If you’ve been spending a lot of time on screens, consider taking a break by enjoying some outdoor activities. This can be especially beneficial for RV travelers, who often depend on their devices for navigation and entertainment during long trips. Taking time away from screens allows for quiet reflection and helps to rejuvenate both the body and mind.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a historic city that offers a refreshing escape. With its beautiful national parks and unique architecture, it’s an excellent destination for a weekend free from digital distractions. Here are some great spots in Hot Springs, AR, ideal for a screen-free retreat.
Unplug at Timbercrest Park
Forested landscapes close to relaxing thermal springs. If you’re considering rolling into town in your RV, Timbercrest Park is an ideal base to explore and enjoy everything Hot Springs has to offer.
A Quiet Screen-Free Reset
Located right at the heart of the action, Timbercrest Park offers a tranquil environment for slow living, whether you’re looking for a quick one-night stop or a place to call home.
You’ll have all you need for an enjoyable stay—an open breathing space, a comfortable bed to sleep in, and no shortage of adventure waiting to happen. The facilities and amenities are pet-friendly, clean, and well-maintained.
A favorite destination for families, Timbercrest Park offers mobile home rentals complete with clean water, kitchens, restrooms, and outdoor recreation spaces.
Hike Local Trails
Hiking is a classic way to detox from your devices. Just you, walking on local trails and immersing yourself in the wonder of your surroundings, reconnecting to nature. Studies also show that undistracted hiking reduces stress and promotes a mindful presence.
Hot Springs Creek Greenway and Sunset Trail
If you ask the Hot Springs locals, they’d likely tell you that one of the best ways to experience the town’s hidden gems is by taking the Hot Springs Creek Greenway.
This 4.2-mile stretch of paved trail starts at the historic downtown, past jaw-dropping attractions, stunning art installations, and verdant landscapes, to the south of Hot Springs, where you’ll find the new Jean White Wallace Wetlands.
Stop by the farmer’s market if you happen to cruise the trail on a Saturday. There’s plenty of fresh, locally-grown organic produce to take home, or snack on while working your way through the trail.
For those looking to push their detoxing a little further, Sunset Trail, found east of Ouachita National Recreation Trail, is the longest in Hot Springs National Park, spanning 10 miles.
There you’ll enjoy quiet, undisturbed forests, breath-snatching, rocky ridges, and undulating vistas of the Ouachita Mountains. It’s quite tricky to navigate, though, so be sure to mind the signs!
Soak in Historic Bathhouses
A trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas, isn’t really complete without spending a day (or days) in its historic Bathhouse Row. Some of these hot springs have been around for over a century!
Relax at Quapaw Baths and Buckstaff Bathhouse
There are eight old bathhouse buildings in the Bathhouse Row today. However, only two of them currently operate as bathhouses.
The Quapaw Bathhouse opened in 1922 and is one of the oldest buildings in the row. It was repurposed to become a family spa in 2008 and continues to serve weary travelers seeking a soothing soak in its thermal mineral water.
Massage and spa treatments are available in Quapaw, making it a popular destination in downtown Hot Springs.
Buckstaff Bathhouse is the quintessential picture of an Edwardian bathhouse. The building is classical in design, taupe brick and stucco outlined with wooden trim, lending that feeling of stepping back into the past.
The ornate interior is just as impressive—pure white Colorado marble all around. Not to mention it can house over 1,000 people in a day!
Enjoy Classic Camp Activities
One of the major advantages of RV living is the freedom it provides, as well as the chance to get close to nature.
The good news is that Hot Springs, Arkansas, has long been the go-to spot for campers and those who love sleeping under the blanket of stars.
Games, Grilling, and Outdoor Dining
Timbercrest Park sits conveniently near national parks, sprawling lakes, idyllic towns, and historical sites—endless opportunities to explore and spend the night in the wilderness.
Lake Ouachita, dubbed the Caribbean of Arkansas, is home to over 90 campsites around its 40,000 acres of crystal clear waters.
But for those who prefer to keep it close to home, the Timbercrest Park itself has everything you’ll need for a comfortable camping experience.
Group picnic or a night of chilling tales huddled around a campfire? Or throwback fun like card and lawn games? Why not challenge your buddies to a showdown of pool and darts?
Strengthen connections with your friends and family without relying on crystal screens. Can you think of a better way to kick back and reset than an evening of good food and good company?
Explore Local Attractions
There’s no rule about staying in one place when detoxing from social media. And if you’re gonna stay in Hot Springs, there’s a lot you don’t wanna miss out on.
In addition to relaxing in mineral water bathhouses, RV travelers can tour around local attractions and sample the culture.
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Downtown Shops, and Bark Park
Found along Lake Hamilton, Garvan Woodland Gardens is a botanical garden owned by the University of Arkansas. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, the garden is home to numerous wondrous critters and sights.
The horticultural attraction is considered among the top five botanical gardens in the country, with over 128 species of local and rare herbs, flowers, and shrubs flourishing in its green landscapes.
Multicolored azaleas are abundant in the spring, making the perfect backdrop for the stunning bridges, waterfalls, and architecture. Anthony Chapel is a must-stop here.
In the summer, begonias and zinnias explode under the shade of caladiums and coleus. While in the fall, the chrysanthemum takes the stage, capturing the eyes of travelers with its diverse blooms.
That said, everyone is welcome to Hot Springs, even the furry members of your family.
Hot Springs National Park allows pets in all its trails and even offers a fun Bark Ranger Program that your canines can complete. There are pet waste stations scattered around town, so you can enjoy your time together with Fido as much as you can.
Bark Park is a popular doggy destination on Shady Grove Road. It’s an off-leash area where your beloved four-legged friends can play and socialize with other dogs.
End your day sampling the local food and bagging souvenirs downtown.
You don’t have to travel far to find delectable and golden finds. Just trudge along Main Avenue, and you’ll stumble across storied shops like the Ohio Club, old haunts of historical figures like Al Capone and Mae West.
Stargaze at Night
There’s a good reason Arkansas is often called “The Natural State.” After all, there are only a few places in the country where you’ll find vast, diverse, and scenic terrains unspoiled by human activity.
That alone makes it a hotspot for astrophiles and a good place to detach yourself from the digital buzz of city life.
Clear Skies and Minimal Light Pollution
Nighttime in Hot Springs is quiet and restorative. But if you share a particular love for the wonders and secrets that hide beyond the skies, you’d best take out your starmap and optical apparatus.
For the best spots and a clearer view of the cosmos, Hickory Nut Mountain and Lake Ouachita State Park are both famous for their excellent vantage points.
Make Timbercrest Your Basecamp
RV travelers seeking to escape the constant and high-stress connectivity of urban life, Timbercrest Park is the place to slow down and disconnect from technology.
Get up close with nature and reconnect with your roots, while discovering Hot Springs sights, tastes, and experiences.
Comfortable Sites and Walk-In Friendly Stays
Timbercrest is committed to making your stay as comfortable as possible. The spacious RV site is designed to be practical and effortless to access. Reservations are recommended, but you can always roll in whenever!