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Hot Springs National Park KOA
- 838 McClendon Road
- Hot Springs, AR 71901
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Directions
On Grand Ave (Hwy 70B) at east city limits. Exit 4 follow blue hwy signs. If traveling west on Highway 70, when you come to EXIT 6, DO NOT TAKE HWY 70 toward Mount Ida, you want to stay straight and follow HWY 70 B to exit 4.
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Reserve800-562-5903
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Info501-624-5912
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2011 President's Award
KOA President's Award
Awarded to KOAs that meet exceptional quality standards and are recognized by their guests for outstanding service.
2011 KOA Founder's Award
KOA Founder's Award
KOA's highest service award, presented to KOA owners that achieve world class service scores from their camping guests.
Rejuvenate in the thermal waters of turn-of-the-century Bathhouse Row.
Rejuvenate in the thermal waters of turn-of-the-century Bathhouse Row, explore the beauty of Hot Springs National Park, browse galleries, thrill to the exciting fun of Magic Springs & Crystal Falls, experience hoof-pounding excitement at Oaklawn racetrack or marvel at the wonders of Garvan Woodland Gardens and Mid-America Science Museum. Hunt for crystals and real diamonds nearby. Your campground hosts offer shuttles to downtown (fee) and free rides to Magic Springs and Oaklawn (seasonal). Historic tours of the city and national park are conducted. Located in a wooded area in the scenic rolling foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, this KOA offers the best breakfast in the area (Feb.-Nov.), summer weekend activities, a heated pool and an 18-hole mini golf course with a snack bar.
Meet Your Hosts
Moving from the busy city of Chicago to the more laid-back town of Hot Springs National Park, George and Anita Barrett left behind their school teaching years to own a KOA campground. With a sense of pride and love, the whole family is involved in the operation of their KOA. The physical appearance of the campground draws visitors from both near and far. It is well maintained and very pretty.
This KOA is different than most. Instead of flat grounds and sites right next to each other, the campground is terraced, which is both aesthetically pleasing and more private. The area outside of the campground is also heavily wooded.
Customer service is very important to the family, and they "provide campers with the best service possible."
The Barrett family lost Anita in 2010 to pancreatic cancer, but strive to continue her legacy of providing the best camping experience in Hot Springs. As always, the Barrett's "aim to please."
Campground Amenities
- Mini Kamping Lodge(s)
- Picnic table and fire pit at each site and cabins
- Full-hookup at all RV Sites - water, electric, sewer and cable TV
- Planned Activities Available
- Tent Sites have electricity & water
Campground Activities
Duck and Fishing Pond
Feed our flock of ducks, or fish in our catch and release small pond. We have fishing rods for your use, but no bait…our fish aren't picky eaters. We have duck food available, too.
Swimming Pool
Sparkling blue water to cool you in summer and into the fall. We close the pool at the end of September.
Playground
Large grassy area with playground equipment and room for playing ball. Basketball court, volley ball and badminton available.
Mini-Golf Course
18 Hole adventure mini-golf course conveniently located. Open all year, special Glow-in-the-Dark events scheduled throughout the year.
Planned Activities
Activities ranging from pool games to tie-dye t-shirts to mini carnivals and train rides are scheduled throughout the summer.
Golf
There are 8 courses in the area.
Fishing
There are three major lakes within 25 miles.
Crystal Mining
There are 13 mines within 25 miles.
Hiking
There are 22 miles of hiking trails within the National Park.
Horseback Riding
There are several stables for the novice and expert rider.
Shopping
Malls, Antiques, Flea Markets, Craft Shows (some weekends in April, June, August, October and November)
Off-road Park
There are 1200 acres of 4x4 vehicle trails located 3.5 miles from the KOA.
Boat and Water Toy Rentals
Rentals are available at area lakes.
Go-Kart Tracks
There are numerous locations throughout the area.
Local Attractions
Hot Springs National Park
Water. That's what attracts people to Hot Springs.
Old documents show that American Indians knew about and bathed in the hot springs during the late 1700s and the early 1800s. Their ancestors may have also known about the hot springs.
Some believe that the traces of minerals and the temperature (143 F/62 C) gie the waters whatever therapeutic properties they may have. People have used these hot springs for more than two hundred years to treat illnesses and to relax.
Both rich and poor came for the baths, and a town built up around the Hot Springs Reservation to accommodate them. Together nicknamed "The American Spa," Hot Springs National Park today surrounds the north end of the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Come - touch and taste the water. The hot springs are open for all to enjoy.
