Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday Blog
Spring Into Camping – Fresh air, fun adventures, and cozy campfires await!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
McClendon Road is off Highway 70B (Grand Ave); here are more detailed directions:
From the NORTH: Take HWY 7 to 7S; Turn left, follow 1.5 miles to HWY 70B; Turn left onto Service Road, follow for 2 miles to KOA.
From the EAST: Take HWY 70W to HWY 70B {DO NOT TAKE Exit 6 (70W to 270W)} Follow 70B to EXIT 4, then 3/4 mile west on Service Road to KOA.**
From the WEST: Take HWY 270/70 EAST. Follow HWY 70 to EXIT 11B-Grand Ave W - Follow 70B to EXIT 4, then 3/4 mile west on Service Road to KOA.**
FROM SOUTH & WEST via I-30: Exit 98B; Follow HWY 270 West 13 miles to HWY 70E. Enter HWY 70E to EXIT 11B (Grand Ave West). Follow Grand Ave/70B to EXIT 4, then 3/4 mile west on Service Road to KOA.
If using a GPS unit, type in "Hot Springs National Park" as the city - sometimes that works better. However, if your GPS directs you down Fountain Street, turning right on Hot Springs Mountain Road - DO NOT FOLLOW those directions!! Call us, and we will get you here.
** Over the last 18 months, we have received numerous concerns about the right hand turn off the ACCESS Road and onto McClendon Road. This road is NOT the entrance and this is a county road. The concerns is about dragging the back end of various RVs. We have found making a wider right turns seems to alleviate the dragging situation. However, if you are still concerned, please do the following:
- Continue on the Access Road (East Grand Ave) to Magic Springs - about 3/4 mile.
- Turn left and go across the overpass.
- At the STOP Sign, turn left again and follow the Access Road (East Grand Ave) to the underpass.
- Turn Left, and go under the highway.
- At STOP Sign turn Right onto the Access Road.
- Turn LEFT in front of the KOA Sign, onto McClendon Road.
- Follow McClendon Road approximate 400 feet, and make a RIGHT into the KOA.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant community events. When you plan a stay at the Hot Springs National Park KOA, you’ll be perfectly situated to take part in some of the most exciting annual events the area has to offer. From food festivals and music concerts to historic celebrations, there’s always something happening in Hot Springs that will make your camping trip even more memorable. Here’s a roundup of the top annual events in Hot Springs you don’t want to miss!
Every summer, the Hot Springs Music Festival draws classical music lovers from around the world. This unique event combines top-notch performances with the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. Musicians from all over gather to perform classical pieces in a series of concerts, chamber performances, and public events. The festival lasts for two weeks and includes various free and ticketed performances at historic venues around Hot Springs.
Event Highlights:
One of the quirkiest and most fun events in Hot Springs is the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which takes place every March on Bridge Street—a street famous for being just 98 feet long! This unique parade draws thousands of visitors and features celebrities, floats, Irish dancers, and plenty of green. Despite its short length, the parade is packed with excitement, and the festivities continue with concerts and pub crawls throughout the day.
Why You Should Go:
Film buffs won’t want to miss the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, the oldest all-documentary festival in North America. Held every October, this prestigious event showcases a variety of documentaries from around the world, focusing on everything from social issues to environmental topics. In addition to film screenings, there are Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and panel discussions, making it a perfect event for cinephiles.
Must-See Features:
If you’re a fan of pop culture, comics, or gaming, Spa-Con is the event for you. This multi-genre convention is held every September and brings together fans of comic books, video games, anime, and more. With celebrity guests, cosplay contests, panels, and gaming tournaments, Spa-Con is an exciting experience for people of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the world of fandom, this is a can’t-miss event in Hot Springs.
Event Highlights:
Hot Springs is home to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, one of the premier thoroughbred racetracks in the U.S. Each year, from January through May, Oaklawn hosts its exciting live racing season, drawing in racing enthusiasts from across the country. The highlight of the season is the Arkansas Derby, a major prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing fan or new to the sport, Oaklawn’s racing season is full of thrills, and the Derby is an event not to be missed.
What to Expect:
Beer lovers should mark their calendars for the Hot Springs Craft Beer Festival held every May. This annual event features a wide range of local and regional craft beers, along with food trucks, live music, and a lively atmosphere. Held at The Hot Springs Convention Center, the festival gives attendees a chance to sample unique brews from Arkansas and beyond, making it a perfect way to kick off the summer.
Festival Highlights:
For a truly magical experience, plan your visit to coincide with the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship. Held in nearby Harrison, just an hour’s drive from Hot Springs, this annual event fills the skies with vibrant hot air balloons. Watch as dozens of balloons take to the air in stunning displays of color, or take a tethered balloon ride for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The event also features live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Why You’ll Love It:
Step back in time at the Hot Springs Renaissance Faire, held every November. This immersive event transports visitors to a world of knights, jousting, and medieval revelry. With costumed performers, live entertainment, and artisan vendors, the Renaissance Faire offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. From sword fights and archery competitions to delicious food and handcrafted goods, this event is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Faire Highlights:
With so many exciting annual events, Hot Springs is the perfect destination for your next camping adventure. Whether you’re here for a weekend of live music, a thrilling horse race, or a quirky parade, there’s always something happening in this vibrant town. Make Hot Springs National Park KOA your home base, and you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Ready to plan your visit? Book your stay at Hot Springs National Park KOA today, and experience the best events Hot Springs has to offer!
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