Fun Fall Camping Activities in Hot Springs, AR

Autumn in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a season of vibrant colors and unforgettable activities. Whether you’re drawn to Bathhouse Row’s historic charm or the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs offers a truly unique blend of relaxation and adventure. 

In this article, we’ll look at some of the can’t-miss Hot Springs fall camping activities. With options ranging from RV camping to tent sites and cozy cabins, these eight activities promise unforgettable experiences. 

Things to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas During Fall

September through November is the perfect time to enjoy soothing spa treatments, scenic hikes, and lively festivals in this picturesque town. Ready your hiking boots and spa robes for a memorable fall experience in Hot Springs!

1. Visit Hot Springs National Park

A trip to Hot Springs isn’t complete without a visit to Hot Springs National Park! 

Head to Bathhouse Row to explore the town’s history and the beautifully preserved bathhouses from the early 20th century. Start your journey at the Fordyce Bathhouse, which now functions as the park’s visitors center and a fully restored museum. 

Of course, the park offers far more than the bathhouses. Spend more time in the park:

• Hiking 26 miles of scenic trails
• Visiting the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic vistas of the surrounding area
• Picnicking in one of the designated areas amidst the picturesque landscapes

While at the park, look for special ranger-led programs for more in-depth explorations. The visitor center will have an up-to-date schedule of seasonal happenings.

Fall camping tip: Be sure to drink plenty of water when out and about, even if you don’t feel hot. Dehydration is still possible!

2. Experience the thermal hot springs firsthand

If touring the historic bathhouses puts you in the mood for a spa day, you’re in luck! The soothing thermal waters are especially delightful during the cooler fall weather. 

Two bathhouses still operate today, each offering a vastly different experience.

The Buckstaff Bathhouse offers an opulent traditional experience, similar to what a guest visiting Hot Springs in the early 1900s would have encountered. Quapaw Baths and Spa, on the other hand, provides visitors with a more modern spa day with additional services like facials, massages, and more. 

If you aren’t sure which to pick, you can always make room for both! 

3. Take a scenic drive through fall foliage

One of our favorite autumn activities is going on a DIY sightseeing tour to really appreciate the area’s beauty.

Take a leisurely drive along the scenic byways surrounding Hot Springs, such as the Hot Springs Mountain Drive or Scenic 7 Byway. These routes offer breathtaking views of the fall foliage, especially in early to mid-November, when autumn colors peak.

4. Walk through the Garvan Woodland Gardens

Most people tend to think spring is the best time to visit a botanical garden, but you won’t want to miss the beauty of fall at the Garvan Woodland Gardens. In addition to changing fall colors, you can experience the beauty of late bloomers like chrysanthemums as they show off in September and early October.

Fall camping tip: The smaller crowds of autumn also make it the perfect time to take advantage of the events and classes that may be going on when you visit! Be sure to swing by the visitor center to learn more.

5. Attend a festival or fair

The crisp, cooler air of fall makes September through November the perfect time for festivals and fairs in Hot Springs. Check out the city’s events calendar and try to catch one of these fun annual events while in town. 

Big Steam Blues and Roots Music Festival

For the past three years, Hot Springs has hosted the Big Steam Blues and Roots Music Festival in late September. The festival features talented musicians from around the country who put on powerful performances with soulful sounds.

Check out the Big Stream website for this year’s dates, lineups, and special announcements.  

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Every fall, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival draws crowds of visitors to its nine-day celebration of multiculturalism and intergenerational connection. 

Entering its third decade, it is the oldest all-documentary festival across North America and one of the globe’s enduring showcases of non-fiction cinema. The festival continues to serve as a steadfast advocate and guardian of the documentary film genre.

Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair

One of Arkansas’s best arts and crafts showcases is entering its 55th year. The Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair is a weekend full of shopping, creating, artist camaraderie, and fun. Stroll around the booths and get your holiday shopping done early, or register online to become a vendor and sell your own work!

6. Get out on Lake Hamilton

Though the best swimming months may be behind us by fall, it’s still the perfect time to be out on the water.

Enjoy a relaxing day on the water by renting a boat, kayak, or jetski on Lake Hamilton. The fall colors reflecting off the water create a picturesque setting for a peaceful excursion. Or, if you prefer to spend your time on the water with a rod and reel, hire a local fishing guide to show you all of the best spots on the lake. 

If you’re lucky, you won’t have to worry about choosing a place for dinner!

7. Ride horses through the Ouachita Mountains

Experience the Ouachita Mountains from a whole new perspective— from the back of a horse! Arkansas Riding Stables has locations at DeGray Lake and Lake Catherine and offers guided rides through scenic woodlands and along the lake shores.

Reservations are recommended, so if you plan on taking a tour, be sure to call and book ahead of time.

Fall camping tip: Autumn temperatures can be unpredictable, so always dress in layers. This will allow you to adjust your attire to suit the activity or fluctuating daily temperatures.

8. Enjoy the autumn camping experience

We’d be remiss not to mention the memories you can make without leaving your campsite! Fall is the perfect time to take an afternoon or two to explore the place you’re calling home during your trip. 

Make time to:

• Build a campfire and roast some marshmallows
• Tell spooky stories (this is especially fun around Halloween)
• Take advantage of amenities around your campsite, like hiking trails or fishing ponds

Of course, to do this, you must choose the right campground or RV resort! (Luckily, we happen to know a thing or two about Hot Springs RV resorts.)

Choose the Right Home Base for Your Hot Springs, Arkansas Fall Activities

 

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to a comfortable, cozy campsite. 

Tucked away in the Ouachita Mountains, Catherine’s Landing RV Resort is just fifteen minutes from all the main attractions Hot Springs offers, putting you at the center of the action. 

With RV sites, yurts, cottage rentals, and tent pads, Catherine’s Landing has something for every type of camper. Plus, must-have amenities like a swimming pool, fishing pond, and hiking trails will keep the whole family entertained while you’re on property.

From cool-weather hikes to gorgeous scenic drives to fun festivals, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is truly the ideal autumn camping destination. We hope you enjoy your stay!