Forum Discussion

DwnSth's avatar
DwnSth
Explorer
Jul 30, 2013

Lake Ouachita/Hot Springs area suggestions

Decided to try and squeeze a trip in before September - provided no hurricanes or work doesn't get out of control. Wife and I decided to try Lake Ouachita or the general area. It's been almost 30 years since we've been up that way (tent camping back then). Still was one of our favorite trips but sadly have never had a good opportunity to get back to the area. We would probably limit ourselves to State Parks, Nat. Forest or COE campgrounds. Also, any 'must see' places for day trips etc.
  • If you like gardens you may be interested in Garvangardens.org It is by the Hot Springs National Park. We have not visited but I saw where they offer tours on Golf Carts or you can walk. It is a huge park/gardens. They have a glass exhibit going on through September.
  • I agree that Lake Ouachita and Lake Catherine are beautiful parks and very handy for Hot Springs. There's Brady Mountain and Crystal springs.


    This would be a good day trip or you can camp at their campground.
    Crater of Diamonds State Park

    It is near the beautiful Lake Greeson
    where there are multiple COE campgrounds and state parks.



    .
  • There is a Corps of Engineers park near Hot Springs called Crystal Springs that we like. DeGray Lake is another beautiful park but quite a drive to Hot Springs. Our favorite campground (not the type on your list) is Catherine's Landing on Lake Catherine. New park, not many trees, paved sites with access to the lake and boat ramp.
  • We sure did meet ngreen! I think I have a pic of your rv in that site. Sure is a pretty place to camp! Hope all is well with you. Lynn
  • Rvnutts, I met u at Lake Catherine years ago, stayed in a site juslike your pic!t
  • Lake ouachita state park has some nice but older rv spots overlooking the lake, some with full hookups, but call and make reservations and be sure they know your length, some are short. Also close to Hot Springs is Lake Catherine state park with some beautiful newer sites right on the water
  • We love to camp at Lake Catherine. It is just closer and easier to get to from where we live. Plus, it is a very nice park with beautiful spaces. Take a walking tour down town and go through the bath house especially if you like reading the history. We also like to go up the tower on pretty days to get a birds eye view of the town. Lots of shopping and there is Magic Springs theme park and water park. We like renting a pontoon on Lake Ouachita. I'm sure others will have more things to do. Here is a picture of one of the sites at Lake Catherine.

About Campground 101

Recommendations, reviews, and the inside scoop from fellow travelers.14,716 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 15, 2013