National Park
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. 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.
Plan your visit
- Best Time To Visit
- Year-round access; spring and fall offer comfortable conditions; winter provides solitude; summer requires preparation for heat and humidity
Highlights
- Why Visit
- Hot Springs National Park is a city-scale National Park that centers around a historic thermal springs district. The park’s core footprint is inseparable from the urban fabric, with Bathhouse Row serving as a living reminder of early 20th-century civic planning and public health infrastructure. Its value lies in the combination of natural thermal waters and a vertically integrated cultural landscape that has guided regional development for generations. The park preserves a compact, walkable district where historic bathhouses meet public information centers, scenic overlooks, and accessible trails. It offers a model of how natural resources can be stewarded within an urban setting, emphasizing preservation of built heritage, public access, and safe, regulated recreation. The experience is defined by observation and study of civic adaptation to thermal springs, rather than isolated wilderness adventure.
- Top Things To Do
- Bathhouse Row walk; Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center; Hot Springs Mountain Tower; Gulpha Gorge trails; scenic drives around the district
Areas to plan around
- Bathhouse Row Historic District
- Fordyce Bathhouse and other early 20th-century bathhouses; public information centers; National Historic Landmark district
- Hot Springs Mountain
- Hiking trails; scenic overlooks; Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Gulpha Gorge
- Camping area with 40 sites; wooded trails; river corridor access
- Downtown Hot Springs
- Urban core with cultural institutions, shops, and dining within proximity to park facilities
Getting there & around
- Getting There Airports
- Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT); Nearby major airport: Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock.
- Getting There Driving Distances
- Varies
- Getting There Entrances
- No formal gate; multiple access points along Central Avenue; urban park entry
- Getting Around Reservations
- No vehicle reservations required for entry; Gulpha Gorge Campground reservations via Recreation.gov
- Getting Around Parking
- Downtown parking with metered street spaces and the Exchange Street Parking Garage; parking can be competitive during peak times
Where to stay
- Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
- No in-park lodging; stay in Hot Springs city; Gulpha Gorge is camping only
- Where To Stay Campgrounds
- Gulpha Gorge Campground: 40 sites; $34/night; reservations via Recreation.gov; max 14 consecutive days, 30 days/year
- Where To Stay Gateway Towns
- Hot Springs, AR
Safety & wildlife
- Safety Bear Country
- Wildlife risk is low in this urban setting; snakes may be encountered on trails; stay on trails and maintain distance.
- Safety Weather
- Summer heat and humidity; heat index up to 110°F (43°C); stay hydrated; thunderstorms; rapid weather changes possible.
- Safety Altitude
- Varies
- Safety Leave No Trace
- Pack it out; stay on trails; respect wildlife; keep nature undisturbed.
- Safety Permits Needed
- Casual day visits require no permit; backcountry/research uses require permits via park website.
- Wildlife Overview
- General urban wildlife; occasional snakes on trails; opportunities to observe birds and small mammals
- Wildlife Where To See
- Trails in Gulpha Gorge and along Hot Springs Mountain trails
- Wildlife Safety
- Stay on designated trails; do not feed wildlife; give snakes space; report dangerous wildlife to park staff
Trip strategy
- Itinerary Strategy
- Day 1: Bathhouse Row and Fordyce; Day 2: Mountain Tower and Gulpha Gorge; Day 3: Downtown exploration and optional ranger-led programs
- Entrance Hacks
- No gate; entry is free; plan for downtown parking; consider arriving early to secure a parking spot
- Basecamp Logic
- WEST SIDE: Proximity to Bathhouse Row and dining; EAST SIDE: Access to mountain trails and overlooks; stay where access to trails is convenient if hiking is a priority
- Crowd Calendar
- July: heat and humidity; September: fewer visitors; winter: quiet with minimal crowds
- Tips Advice
- No entry fee;
- Parking can be tight downtown;
- Bring water and sun protection;
- No shuttle system;
- Follow leash rules for pets;
- Check West Mountain Drive status before you go
More details
- Park Code
- hosp
- Tagline
- National Park
- Quick Facts Entrance Fees
- No entry fee. America the Beautiful passes available at Fordyce Bathhouse and usable at other federal sites; digital passes via Recreation.gov.
