Well, hello there! Are you ready to plan an exciting trip to Hot Springs National Park?! This park is all about the famous thermal water! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Hot Springs is a unique place to visit — and likely somewhere you will talk about for many years. It’s unlike any other national park you’ve ever been to. Come ready to relax, learn some history, and have fun in the water!
There are some great things to do here. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Hot Springs and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to Hot Springs, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 5 things is for you.
What You Need to Know About Hot Springs National Park
- Hot Springs is a small national park. The main section runs right through town, with a couple of short side trips possible to explore the surrounding mountains. For a map of the park, click here.
- At this park, it’s all about the water! If you come to learn about the thermal water and the history surrounding these hot springs, you’ll have a great time. Otherwise, you may be disappointed that there isn’t as much “nature” in this national park :)
- There are no hotel options within Hot Springs National Park, but there is a fabulous campground! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, there are also plenty of places to go in the town of Hot Springs.
- The town of Hot Springs has a rich history with many activity options. Grab a bite to eat and listen to live music at Maxine’s or the Ohio Club, tour the Gangster Museum, or step foot in the supposedly haunted Arlington Hotel.
- Because this park emphasizes history and bathhouses, pay attention to the opening and closing hours. To see a schedule of the building’s hours of operation, click here.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the sights that make this park so popular, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see this excellent list of 5 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Hot Springs National Park!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I personally love, and I appreciate your support and welcome any questions you may have about any products featured on my site. Thanks! Ash
Hello!
My daughter (21) and I (60) are planning a January roadtrip from Michigan heading toward Santa Fe. January is a tricky time for a roadtrip. Would you say is still a good time to visit Hot Springs?
Thanks!
Jodi
Hot Springs will be cold, but the bathhouses are open year-round, so yeah, you could totally stop there and soak!
Hi! We are planning to visit Hot Springs National Park, as well as Crater of Diamonds State Park while we are out there. When would you say would be the best times of year to take this trip, as far as weather and crowds? We homeschool so our dates are flexible.
I personally love that area in the fall!
Ash, nice info about Hot Springs NP. We are going there in May 2024. Is there a way to obtain the official NP paper trail maps of the national park trails before we leave while planning our NP visits? Or can they be obtained electronically and I can print my own?
It varies per park…sometimes they put their paper maps online for you to print out beforehand. But if not, you just have to pick them up when you get to the park. There are a few maps you can look at for Hot Springs here: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/trails.htm
Hi Ash,
Thank you so much for this information! We didn’t even know about Hot Springs NP until we were driving by recently on another trip and now after reading your info, we are wanting to go back that way and visit the park! I have purchased your itinerairies for Acadia (I found you right before that trip and you made our trip fantastic!) and Smokey Mountains (this on is on the list for this spring).
I tell everyone I meet on my travels about your fantastic information! I can’t thank you enough!!
When would you recommend is the best time of year to visit Hot Springs? we are thinking of early March of this year? and how much time do you think we need to do your 5 top suggestions and do some hiking. We will be camping.
March would be great! Because this park right in the middle of a town, things pretty much stay open year-round. The park visitor center is going to be closed through February this year, so if their project gets delayed, you might not be able to get in there in early March. But otherwise, I’d give yourself 2 days to visit a bathhouse and do some hiking!
Thank you for this great guide, Ash! Can you recommend a hiking trail for me and my sister. We are both in our mid-late 60s but in good shape for a hike that is a moderate level of difficulty. We’re also interested in whatever trails are most scenic and can be completed in a half day or a couple of hours!
Many thanks!
Hey Kate! I’d suggest Goat Rock or Hot Springs Mountain!
I’m headed there next week. Mostly to see the eclipse. I am perhaps most excited to go to Garvan Woodland Gardens which holds the Anthony Chapel. There are three of these style chapels in Arkansas and I plan on seeing all of them for their incredible architecture. They melt right into the woods and I can’t think of a more beautiful homage to nature and our spirit. For what it’s worth, I’m not religious, Mother Nature is who I pray to and these buildings are inspiring to look at online, can’t wait to see them first-hand.
That sounds amazing!
LOVE the idea of bringing mugs and hot chocolate/tea to make with the spring water! Thanks!
I wish I could take credit for the idea, but the rangers came up with that one. It is such a fun way to experience the water! Have a great time!
My husband and I are wanting to visit Yellowstone and Teton. We were thinking of April or May. Would love to use your itineraries but need to decide dates first. Could you advise if April or May would be doable? We would mainly be a scenic visit. We would like to stay in Jackson Hole for 5 days to accomplish this visit.
Hey Beth, you’ll find that info here >> The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park