Arkansas State Park recommendations and things to see

I want to second the Blanchard Springs Cavern suggestion. Since it wasn't opened to the public until 1973, it is one of the most pristine caves you will ever see. This ranks near the top of my list of caves. This is a somewhat remote area, but there is a nice CG near the caverns. No hookups, but showers and flushers. You have to drive through a low-water crossing so don't go after a big rain, but a really pretty setting.

Lots of COE CG's around Lake Ouachita. We stayed at Tompkins Bend. Many sites had electric but no water/sewer. Showers and flushers, though. We were there for mountain biking, so can't comment on the various hiking trails in the area.

Beaver Lake up near Eureka Springs has a variety of COE CG's. We stayed at Dam Site River with lots of trees and the river nearby. Eureka Springs is worth a day or two of exploring. Very romantic little town with lots of ups and downs (you'll get some exercise, even if it isn't hiking per se). If you're looking for a great place for dinner, don't miss the Local Flavor Café. Another place to visit in the area is the Pea Ridge National Military Park. Quite an interesting story there. While I'm not someone who goes to art museums regularly, I must say the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville is certainly worth several hours (at least) of you time. Amazing collection of American Art. Free general admission.

Check out the Buffalo River area. Lots of great trails and a river to float. We have parked at the Center Point Horse Camp in that area a couple of times.
Word of caution, never ever take your Airstream to Kyle's landing park.

On this trip we have stopped in Caddo mills Texas on the way to Hot Springs from San Antonio. We are at the KOA in Caddo Mills. While in San Antonio be sure to spend some time on the Riverwalk. There are some good restaurants down there and the scenery is beautiful. Depending on your tastes there are numerous missions in the area that are worth stopping by. You will be driving through Austin on the way to San Antonio and there are a few things in the area there that might be worth seeing. Hope you enjoy your visit.

Another vote for Lake Catherine SP. It has some very nice hiking trails and is convenient to Hot Springs.

Blanchard Springs Caverns is a nice cave...that, coming from a "caver". Not exactly near HS but it is in AR.

We plan on passing through the Hot Springs area on our way to San Antonio, from St Louis. Do you plan on making your trip in one day or stop along the way? If stopping, where do you prefer? And other than the Alamo and River Walk, what do you suggest we see?

Thanks

Lake Catherine SP is just a little way outside of Hot Springs. It is a very pretty place.

Thanks so much for the responses. This is a great resource for information.

Cathrines Landing ias a very nice private park on Lake Cathrine and very close to Hot Springs. Lake Cathrine State Park is also very nice. Cathrine's Landing is closer to everything.