Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday Blog
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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.
When you stay at Hot Springs National Park KOA, you're not just booking a campsite—you're gaining access to some of Arkansas' most exciting and beautiful attractions. From historic landmarks to outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Hot Springs area. Here are some must-see local attractions to make your camping trip even more memorable.
Just minutes from the campground, Hot Springs National Park is a natural wonder that combines history, hiking, and relaxation. Famous for its therapeutic hot springs, the park has been a popular destination for centuries. Stroll along the historic Bathhouse Row, where you can take a soak in the thermal waters or tour the beautifully preserved bathhouses. Don’t forget to explore the park's scenic hiking trails, offering stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains.
Must-Do Activities:
For nature lovers, a visit to Garvan Woodland Gardens is a must. Located just a short drive from Hot Springs KOA, this botanical garden is a 210-acre paradise filled with beautifully landscaped grounds, waterfalls, and unique architectural features. Perfect for a peaceful day trip, the gardens also feature seasonal displays of vibrant flowers and trees.
Must-See Highlights:
For one of the best views in Hot Springs, head to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. This 216-foot tower offers an observation deck with panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains and Hot Springs National Park. It’s a perfect spot for photography, and the ride to the top is a fun experience for kids and adults alike.
Why You Should Visit:
For family-friendly fun, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is just a short drive from the KOA. This combination amusement and water park offers thrilling roller coasters, water slides, and plenty of kid-friendly rides. It’s a perfect day trip for families with children or anyone looking to cool off and have some fun.
What to Expect:
Hot Springs is known for its picturesque lakes, and Lake Hamilton is a favorite among visitors. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water, this lake offers plenty of recreational opportunities. You can rent a boat, go on a guided lake tour, or visit nearby restaurants with beautiful lakeside views.
Activities to Try:
For a unique piece of history, stop by The Gangster Museum of America in downtown Hot Springs. This museum offers a fascinating look at the city’s past when infamous gangsters like Al Capone used Hot Springs as a vacation spot. Through exhibits, video presentations, and historical memorabilia, you’ll learn about the town’s ties to organized crime during the early 20th century.
Museum Highlights:
Perfect for families with children, the Mid-America Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that make learning fun. The museum features everything from a giant Tesla coil to an outdoor skywalk that winds through the trees. It’s a fun and educational stop for curious minds of all ages.
Exhibit Highlights:
For a day trip unlike any other, head to Crater of Diamonds State Park, located about an hour from Hot Springs. This is one of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds and keep what they find! It's a fun adventure for the whole family, and many visitors walk away with a unique souvenir.
What You’ll Experience:
With so many incredible attractions nearby, Hot Springs National Park KOA is the perfect place to base your camping adventure. Whether you’re exploring the natural beauty of Hot Springs National Park, enjoying the thrill of Magic Springs, or discovering local history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. After a day of sightseeing, you can return to your campsite and relax in the comfort of our top-notch amenities.
Book your stay today at Hot Springs National Park KOA, and experience the best that Hot Springs, Arkansas, has to offer!
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