Campsites at Gulpha Gorge Campground (2026 Guide)

For more, see Hot Springs National Park Guided Tour.

Sites and Hookups

All 40 sites at Gulpha Gorge Campground have full hookups. That means you get 30-amp and 50-amp electric, plus a spigot for fresh water and a sewer connection at every pad. These are not pull-through sites - you'll be backing in. The pads are gravel, fairly level, and long enough to handle most RVs and trailers up to 40 feet or so. Each site includes a picnic table and a pedestal grill, so you can cook without hauling your own gear.

What the park website doesn't mention: The sewer connections are positioned on the driver's side for most sites, but not all. When you reserve, look at the site photos on Recreation.gov. A few sites have the hookups on the passenger side, which can complicate your sewer hose routing. Also, the water spigots are standard threaded - bring a pressure regulator, because the park pressure can spike in summer.

The campground is laid out in a single loop along Gulpha Gorge Road. Sites on the inside of the loop are closer to each other - expect neighbor noise. The outer loop sites back up to the forest, offering a bit more privacy. Most visitors underestimate how close the highway is. You'll hear traffic from Highway 70B during the day. By 10 PM it quiets down, and the sound of Gulpha Creek takes over. Early morning is your best bet for a quiet walk along the creek - the campground is open 24 hours for registered campers, but the picnic area only from sunrise to sunset.

Reservations and Length of Stay

As of February 2026, all sites must be reserved through Recreation.gov. Walk-ups are no longer accepted. Reservations open 6 months in advance, and the campground books solid on spring weekends and during October. If you're planning a trip between March and May, book the day your window opens.

Length-of-stay rules: You can stay a maximum of 14 consecutive nights. After that, you must leave the campground for at least 7 days before returning. The cumulative total for a calendar year is 30 days. Rangers will tell you this rule is enforced strictly - they check the reservation system, not just the site marker. If you exceed 14 days, you'll be asked to leave, and you won't be able to rebook for a week.

The 50% discount for holders of the America the Beautiful Senior or Access Pass applies only to the campsite occupied by the pass owner. If you have a pass, the nightly rate drops to $17. Make sure you add the pass to your Recreation.gov profile before booking - you can't apply it retroactively.

What's Close By

Hot Springs National Park is not a typical national park. You're camping in a forested gorge less than two miles from downtown Hot Springs. Bathhouse Row, the Fordyce Bathhouse (now the visitor center), and the thermal springs are a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk via the Gulpha Gorge Trail. That trail connects the campground to the Grand Promenade - you can walk from your campsite to the hot springs without moving your vehicle.

Hiking: The park has 26 miles of trails. The Sunset Trail is the longest - 10 miles one-way - and you can access it directly from the campground. Grab the trail map at the visitor center. The trail narrows here in a few spots; keep an eye out for trail markers because the junctions aren't always obvious.

Downtown Hot Springs: Restaurants, grocery stores, and the Hot Springs National Park gift shop are all within a 2-mile drive. You can resupply easily. The parking situation here is tight in the downtown lots, so leave your rig at the campground and take the tow car or walk.

Gulpha Gorge Picnic Area and Amphitheater share the same road. The amphitheater hosts ranger programs in summer - check the park newspaper for schedules. Cell service drops out at the far end of the campground loop. Near the entrance, you'll get a bar or two of LTE from most carriers. The park does not have Wi-Fi.

Practical Takeaways

• Reserve early. Spring and fall weekends go fast. Book 6 months out on Recreation.gov.
• Bring a pressure regulator and a 30-amp to 50-amp adapter. The sites have both hookups, but you never know which pedestal you'll get.
• Pack a sewer hose extension. Some sewer connections are recessed. A 10-foot hose works; 20 feet is safer.
• Check site photos. The orientation of the hookups varies. Driver's side is the norm, but don't assume.
• Walk or bike into town. The Gulpha Gorge Trail is paved and connects to the Grand Promenade. It's a pleasant 20-minute walk. Drive if you have heavy gear.
• Pay with your America the Beautiful pass at booking if you qualify. The 50% discount applies to the campsite fee only, not to any extra vehicles or amenity fees (there aren't any extra fees here - the $34 is the total nightly rate).
• Respect the 14-day limit. You can't rebook for 7 days after checkout. Plan your itinerary accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Gulpha Gorge Campground offers something rare in the national park system: full hookups at an affordable price, within walking distance of a major attraction. It's not a wilderness experience - you'll hear traffic and neighbors. But for the camper who wants a comfortable base to explore Hot Springs National Park and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, it's hard to beat. The combination of hot springs, hiking, and a $34 full-hookup site makes it a smart choice for RVers and tent campers alike. Pair this guide with our complete visitor guide for the full picture, or browse all campgrounds in the area to compare options. Just remember to book ahead. This little gorge fills up.

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For more information, see our complete Hot Springs National Park Guide.