The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.
Photo: Mitch Smith
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past.
- LocationHot Springs, AR
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 5:00AM - 10:00PM
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Weather now78°F Light rain shower
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Birds
- Catastrophic Fires
- Coniferous Forests
- Deciduous Forests
21 more topics
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Floods
- Forests and Woodlands
- Freshwater Springs
- Geology
- Geothermal
- Groundwater
- Hot Springs
- Landscape Design
- Medicine
- Mineral Deposits
- Mountains
- Native American Heritage
- Photography
- Scenic Views
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Tragic Events
- Trails
- Urban America
- Watersheds
Alerts (1)
InformationBurn Ban in Park Due to high fire danger, Hot Springs National Park has enacted a BURN BAN, August 15, 2026. Only gas and charcoal grills… Read more
Due to high fire danger, Hot Springs National Park has enacted a BURN BAN, August 15, 2026. Only gas and charcoal grills are currently allowed for use in the campground and picnic areas.
Things to Do
36 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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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 scenic views. You can get to these trails via Stephen’s Balustrade (grand staircase) behind the Fordyce…
Learn more about An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
An Overview: West Mountain Trails
The West Mountain trails are less traveled, providing greater opportunities for wildlife sightings. You can get to these trails via Whittington Park and the Canyon Trailhead. See the West Mountain…
Learn more about An Overview: West Mountain Trails on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Arlington Trail
Ask for directions to the trailhead from staff at the Arlington Hotel lobby. Arlington Trail will connect with Lower Dogwood Trail.
Learn more about Arlington Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Canyon Trail
The West Mountain trails can be reached from downtown via Canyon Trail. The trailhead is behind the Mountain Valley Water building. The section between West Mountain Drive and West Mountain Trail is…
Learn more about Canyon Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Floral Trail
Floral Trail connects Lower Dogwood Trail and Honeysuckle Trail. From either trailhead you will descend into a valley and climb the other side.
Learn more about Floral Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Fountain Trail
This short trail begins on Fountain Street below the entrance to Hot Springs Mountain Drive. Use it to reach Honeysuckle Trail by crossing the road.
Learn more about Fountain Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Goat Rock Trail
The Goat Rock trail offers stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and the recharge zone for the thermal springs. Limited parking is available at the overlook on North Mountain. The trailhead starts…
Learn more about Goat Rock Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Grand Avenue Trail
Grand Avenue Trail connects Oertel Trail with Grand Avenue. A local motel lies just south of the trailhead.
Learn more about Grand Avenue Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Camping
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Gulpha Gorge Campground
Reservable Campground
Gulpha Gorge campground is a tree lined retreat nestled on Gulpha Creek just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row. Open all…
Reserve on Recreation.govDetails
Overview
Gulpha Gorge campground is a tree lined retreat nestled on Gulpha Creek just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row. Open all year, the campground features 44 campsites all suitable for RVs and tents. This popular spot is the ideal base camp for all of your Hot Springs adventures and tends to fill up quickly, even in the fall and winter. Reservations are recommended.
Recreation
Hot Springs National Park boasts 26 miles (42 km) of stunning trails. Gulpha Gorge Campground has a trail access to Hot Springs Mountain and Bathhouse Row.
The campground sits adjacent to Gulpha Gorge Creek. The creek is perfect for wading, sitting and playing.
Facilities
- Each of the 44 sites has both 30 and 50 amp power, water and sewer hook ups as well as paved parking. The facility boasts three separate restroom facilities as well as a day use area to enjoy a picnic. Sites have a picnic table, fire rings and/or grills. One bathroom has a shower facility.
- All campground roads are paved and one way to help reduce traffic.
- Sites 4 and 17 are ADA accessibile. Each site connects to a comfort station via a paved walkway and the picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and hook ups are all within a concrete pad. These sites are only reservable one week in advance.
- Campground hosts are on site to help ensure you have an enjoyable stay. There are many nearby restaurants and shopping areas. Feel like taking a hike? There is even a trail head in the campground. The beautiful creek is a great way to cool down in the warm summer months.
Natural Features
Sit back and relax to the sounds of adjacent Gulpha Gorge Creek under the canopy of towering trees while being serenaded by the local winged inhabitants and you just may forget you are so close to downtown Hot Springs National Park.
Enjoy a stunning hike to Bathhouse Row with mountain-top views along the way.