- Nearby Services
- Gas stations, medical facilities, restaurants, shops in Hot Springs city
- Family Friendly Notes
- Junior Ranger program available; downtown core is walkable; stroller-friendly paths in central areas
- Accessibility
- Varies by facility; Fordyce Bathhouse provides accessibility options; trails have varying access depending on route
- Photography Tips
- Use early morning light along Bathhouse Row; avoid blocking traffic; respect visitors and staff; observe overlooks from designated viewpoints
- When To Visit Peak Season
- Year-round; no defined peak; winter is generally quieter.
- When To Visit Shoulder Season
- Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.
- When To Visit Winter
- Park remains open; cooler weather and fewer visitors; plan for shorter daylight hours.
- When To Visit Road Opening
- West Mountain Drive may close temporarily for maintenance; main park roads and access to summits remain open during daylight hours.
- Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals
- Bear spray rentals not listed; carry your own; verify local outfitter options
- Weather Averages
- Humid subtropical; mild springs and falls; hot summers; cool winters
- Weather Precipitation
- Frequent summer thunderstorms; average annual rainfall moderate; occasional snow in winter
- Weather Info
- 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.
- What To Bring Essential Gear
- Water, sun protection, layers, sturdy walking shoes, map or offline maps, lightweight rain shell
- What To Bring Clothing
- Breathable fabrics; no cotton; layered clothing for variability; sun/hat
- Review Summary
- Park is highly rated (4.7 stars from thousands of reviews); easy urban access paired with a compact, walkable historic district; parking and crowding can be challenging at peak times; expect a focused blend of natural springs and architectural heritage
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay to enter Hot Springs National Park?
No entry fee for day use; America the Beautiful passes available at Fordyce Bathhouse for eligible users.
Is there a shuttle system for getting around the park?
No park-operated shuttle; you can walk Bathhouse Row and access nearby trails on foot; parking can be tight downtown.
Can I reserve a campsite at Gulpha Gorge Campground?
Yes. Gulpha Gorge Campground has 40 sites; $34 per night; reservations via Recreation.gov; stay limits apply (14 consecutive days, 30 days per year).
Are there restrictions on pets or drones?
Pets are allowed on trails and in most areas but not inside federal buildings; leash required and waste must be cleaned up. Drone policies are not specified here; check official park guidance before flying.
What facilities exist for visitors in the Fordyce Bathhouse area?
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum operates daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; restrooms and a small bookstore available; orientation film present; WiFi not specifically listed.
Trails
Whittington Trail
Flat gravel loop for joggers and walkers. Recovery pace, zero technical demands.
Tufa Terrace Trail
Paved geothermal trail through tufa formations. Watch for stairs. 30-minute thermal education, easy mode.
An Overview: Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails
Paved entry point to mountain grit. Easy promenade or strenuous ridge climbs—your call, your fitness.
An Overview: West Mountain Trails
Quiet trails, big elevation. Whittington for strollers, Mountain Top for grit. Wildlife. No crowds.
Gateway towns
Fountain Lake
Quiet residential village next to the park—more of a bypass than a stop. Most services in Hot Springs Village.
Hot Springs
Spa town 2.4 km south. Historic bathhouses, lodging, dining—downtown walks to park.
Morning Star
Tiny hamlet 4 miles east with basic lodging and dining.
Piney
Quiet hamlet with one hotel and local dining. Quick access to Hot Springs.
Recommended gear
Sources
- nationalparks.org
- hotspringsar.gov
- nps.gov
- hotsprings.org
- national-park.com
- recreation.gov
- arkansas.com
- quapawbaths.com
- wikipedia.org
- koa.com
- localconditions.com
- outsideonline.com
- canada.ca
- usgs.gov
- usparkpass.com
- usparkpass.com
- Current time information in Garland County, US.
- pagosahotsprings.com
- oregon.gov
- youtube.com
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.