Camping in Hot Springs: Gulpha Gorge, 40 Sites at $34 a Night

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Hot Springs

Hot Springs National Park has one official NPS-operated campground: Gulpha Gorge. All 40 sites have electric hookups, the campground is open year-round, and reservations are available through Recreation.gov. There is no dispersed camping in this park. Its urban setting rules it out entirely.

Campgrounds in the park (1)

• Campground Gulpha Gorge Campground recreation.gov · 40 sites Directions ↗

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Can You Camp Inside Hot Springs National Park?

Yes, but only within clearly defined limits. Hot Springs is an unusual national park. It stretches through the heart of a city, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and its territory consists primarily of Bathhouse Row, the thermal springs, and the surrounding wooded hills. There are no dispersed camping areas or backcountry permits. All camping stays take place at Gulpha Gorge, the park's only official campground.

Campgrounds in the Park

Gulpha Gorge Campground

Gulpha Gorge is Hot Springs National Park's campground. About 1.9 miles from downtown and along Gulpha Creek, it offers a surprisingly wooded setting just minutes from Bathhouse Row.

• Sites: 40 sites, all with electric hookups.
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, running water, and electricity at every site.
• Season: Open year-round. Registered campers can access the campground 24/7. The adjacent picnic area and amphitheater are open from sunrise to sunset.
• Rate: $34 per night for every site.
• RVs: Maximum length of 60 feet.
• Reservations: Through Recreation.gov, required for every site.

The setting is pleasant. The trees filter the summer heat, and the sound of the creek accompanies you at night. In fall, the campground often fills by Thursday evening before a weekend. Booking ahead isn't optional.

RV or Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

Gulpha Gorge works well for both. All 40 sites have electric hookups, which makes the booking process straightforward. You won't need to hunt for a site without a hookup.

If you're camping in an RV, check your vehicle's length before booking. The campground accepts rigs up to 60 feet long. Every site has electricity, and campers have access to showers and potable water on-site. Individual sites don't have water hookups or sewer connections, so they aren't full hookup sites. For a stay with water, electricity, and sewer connections, private campgrounds in town offer additional amenities. Our RV Camping page covers these options.

If you're tent camping, the rate is the same, $34 per night, and electricity is available at your site. The sites along the creek are the most popular. They're shaded and slightly removed from vehicle traffic. Bring gear suited to chilly winter nights. Temperatures can drop below 32°F when wind chill is factored in.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

When Gulpha Gorge is full or you need more amenities, Hot Springs and the surrounding area offer several alternatives.

Hot Springs Campground & RV Park (rvparkhotsprings.com) is a private campground with full hookups, water, electricity, and sewer, along with cabins and Wi-Fi. It mainly caters to RV and trailer travelers looking for hotel-like comfort.

Hot Springs KOA is another local option, with a pool, playgrounds, cabins, and standard and premium sites. Rates are higher than at Gulpha Gorge, but the amenities are close at hand.

For lodging in buildings, including lodges, hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts, see our Where to Stay guide and our Hotels & Lodges page.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

There is no dispersed camping at Hot Springs National Park. The park's layout, with fragmented land in an urban setting, no long-distance trails, and sensitive areas around the springs, rules out any backcountry camping permit. If you're looking for a wilderness camping experience in Arkansas, the Ouachita and Ozark national forests near Hot Springs offer dispersed camping areas with permits.

In Hot Springs itself, hikes on the park's hills range from 1.2 to 6.2 miles and are day hikes. They don't require permits or overnight camping. Our Hiking page lists the trails by difficulty.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Hot Springs

Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, the official federal reservation platform. Every Gulpha Gorge site operates on a reservation system. There is no first-come, first-served access. The booking window generally opens six months in advance. If you're targeting a spring or fall weekend, reserve your site as soon as the dates become available.

Spring, from March through May, and fall, from September through November, are the busiest seasons. Expect mild weather and heavy visitation, and book early. Summer, from June through August, remains busy despite the heat and humidity. Winter is quieter and often offers more flexibility, but cold nights call for four-season gear.

For help choosing the right season for your trip, our When to Go guide and Weather page provide more context.

Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Hot Springs?

At Gulpha Gorge, the rate is $34 per night, regardless of the site. All 40 sites have electric hookups, so there is no lower-priced standard category. Recreation.gov booking fees are added to the base rate.

The America the Beautiful Pass, the federal annual pass, offers a discount on camping fees in national parks. Our Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and pass options.

Private campgrounds in town charge similar or higher rates depending on the amenities included.

Camping Safety and Good Practices

Hot Springs National Park has no large predators. There are no bears or alligators. Still, a few practical precautions matter.

Local wildlife: Venomous snakes, including cottonmouths and copperheads, live in wooded areas and along the creek banks. Don't reach under rocks or logs without looking first. Keep children within sight near the creek.

Mosquitoes and ticks: They're common from May through October. DEET repellent and daily tick checks are essential, especially during fall stays.

Food storage: The park doesn't require bear boxes because no bears have been recorded here. Still, store food in your vehicle overnight to keep raccoons and opossums, which are very active in the campground, away from your site.

Summer heat: The heat index rises significantly in summer. Drink water regularly while hiking. The campground has potable water, so fill your water bottles on-site.

Campfires: They may be subject to seasonal park restrictions. Check the rules posted at the Gulpha Gorge entrance or review the official NPS page before lighting a fire.

The complete stay rules, including leash requirements, waste sorting, and campground quiet hours, appear on our Practical Information, Rules & Safety page.

Which Campground Is Best for You?

For lodging in Hot Springs, the Where to Stay and Hotels & Lodges guides cover all the options.

Frequently Asked Questions