a few hours exploring the area before heading back.
Picnic Spots and Views
Hot Springs packs in more scenic overlooks per square mile than most national parks. The mountains surrounding the city create natural viewpoints where you can see for miles across the valley. Several of these spots have been developed with picnic areas, making them perfect for lunch with a view or an evening meal before sunset.
Shaded Picnic Areas and Overlooks
Hot Springs Mountain Tower sits at the highest point in the park. An elevator takes you up 216 feet to an observation deck with 360-degree views. Below the tower, a large picnic area spreads through the trees with multiple picnic table setups, grills, and plenty of shade. You can drive right up to this area, making it accessible even if hiking isn’t on your agenda.
West Mountain has several pull-offs along the scenic drive with picnic table options and views across Lake Hamilton. These spots work great for a quick lunch stop during a day of exploring. The shade from tall pines keeps things comfortable even on hot days, and the elevation usually brings a breeze.
Most picnic areas around Hot Springs have paved parking lots big enough for larger vehicles. You won’t find yourself trying to squeeze into tight spots or navigate narrow roads. Restrooms at major sites stay clean and well-maintained during the busy season.
The park service has done a good job making these areas accessible without overdeveloping them. You get the amenities you need, like trash cans, grills, and clean facilities, but the natural setting stays intact. Many spots have pavilions you can reserve for larger groups, though individual picnic table areas stay first-come, first-served.
RV-Friendly Access and Amenities
Why Stay at Timbercrest Park
Timbercrest Park is ideally located for RVing. You’ll be close to all the attractions that Hot Springs has to offer, without having to deal with downtown traffic or cramped urban camping.
The park sits in a wooded area that feels private and quiet, but you can reach Bathhouse Row, Lake Hamilton, or the mountain trails in under 15 minutes.
Full-Hookup Sites Near Top Attractions
Every site at Timbercrest comes with full hookups, including 50-amp power, water, and sewer connections. You won’t be dealing with a dump station or rationing water during your stay.
Wi-Fi reaches throughout the park if you need to work or stream in the evenings. Cell service works well here, too, unlike some mountain campgrounds where you lose signal.
Quiet, Pet-Friendly RV Community
Timbercrest attracts RVers who want a peaceful stay. Quiet hours are enforced, and the park maintains a calm atmosphere that appeals to retirees and families alike. Your dog is welcome here, and several walking trails through the property give pets a chance to stretch their legs morning and evening.
It’s the perfect place to return after a day exploring the beautiful Ouachita mountains and thermal springs that make Hot Springs such a unique destination.Reserve your site at Timbercrest Park today and discover why RVers keep coming back to this quiet, convenient home base. With spacious sites, full hookups, and unbeatable access to everything Hot Springs offers, your Arkansas adventure starts here