Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs National Park, just minutes from historic Bathhouse Row, Gulpha Gorge Campground offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. With full hookup sites, creekside serenity, and trail access to the national park, this is hands-down one of the most scenic and convenient National Park campgrounds we’ve stayed at.
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Gulpha Gorge Campground Location
Address:
305 Gorge Rd
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901
GPS Coordinates: 34.5189° N, 93.0351° W
Campsite Prices & Discounts
- Standard Rate: $34 per night
- Discount: 50% off for America the Beautiful Senior or Access Pass holders
- Note: Discount only applies to the site occupied by the pass owner.
Reservations
Book up to six months in advance at Recreation.gov
Highly recommended due to limited availability (only 44 sites) and high demand.
Our Experience
We camped at site #44, backed right up to Gulpha Creek with a view of sheer rock cliffs—absolutely stunning. The sound of the water and rustling leaves made it hard to believe we were minutes from downtown Hot Springs.
All sites are blacktop, back-in, and include:
- 30/50 amp electric
- Water & sewer
- Picnic table
- Pedestal grill
There are no showers, but modern flush restrooms are available. During our two-night stay in late November, the campground was nearly full—proof that this gem draws campers year-round.
Why We Loved It
- Full hookups in a national park? Yes, please
- Gorgeous natural setting with plenty of trees and privacy
- Streamside sites are perfect for relaxing or photographing nature
- Walking access to trails and Bathhouse Row
- Excellent cell service with both T-Mobile and Verizon (streamed Netflix easily via Fire Stick)
- Close to all the food, history, and healing waters of Hot Springs
Things to Do Nearby
Hiking
Hot Springs National Park offers 26 miles of trails, and Gulpha Gorge connects directly to several of them, including those leading to:
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Bathhouse Row
- Grand Promenade
Bathhouse Row – Soaking in History
The bathhouses of Hot Springs National Park are more than just places to relax—they’re living monuments to a unique chapter in American health and leisure history. Bathhouse Row is a collection of eight grand buildings constructed between 1892 and 1923, each with its own architectural style, therapeutic focus, and story to tell.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Hot Springs was known as “The American Spa.” People traveled from all over the country, often by train, to bathe in the naturally heated 143°F mineral water that bubbled up from the Ouachita Mountains. It was believed to treat everything from arthritis to skin conditions, and the town quickly developed into a booming health resort destination.
The eight historic bathhouses are:
- Buckstaff Bathhouse – The only one that has operated continuously since 1912, offering authentic, old-school thermal bathing experiences with original equipment and treatment rooms.
- Quapaw Baths & Spa – A modern spa experience with public thermal pools, massages, facials, and private soaking areas. It’s our top pick if you’re looking to dip your toes into the springs without committing to a full package.
- Fordyce Bathhouse – No longer active, but fully restored as the National Park Visitor Center and museum. You can take a self-guided tour through its ornate massage rooms, gymnasiums, music lounges, and even a bowling alley. It’s a fascinating look at early 20th-century wellness culture.
- The others—Ozark, Hale, Maurice, Superior, and Lamar—have been repurposed into galleries, shops, and offices, with some still undergoing renovation or adaptive reuse.
Hydrotherapy was the crown jewel of the treatment lineup. Using natural thermal water, patients would undergo a series of soaks, steam baths, needle showers, and even electrotherapy. Today’s spa menus are less intense, but you can still enjoy private baths, aromatherapy, Swedish massage, and more.
Pro Tip:
If you want to experience the water for free, bring a container and fill up at one of the many public spigots around town. Locals swear by it, and it’s safe to drink!
The Ohio Club
We had burgers and fries at The Ohio Club, Arkansas’s oldest bar (est. 1905). This place oozes history—from gangsters like Al Capone to baseball legends like Babe Ruth. Today it’s a spot for live music, upscale pub fare, and some fine whiskey.
Things to Keep in Mind
- No showers onsite, so plan accordingly
- No mail or package service. We used General Delivery at the Hot Springs Post Office
- Stay limits: 14 consecutive days / 30 days per year max, with a required 7-day break between stays
- Book early. Sites fill up fast, even in the off-season
Cell & Internet Service
- Great connectivity for remote work or streaming
- T-Mobile: 3–4 bars (good voice and data)
- Verizon MiFi: 4 bars, streamed Netflix with no issues
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Shop the MarCELL Pro NowFinal Thoughts
Gulpha Gorge Campground is a rare find—a full-hookup National Park campground just minutes from a vibrant historic town and surrounded by hiking trails and natural beauty. Whether you’re passing through or planning a deeper dive into Hot Springs National Park, this campground is worth the stop.
It’s one of those spots where you can sip coffee by the creek in the morning, hike to a thermal spring by noon, and dine in a gangster-era speakeasy by night.
We’ll definitely be back to explore more.
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