Hot Springs: A New Ten-Year Deal for the Buckstaff Bathhouse
Since September 22, 2026, a new contract expands access to the Buckstaff's traditional baths, with extended hours and advance reservations.
By David Sanchez,
Good news if you're planning a spa stop in Arkansas. Hot Springs National Park has just awarded the operation of its historic bathhouse to a new concessioner, and it's for a ten-year term. The agreement covers the Buckstaff Bathhouse, one of the landmark bathhouses on the famous Bathhouse Row.
Two changes really matter for your visit. First, the operating hours are getting longer, which gives you more windows to fit in a soak on an already packed day. And second, probably the most useful part when you're coming from far away, advance reservations are now possible. No more rolling the dice at the counter and hoping for an opening. You can now lock in your time slot before you even set foot in the park.
This new setup has been in place since September 22, 2026. If you're planning a trip in the coming weeks, now's the time to check availability and book rather than wing it on-site, especially during busy stretches.
It's worth going out of your way for. The Buckstaff keeps alive the old-fashioned bathing ritual that made the town famous. Thermal water drawn on-site, treatments delivered in a period setting, an experience you won't find just anywhere. A traditional bath is still one of the top things to do on a visit here, and this expanded access finally makes it easier for international visitors to plan.
When it comes to planning, keep in mind that exact hours and prices can change, so always confirm the day's details before you head out. To place this stop within a full itinerary, get your bearings on Bathhouse Row, and plan the rest of your visit, lean on the Hot Springs park guide, which pulls together the practical essentials. A thermal detour is best savored when it's booked ahead.