Magic Springs & Crystal Falls
There is no better place for family fun in Hot Springs than Magic Springs and Crystal Falls. Arkansas' onlu water and theme park.
Splash around in the Crystal Falls wave pool. Catch waves on the Boogie Blast surf simulation ride. Then dry off on high flying thrill rides, including the Arkansas Twister, the Gauntlet and the X-Coaster, which shoots 150 feet into the air and corkscrews down at more then 65 mph!
There is fun for the little ones on family and kids' rides. Plus when the sun goes down on summer Saturday nights, the lights go up in the Timberwood Ampitheater for all-star entertainers to take center stage. The first concert of the summer season kicks off on May 26th with Charlie Daniels.
Magic Springs opens for the season on April 14th (weekends only til May 24th). Crystal Falls water park opens May 12th.
The Belle of Hot Springs
Your ticket is your passport to beautiful Lake Hamilton. Sit back and relax aboard the Belle, a 250 passenger riverboat, and enjoy the captain's narration as he unfolds secrets of America's "Spa City."
His entertaining tour includes million dollar mansions, natural islands, quaint resorts, panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, colorful anecdotes, humorous stories, and well researched historical information.
The Belle has sailed beautiful Lake Hamilton since 1984 and continues to entertain visitors to Hot Springs National Park on a daily basis. Enjoy our 15 mile cruises for sightseeing, lunch, or our most popular cruise, the sunset dinner/dance cruise passenger
Visit the Belle of Hot Springs online, click here for more fun details!
Witness
This is Arkansas' musical passion play which tells of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as witnessed by the apostle Peter. It offers spiritual and inspirational religious and family entertainment. See the gospel come to life as the Apostle Peter tells the story of the miraculous events he has seen!
The Witness is presented as a live outdoor performance each Friday and Saturday evening Summer through early Fall in Hot Springs, AR. The 2012 season will begin the first Friday in June (1st) and will continue each Friday and Saturday evening through Saturday August 4th. We will take a short break in August and then begin again Friday August 31st and continue each Friday and Saturday thru October 20.
National Park Duck Tours
Come climb aboard one of our 12 World War II ducks and enjoy a 75-minute sightseeing adventure of Lake Hamilton and beautiful Hot Springs National Park on a National Park Duck Tours ride.
The "Ducks" depart across from Historic Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs and proceeds through town to Lake Hamilton for a cruise around St. John's Island.
We invite you to come have a "quacking" good time!
Buckstaff Bath House
Located On Historic Bath House Row in beautiful downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Buckstaff is the only remaining operational bath house within the boundaries of the Hot Springs National Park and has been in continuous service since 1912.
Still today the visitor to our city can experience the natural unadulterated thermal mineral waters, that have been known for centuries for their therapeutic value in the relief of common ailments such as arthritis, bursitis, rheumatic and gouty conditions and other common afflictions.
Weary visitors can utilize the same waters and treatments to relax and unwind from a fantastic vacation or business trip.The Buckstaff Bath House still offers a traditional style treatment with its staff of highly trained and dedicated personnel. Offering you the privacy of individual tubs, with an all men's department on the first floor and the 2nd floor being dedicated to the ladies.
To bathe at the Buckstaff, you need only present yourself during the admission times (no reservations or appointments accepted). All supplies and linen are provided to cover your self Roman style between your bathing stations (bathing suits optional). Each department has locking lockers and small valuables may be deposited at the front desk in private lock boxes. Some age and health restrictions may apply, your inquiry welcome.
Visit online at buckstaffbaths.com for more information.
Oaklawn Jockey Club
Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in one of the hottest destinations in Hot Springs, especially during the live race season, January through April. There's nothing quite like the rush of excitement you experience when the horses speed by, hooves pounding, dirt flying into the air, fans cheering loudly for their favorites. The park is also known for delicious dining, including the famous corned beef sandwich at the Arkansas Sports Tavern .
While the live racing season is during the spring, Oaklawn's gaming room is open all year long. Test your skills at Instant Racing, simulcasting and electronic games, such as black jack craps and poker. In addition to gaming, enjoy delicious dining at Pop's Lounge and Lagnaippe's. Join Oaklawn's Winners Circle to earn cash back, chances to win great prizes and special promotions on food and more.
For more on Oaklawn horse racing, visit here
Hot Springs National Park KOA offers a complimentary shuttle to and from Oaklawn, ONLY during the Live Meet.
Maxwell Blade's Theater of Magic
Join Master Illusionist Maxwell Blade in historic downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas! Maxwell Blade will take you on a magical journey in his intimate Theater of Magic where he will amaze you with Illusions, saluting great magicians of all time. Come join us for an unforgettable evening of magic and comedy with the entire family!
