Parks / Heartland to the Chihuahuan Desert
Hot Springs
Stop 6 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Hot Springs AR, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Bathhouse Row / Hot Springs Mountain Drive.
- State
- AR
- Stay in
- Hot Springs AR
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- April
- Don't miss
- Bathhouse Row / Hot Springs Mountain Drive
- Getting here
- 398 mi from St Louis MO, about 7 h 29 min.
- Next stop
- Big Bend, 863 mi, about 15 h 59 min.
About the Park
Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Hot Springs AR. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
The NPS lists no entrance fee for this park. Tours, ferries, parking or campgrounds may still cost money.
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Gateway Arch about 326 mi as the crow flies
- Mammoth Cave about 437 mi as the crow flies
- Great Smoky Mountains about 532 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.