There's a certain breed of RVer out there, the kind whose rig is less of a vacation cottage and more of a mobile basecamp for adventure. These are the folks with toy haulers carrying Jeeps and side-by-sides, whose idea of a perfect day involves more mud than pavement. If that sounds like you, then finding a place like Hot Springs Off-Road Park in Arkansas feels like hitting the jackpot. This isn't just a place to ride; it's a place that understands the entire lifestyle, right down to providing that all-important dump station after a long, dusty day on the trails.
Located on Millcreek Road, this park is an off-roader's paradise, boasting over 1,200 acres of trails that range from mild to wild. But what makes it truly special for the RVing community is that it seamlessly blends this hardcore four-wheeling adventure with the practical needs of life on the road. The ability to come straight off a muddy trail, covered in Arkansas clay, and be able to empty your tanks, take a hot shower, and hook up to electricity without ever leaving the property is a level of convenience that is incredibly rare and deeply appreciated.
The park's location in Hot Springs also puts you at the epicenter of a ton of other great attractions. You’re just a short drive from Hot Springs National Park, with its historic Bathhouse Row and naturally thermal waters that are perfect for soaking sore muscles after a day of bouncing around on the trails. And if you're looking to trade the mud for some clear water, Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in Arkansas, is just about 20 miles away, offering fantastic opportunities for boating, paddling, and even scuba diving. This means you can spend a weekend getting your adrenaline fix on the trails and then a few more days relaxing by the water, all from one convenient location.
Using the dump station here is a different experience than pulling into a roadside truck stop. This is a managed recreation area, so your first stop will be the main trail office. You'll check in, likely sign a waiver, pay your park fees, and the friendly staff will give you directions to the campground loop and the dump station. The hours for the dump station are tied to the park's operating hours, which are typically daylight hours, so this isn't a place for a late-night stop. It’s always a good idea to call ahead, especially during the winter or off-season, to confirm their schedule.
The amenities here are geared specifically toward the needs of off-roaders and campers. There are water spigots available at the campground bathhouse where you can get both a potable fill for your fresh tank and rinse water for your sewer hose. Many of the campsites offer electric hookups, which is a fantastic perk for running your air conditioning and recharging all your gear after a long day out. The on-site showers and restrooms are a godsend, providing a place to wash off the trail grime. And for those who travel with their four-legged trail buddies, pets are welcome in the park, as long as they are leashed in the common areas.
There are a few things you'll need to plan for. The park doesn't have its own gas station or propane filling service, so you'll want to arrive with full tanks and maybe some extra fuel cans for your trail toys. There are also no laundry facilities, and critically, no on-site trash disposal. This means you’ll need to embrace the "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy and be prepared to haul your garbage away with you. The on-site repair services are focused on 4x4s and recovery, but in a pinch, they might be able to help with a minor RV issue.
To get the most out of your visit, a few insider tips can go a long way. If you're visiting on a weekend, try to arrive early. The queues at the trailhead can build up quickly. The campsites are often set on natural, uneven terrain, so bringing a good set of leveling blocks is essential. And here's my favorite tip for this place: pack a pressure washer wand that can attach to a standard hose. You can fill a bucket from the rinse spigot and use it to blast the heavy mud off your rig's exterior before you hit the main road. Afterward, treat yourself to a visit downtown and soak in one of the historic bathhouses. There’s even a brewery that makes its beer with the famous thermal spring water, a perfect way to cap off an adventurous day.
In the end, Hot Springs Off-Road Park offers a unique and highly valuable combination for a specific niche of the RV world. It’s a place where the thrill of the trail meets the practical needs of the RVer. The on-site dump station, combined with showers, water, and electric hookups, saves you a massive amount of time and hassle, letting you focus on the fun. Just be sure to confirm the current fees, operating hours, and trash policy before you go, and get ready to enjoy one of the best off-road and RV-friendly destinations in the country.
2100 Millcreek Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 625-3600
Cost: Price not available
Category: Off roading area
Has Water
hotspringsoffroadpark.com