Mid-America Science Museum
Mid-America Science Museum,(MASM) is Arkansas' largest,hands-on science center. With,over 100 permanent interactive exhibits, the museum seeks to engage,visitors in life, matter, energy and perception. Wander the nature trail, explore,a gigantic indoor cave, take a thrill,ride in our,Virtual,Reality Simulator or dig,into the distant past for dinosaurs. MASM is also,home to the world's,most powerful,conical Tesla Coil.
An experiment in fun! Enter the world of energy, life, matter, and perception, see-touch-do!
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Elevate yourself 1,256 feet above sea level, overlooking 140 miles of beautiful Arkansas countryside, including Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita Mountains. Located atop Hot Springs Mountain.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Beauy is always in bloom at Garvan Gardens, the 210 acre botanical garden located on Lake Hamilton.
Impressive features include the Japanese garden, ranked among the top 10 in the nation; the 1.5 acre Evans Children's Adventure Garden; the bird sanctuary, home to more than 100 species of birds, and the Anthony Chapel, a striking wood and glass structure designed by partners of internationally renowned architect E. Fay Jones.
Don't miss the garden's dazzeling holiday light display of holiday lights, illuminated nightly from 5-9 pm, beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving and lasting through December 31st.
The Garden is closed during the month of January.
Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens online, click here for more details.
Anita Lynn Historic Tour
Our professional guides will regale you with two-and-a-half hours of sights, sounds and stories of yesteryear.
Stroll along Bathhouse Row and through Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and wander through the history of Hot Springs National Park.
Touch and taste the thermal waters that promised a cure to anything that ailed you and attracted the famous and notorious. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains.
There are two tours per day - 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. Advance reservations are required - by close of business the night before for the 9:30 tour and by 10 am for the 1:30 pm tour.
Scenic Highway 7 - One of the 10 most scenic drives in the United States
Drive Scenic Byway 7 in Arkansas, the state's first state-designated scenic byway, and travel through four of the state's varied geographical regions. Arguably one of the most scenic drives in America, the route begins on the south end within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that saw an oil boom beginning in 1921 near El Dorado. It continues to Camden and on to Arkadelphia through rolling terrain with dense pine forests and stream valleys with bottomland hardwood forests.Near Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, famous for their quartz crystals, and passes by DeGray Lake, home of Arkansas's only resort state park. At Hot Springs, the byway journeys through the historic downtown and immediately in front of the famed Bath House Row of Hot Springs National Park. Continuing though the forested Ouachitas, it passes through the Ouachita National Forest and by Lake Nimrod, then reaches Russellville and crosses the more level terrain of the Arkansas River Valley.Leaving the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark Mountains, famous for fall foliage, and the Ozark National Forest, and passes
Crater of Diamonds
Situated among the pine forests of southwest Arkansas near Murfreesboro is a rare 35-acre field where diamonds can be found in their natural matrix. Visitors from around the world search for diamonds at this unique geologic occurrence. This field is the only diamond area in North America open to the public. An average of more than 600 diamonds is found each year. Although genuine diamonds are the chief attractions, other semiprecious gems and minerals can be found. Amethyst, agate, jasper, quartz, calcite, barite and many others, including over 40 different rocks and minerals, make the area a rock-hound’s delight.
Upcoming Events
Oaklawn live racing meet - mid Jan - mid April.
Shuttle service - door to door FREE transportation to the Oaklawn each race day.
Pick-the-winner contest - contest held every Saturday morning during the racing season with prizes for the most winners picked.
Cooks night out - pick your favorite cut of meat from our selection, cook it on our huge grill, and we prepare the vegetable, salad, bread, beverage, and dessert.
May
Come Camp and Care With Us Weekend - Any Pancake breakfast purchased at Grandpa's Griddle on Saturday or Sunday will have all proceeds go to KOA Care Camps!
Mother's Day weekend - Mom gets a 50% discount at Grandpa's Griddle morning breakfast.
.Memorial Day weekend - FREE American flag to all our campers to display proudly at your site. Plenty of fun this weekend.
June
Summer is here! Something to do every weekend: train rides for the little ones, FREE watermelon, flashlight candy hunts, and marshmallow roasts.
Father's day weekend - Dad gets a 50% discount at Grandpa's Griddle on Sunday morning for breakfast.
July
4th of July weekend - FREE American flag to display at your site. Plenty of fun this weekend.
September
Labor Day weekend - Enjoy watermelon, ice-cream socials, train rides, marshmallow roasts, and candy flashlights hunts.
