Hot Springs National Park
- Source temp
- 143°F
- Soakable
- Yes
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
The source runs about 143°F at Hot Springs National Park, a developed hot spring in Garland County, Arkansas, managed by the National Park Service (Hot Springs National Park).
Closures and warnings
NPS: there are no opportunities to soak in the thermal springs outdoors. Soaking is only permitted in Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses. As of August 7, 2025.
NPS: thermal fountain water is monitored for drinking standards; bacteria may still affect immunocompromised people if water is inhaled. Use food-grade hot-water containers if collecting water. As of August 7, 2025.
Soaking
| Development | Developed |
|---|---|
| Source temperature | 143°F |
| Soakable | Yes Outdoor springs are not for soaking; public thermal baths available only via Buckstaff and Quapaw concession bathhouses |
| Soaking allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Water type | Spring |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | Urban park in downtown Hot Springs; Bathhouse Row along Central Avenue / Reserve Street |
| Parking | City metered street parking and Exchange Street Parking Garage (128 Exchange Street); no dedicated free NPS lot for Bathhouse Row |
| Fee | No park entrance fee |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Reservation window | Gulpha Gorge Campground: all 40 sites require advance reservations through Recreation.gov (up to six months ahead); full RV hook-ups, $34 per night (NPS). |
| Managed by | National Park Service (Hot Springs National Park) |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Hot Springs National Park open?
NPS: there are no opportunities to soak in the thermal springs outdoors. Soaking is only permitted in Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses. As of August 7, 2025. NPS: thermal fountain water is monitored for drinking standards; bacteria may still affect immunocompromised people if water is inhaled. Use food-grade hot-water containers if collecting water. As of August 7, 2025.
How hot is Hot Springs National Park?
The spring's source runs about 143°F.
Can you soak at Hot Springs National Park?
No, swimming is not allowed at Hot Springs National Park. NPS: thermal fountain water is monitored for drinking standards; bacteria may still affect immunocompromised people if water is inhaled. Use food-grade hot-water containers if collecting water. As of August 7, 2025.
How do you get to Hot Springs National Park?
The road in is paved. Urban park in downtown Hot Springs; Bathhouse Row along Central Avenue / Reserve Street. Parking: City metered street parking and Exchange Street Parking Garage (128 Exchange Street); no dedicated free NPS lot for Bathhouse Row.
Do you need a reservation for Hot Springs National Park?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is Hot Springs National Park free?
The fee is No park entrance fee.
What are the rules at Hot Springs National Park?
Dogs are allowed.
Nearby
Sources
3
- https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/things2know.htm (accessed September 30, 2026; backs manager, access.parking / roadNote, rules.dogs, hazardNote / hotSpring.soakableReason / swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, healthNote, hotSpring.development, access.reservationWindow)
- https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/fees.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.fee)
- https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/nature/hotsprings.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs hotSpring.sourceTempF average 143F)