Start Planning!
You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Hot Springs National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go.
- The tour has seven starting points:
- Highway 7 (North of Hot Springs): Just south of Blue Springs, AR.
- Highway 5 (North of Hot Springs): West of Owensville, AR.
- Highway 7 (South of Hot Springs): Not much nearby.
- Highway 70 (West of Hot Springs): Across from the Pearcy Post Office.
- Highway 70 (East of Hot Springs): Near Lonsdale, AR.
- Highway 270 (West of Hot Springs): Near Crystal Springs, AR.
- Highway 270 (East of Hot Springs): Across from Martin Marietta - Jones Mill Quarry.
- Quapaw Bathhouse requires reservations, but Buckstaff accepts walk-ins.
- The park is open year-round. The park is busy in the summer, and also quite hot.
- If you’d rather avoid the crowds, visit the park during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
- Some local activities, like Duck Boat Rides, may not be available in the winter.
- The hot spring water comes out of the ground at 143 degrees Fahrenheit,
Budgeting and Hours of Operation
Budget
How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.
- No entrance fee is required to enter the park.
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower: $14 for adults, $8.50 for youth
Hours of Operation
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
- National Park Administration Building: Exterior open 6 am - 10 pm. Interior is closed to the public.
- Buckstaff Bathhouse: 8am - 11:45am, 1:15pm - 3pm
- Ozark Bathhouse: Saturday and Sundays in the summer, 12:00-4:00 pm
- Maurice Bathhouse: Exterior 6 am - 10 pm. Interior is closed to the public
- Hale Bathhouse:
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 3 pm - 7:45 pm
- Wed: Closed
- Sat, Sun: 10:30 am - 1:45 pm, 3 pm - 7:45 pm
- Superior Bathhouse: 11 am - 9 pm
- The Army Navy Hospital: Exterior 6 am - 10 pm, Interior closed to the public.
Get Packing!
Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.
- Smartphone
- Phone charger
- Headphones - You can use these on the walking tour.
- Water
- Empty water bottles to fill up at the park’s various springs
- Hiking/walking shoes
- Sunscreen & sun protection, like a hat or umbrella
- Cash or credit card for the various shops and restaurants
Best Time to Visit
The park is open year-round. The park is busy in the summer, and also quite hot. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, visit the park during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Some local activities, like Duck Boat Rides, may not be available in the winter.
Safety Information
- The hot spring water comes out of the ground at 143 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to burn you. Don’t touch the spring water unless otherwise noted.
- This is a combination Driving & Walking tour. The walking tour is more substantial than the driving tour.
Leave No Trace
While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.
Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Hot Springs National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Hot Springs National Park Itinerary.
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