This Southern City Is Considered One Of The Top RV Spots In America For Fun Adventures

RV travel can be an incredible way to venture out on the road with a group of friends or family in tow and explore new destinations at your own, preferred pace. More than 11 million American households own RVs, according to the RV Industry Association. While RVing on its own is often a treat for travelers, picking the right vacation destination can lead to even more unforgettable journeys.

If you're planning for your next RV trip, Hot Springs, Arkansas is a destination you simply won't want to miss. Situated just a little more than 4 hours South of Branson, Missouri, Hot Springs is an RV spot with something for everyone to enjoy. Hot Springs is home to just over 35,000 residents, but its small-city charm is rivaled by a vast number of attractions, landmarks, and activities to enjoy that are easy to tailor to interests of all types.

When you park your RV in Hot Springs, Arkansas, you can easily focus your fun on theme parks and festivals if you choose to, but it's just as simple to enjoy a stay where time in the great outdoors is a priority. Hoping to make it an RV getaway that emphasizes relaxation? Hot Springs, Arkansas has you covered there as well.

There are around 45 different RV parks for travelers to choose from, including luxurious RV resorts, when they set their sights on a stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Places like Young's Lakeshore RV Resort offer full-service RV sites with easy access to parks, lakes, and in-town entertainment. Catherine's Landing is a great option for families looking for more than 400 acres of terrain to explore, dotted with hiking trails, mesmerizing wildlife, and a zipline too.

No matter what Hot Springs RV park you happen to choose, staying within city limits puts you within easy reach of exciting time spent at Hot Springs National Park. Spanning 5,550 acres, this national park is relatively small compared to some of its vast counterparts like Yellowstone (which spans over 2 million acres of terrain). However, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in natural beauty and rich history.

Hot Springs National Park is the oldest national park in the U.S., established in 1832. The park was created to formally protect the many thermal springs that naturally flow on Hot Springs Mountain slopes. When you enjoy time at Hot Springs National Park, there's no fee to visit and you'll encounter no less than an impressive 47 thermal springs along the way.

RV adventurers who enjoy museum hopping will find plenty of places to explore in Hot Springs. Whether you land at the Mid-America Science Museum or the Gangster Museum of America, you'll leave learning something new. Adding adrenaline-pumping fun into your stay starts with an afternoon at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park. It's bound to be the highlight of a trip for kids thanks to the thrill rides, attractions, water slides, and live entertainment.

Depending on what season you visit Hot Springs, Arkansas, you could be right on time to enjoy one of the area's many annual festivals. Music lovers flock here each June to participate in the Hot Springs Music Festival which has been a staple since 1995. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival comes to town each October much to the delight of filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. It's hosted at the historic Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa and in 2023, holds the title of the longest-running non-fiction film festival in all of North America, entering its 32nd year.

Pairing festivals with outdoor fun is a breeze in Hot Springs with many RV adventurers enjoying watersports out on the Diamond Lakes. Hot Springs has great biking trails to check out and at the Arkansas Riding Stables, you can book a riding lesson or a horseback trail ride. In the evenings, head over to the Bank of OZK Arena and take in a concert or show in good company.