Things To Know Before You Come

Hot Springs National Park is in an urban area, surrounding the north end of the city of Hot Springs. There is not any park-owned parking but the city has a large parking deck one block west of Bathhouse Row as well as street parking and private lots. Watch for pedestrians crossing streets.

For information on the park's firearms policy, please read more about it here.

The city of Hot Springs also goes by the name Hot Springs National Park and many businesses not related to the federal national park use the name "National Park X" for their business name. The official National Park Service arrowhead will be displayed at the federal Hot Springs National Park facilities.

The hot springs only emerge in the downtown Bathhouse Row area. To use them you must go to a bathhouse. Here's more information. If you want to collect spring water to take home, you can bring bottles or jugs to do so. To find out more about drinking the water, read this.

You can find out more about bathhouses and the traditional therapeutic bath by watching "Taking the Baths" in the visitor center at the Lamar Bathhouse. Look at the exhibits to find out how the town grew up around the hot springs.

As in all communities and parks, crimes against property and visitors may occur and you must use good judgment to protect your property and yourself. Hot Springs National Park encourages you to lock your vehicle and ensure property is locked in the trunk of your vehicle or hidden from view; hold or carry personal possessions securely; avoid dark and isolated areas; and, walk, run and hike in pairs or groups. In the event of criminal activity, you should go to the nearest telephone and call 911 to report the incident.