Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Lake Catherine State Park offers a peaceful, woodland retreat situated along the shores of the expansive Lake Catherine in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Unlike high-density commercial resorts, this destination focuses on a <strong>nature-centric experience</strong> that emphasizes the beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. The park is managed by the state, providing a well-maintained, scenic environment for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the quiet surroundings of a protected landscape.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Nestled just a short drive from the historic town of Hot Springs, the park provides a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. The terrain is defined by <strong>rugged hiking trails</strong> and dense forest, creating a lush canopy that provides shade during warmer months. Positioned along the winding banks of the lake, the setting is ideal for travelers who appreciate being surrounded by water and mature trees while remaining near central Arkansas cultural hubs.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>The campground at Lake Catherine State Park is designed to accommodate various setups, featuring <strong>full hookup campsites</strong> that include water, sewer, and electricity. Guests will find clean bathhouses with hot showers, a marina, and a boat launch for water access. The park also features a <strong>visitor center with interpretive exhibits</strong>, providing valuable context about the local flora and fauna, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals interested in an educational outdoor experience.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Water-based activities are the primary draw here, with options for kayaking, fishing, and boating on the lake. On land, the <strong>Falls Branch Trail</strong> is a popular hike that rewards visitors with a stunning waterfall view. For those interested in local history, the famous Hot Springs National Park and its historic bathhouses are just a twenty-minute drive away, offering a perfect blend of wilderness exploration and unique city sightseeing.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This park is ideal for travelers who prefer a <strong>rustic and tranquil atmosphere</strong> over a luxury resort experience. It is particularly well-suited for birdwatchers, hikers, and anglers who want to wake up in nature without being too far from modern conveniences. Families and retirees looking to slow down the pace of their trip will find this state park a rewarding and serene base camp for their Arkansas adventures.</p>



Lake Catherine Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. The hot springs are located in a secluded area of the park, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The hot springs are fed by a natural underground spring, and the water is heated to a temperature of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can enjoy soaking in the hot springs, as well as swimming, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding area. The hot springs are also a popular destination for bird watching, as the area is home to a variety of species.

Lake Catherine

Lake Catherine State Park

Plan your stay at Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs, AR. Enjoy full hookup campsites, scenic hiking trails, and lake access in the Ouachita Mountains.

Lake Catherine State Park: RV Camping in Hot Springs, AR

So fortunate to have discovered this beautiful park!!  Would definitely stay again!!  Quiet, peaceful, well-maintained park.  One of the best we've visited.  Reservations made at bldg behind visitor's center.

Very popular destination near Hot Springs. Beautiful campground. Be aware some of the spots are extremely tight for RV camping. We have a bumper tow, not a beast, and the spot we were in was inches from trees on both sides. I had to position it so our 1 slide out was between the trees. Great outdoor sitting area with fire ring at each spot. Brave fat squirrels at every spot too! 3 trails on site, we hiked 2 of them. Stunning views, both micro and macro. Day use area looks nice and well appointed, just not our cup of tea. We drove through the cabins, they were nice with most having screened porches to fend of bugs and most facing the lake.

Visited falls Creek falls . Very beautiful. The hike I believe to the falls was further than it said. It was very beautiful. Very crowded, but worth the the drive and the hike to see it. Loved walking in the water with my dog

Least favorite of Arkansas State Parks we have visited. Lake level was very low and our view was an old electric generating plant. Most if not all sites are back in. Clean and plentiful rest rooms. Wifi is great. Able to stream YouTube TV with no problems. 3 levels of hiking trails 👣   easy hike to water fall.

I did not realize this place had housed German POWs. The story of how well they were treated and that the POW actually brought his wife to see lake Catherine after the war made me happy. The fireplace is still there and beautiful.  The view from behind the visitor center is gorgeous.  From the campground there is the ugly factory across the lake which isn't my favorite. The trail was awsome. There wasn't much water in the waterfall this time of year but  the view was great. The trail was fun and perfect for a beginner.

Gorgeous lake and super nice campground! We were lucky enough to get Site 58, right on the water and it may very well be the best site in the campground. Each site has a nice long level paved pad, a picnic table on a paved pad, a stationary lantern hook, a graveled tent pad, water, sewer, electric and a fire ring you can cook on and a Charcoal grill.  Each section  (A, B and C) have their own restrooms with two clean showers and two bathroom stalls for each sex. There are several hiking trails directly from the campground and you can fish for trout snd Bluegill from your camp site. It's only a 20 minute drive to Hot Springs National Park. We're staying two nights and we're already wishing we would have booked more, as it's already filled with no availability for longer.

Very quiet well maintained state park. No fee to get in. I was camping but they have a swim area with nice clean changing rooms and a small marina with rentals. I had a water view tent spot. Electric and water included. As a note the power station complex across the bay in full view. Also at night lots of dog barking across the bay as well. ( No fault of the parks). Took about 30 minutes to the National park.

We camped here for nine days and really enjoyed our stay. We were a little bummed out to be in loop A which was up the hill a little from the lake. However, it was much quieter, larger sites with better spacing and still very convenient access to everything with a short walk. Lots of trails, boat rental and plenty of activities for the kids.

Beautiful area. Free to hike and swim. The trail layout is confusing. To the waterfall hang right on the red trail where the wooden sign is. We took the long way by accident. Rocky, slippery, little waterfalls along the way & babbling brooks too! You need water shoes to cross spots and with traction. Once we got down there a lot of trash from about 50 foreigners/tourists and lots of photo shoots. Crowded. I love that people come to visit —PLEASE PICKUP YOUR TRASH!
We love and treasure our State Parks and respect our places visitors. Nice swimming hole and downhill to get to the water. No trash cans or bathrooms on trails & waterfall.

Absolute gem. Helpful and friendly at the visitors center. Kayak kiosk was easy to use. Beautiful paddle to the Fall River Falls. Then we hiked the Fall River Falls trail. It was 2 miles. If you hike away from the falls first then it’s a moderate hike. The first 1/3 of a mile or so you crisscross a beautiful stream. The next 2/3 are mostly woods. The falls are amazing and the water is ice cold. The hike back to the parking lot is much easier. Mostly rolling flat trail. If you wanted an easier hike you could hike this way in and out.

We LOVE staying at Lake Catherine State Park when visiting Hot Springs.  It’s secluded and has that woodsy feel, but it’s also not far from Central Avenue, restaurants, etc…. The park is always clean. We love the Rustic CCC cabins (I wish they had more of the CCC cabins that were pet friendly besides only one).  The marina was closed this time due to construction, but it looks like it will be really nice when it is completed.  The sunrises and sunsets are amazing if you stay in the Rustic Cabins.  The screened in porches are an extra bonus! You can’t beat the price either. The staff at the office are always so friendly when checking in. It rained while we were there, so on our last day, we went to the waterfall trail and it was amazing! We actually saw a double waterfall this time.  We highly recommend this state park.

Reviews

Lake Catherine