The Hot Springs consist of mineral water springs that are heated way down in the depths of the earth and then forced up to the surface at a temperature of 143 degrees. The Bathhouses cool the water down to about 100 degrees for the spa treatments that they offer. So if this sounds like something that you would enjoy, come on down, Hot Springs would love to see you.
The Park Service's Gulpha Gorge Campground, which is open all year, is nicely wooded and is situated along the Gulpha Creek at the base of Hot Springs Mountain. The Park Service has made some improvements to this campground in recent years. The roads and RV pads have all been repaved. Twenty six of the RV sites have Full Hook Ups with 30 and 50 amp service. If you wish to dry camp, there's a dump station with potable water available. The Rest Rooms were clean and heated, but do not have showers. The office even has an automated registration terminal that takes both cash and credit cards. You should try to have close to exact change, otherwise you will end up with a pile of dollar coins as change.
While we were here we hiked the Gulpha Gorge Trail up to the observation tower at the top of Hot Springs Mountain and walked Bathhouse Row and the Grand Promenade. Even though it is not the most spectacular of the National Parks it is still worth a visit if you are passing through the area. For us it is another State to add to our U.S. Map and another National Park to check off our list.
FP & RG