Dip your toes in Gulpha Gorge Creek or stretch out on the cool grass to enjoy the breeze while planning a visit to one of the stunning spas on historic Bathhouse Row.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (501) 620-6715.Nearby Attractions
Gulpha Gorge campground is just a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations more than 72 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 72 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum
Visitor Center
The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum is a restored historic bathhouse with exhibits and interpretive films. Park staff is on-site to offer visitor information…
Details
The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum is a restored historic bathhouse with exhibits and interpretive films. Park staff is on-site to offer visitor information and public programming.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 5:00AM - 10:00PM · Public Areas and Park Roads
Hours details
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Public Areas and Park RoadsDaily, 5:00AM - 10:00PM
Arlington Lawn, Grand Promenade, sidewalks on Bathhouse Row, Reserve Street, and Fountain Street, except for walk through traffic, are open from to 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, daily. Roads to Hot Springs Mountain, North Mountain and West Mountain Summit are open to vehicle traffic from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Monday 5:00AM - 10:00PM Tuesday 5:00AM - 10:00PM Wednesday 5:00AM - 10:00PM Thursday 5:00AM - 10:00PM Friday 5:00AM - 10:00PM Saturday 5:00AM - 10:00PM Sunday 5:00AM - 10:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
369 Central AvenueHot Springs, AR 71901
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
78°F
Light rain shower · feels like 86°
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Today
79° 65°
Light rain shower92% rain
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Tomorrow
78° 63°
Overcast77% rain -
Sunday
81° 67°
Overcast26% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
Average temperatures in Hot Springs can range from about 90°F (32°C) to less than 27°F (-2.7°C). Summer days can be hot and humid, with heat index values up to 110ºF (43ºC). Winter wind chills can make temperatures feel much colder, as low as 15ºF (-9.4ºC). Spring and fall typically have the most rainfall. Generally, Hot Springs experiences mild weather throughout the year.
Upcoming Events
7 coming up-
Fordyce Tour
About
Join a Ranger tour through the Fordyce Bathhouse to learn about the history of the Great American Spa era that made Hot Springs National Park the leading public health and leisure resort in the United States. Themes and topics vary by ranger, no reservations required.
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Ranger Guided Walk (Outdoor)
Event page for Ranger Guided Walk (Outdoor) (opens in a new tab)About
Join a ranger for a free, 45-minute outdoor tour of Bathhouse Row, the thermal springs, and the downtown area of Hot Springs National Park! Themes and topics vary by ranger. No reservations are required.
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Hot Springs Hikes
About
Join this adventure hike for a longer, ranger-guided trip through Hot Springs National Park.
These hikes begin at various locations in the park and explore new trails and new stories each month.
Please see our social media pages for up-to-date descriptions of the trail locations and any one-time alterations to the expected schedule for the hike.
Trail lengths typically range from 1-3 miles with mild to moderate difficulty. Attendees will be off-pavement in the outside weather.
Attendees should wear appropriate clothes, like close toed shoes, long pants and breathable shirts and their own bug spray and sun screen.
To find the most up to date weather forecast for Hot Springs, see 7-Day Forecast 34.54N 93.06W.
Please email hosp_park_information@nps.gov for more information.
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Hot Springs Water Festival
Event page for Hot Springs Water Festival (opens in a new tab)About
Hot Springs National Park will host the annual Hot Springs Water Festival on Saturday, October 10th from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm on the Arlington Lawn near historic Bathhouse Row.
Booths will feature spring water taste testing, water coloring arts, and interactive booths. Visitors will be able to talk to the scientists, rangers, and volunteers, who help to protect and educate about the area’s incredible hydrological story.
New this year, stage entertainment will feature fun science demonstrations, music, and a spring water tasting competition.
The Hot Springs Water Festival is a celebration of the areas’ waters and watersheds and the organizations that help to protect them. Hot Springs National Park is the nation’s oldest national park and protects the 143°F non-volcanic thermal waters. The park also preserves cold water spring systems and several waterways inside the national park boundaries. This year’s event will also feature several groups that help to protect and share the wonders of watersheds in the Ouachita Mountain region, including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Mystic Ozark, Army Corps of Engineers, the Friends of Hot Springs National Park, and more.
Show 3 more events
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International Archeology Day
About
Meet NPS Rangers and guest archeologists. Enjoy educational booths, games, and activities for all ages. Free and open to the public.
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Ghosts of Hot Springs
About
Gear up for Halloween and explore the history of Hot Springs through some of the big personalities of its past.
This event takes place at the Gulpha Gorge Amphitheater at Gulpha Gorge Campground.
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Park Chats
About
Join park rangers and guest speakers for 1-hour in-depth presentations of the stories of America's oldest national park.
Learn about the history of the park with deep dives into the most interesting stories about Hot Springs' thermal springs and Hot Springs' impact on American health. Guest speakers will provide topics related to Hot Springs National Park.
Hot Springs hosts this monthly speaker series in collaboration with the Garland Count Library. The event is the 4th Wednesday of every month, from 12p-1p at the Garland County Library
The presentation is free and open to the public. Online viewing is available via the Garland County Library.Selected speakers are experts in the history and science of Hot Springs and offer.Follow the park's social media page or the Garland County Library for updated information about the program.
For a link to the current month's presentation, use the park's public events page Hot Springs Public Events - Hot Springs National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
For previous park chats, see Garland County Library Youtube Channel for previous Park Chats:
Photos
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The Waters offers a great view of bathhouse row — Mitch Smith -
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3 more photos
Getting There
Hot Springs, AR 71901
From Little Rock: Take I-30W towards Texarkana. Exit 111 for US 70W/Hot Springs.
Full directions
Turn Right onto Spring St. Turn Right onto Central Ave. Drive North, the Park will be on the right after Reserve St. From Texarkana: Take 1-30E. Exit 78 for AR-7 and turn left under the highway. Follow AR-7 North for 31 miles. AR-7 becomes Central Ave., the Park will be on the right after Reserve Street.
Mailing address: 101 Reserve Street, Hot Springs, AR 71901
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