Hot Springs in Arkansas

Are there hot springs in Arkansas?

Yes, in the city of Hot Springs. Water at about 143°F rises in Hot Springs National Park, and you can bathe in it at the Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses, at hotels like the Arlington and Hotel Hale, or fill a jug at a free fountain.

There are no wild pools to soak in: the springs are capped and piped to the bathhouses, and outdoor features like the Hot Water Cascade are too hot to touch for long. The park has no entrance fee; the bathhouses charge for baths.

Hot springs in Arkansas map

Where each of the 8 hot springs in Arkansas is. Pin shapes show the type; open the larger map for more detail.

Natural Resort or lodge Public pool

Best hot springs in Arkansas

The places in Hot Springs where most visitors soak or see the water.

Bathhouse
Buckstaff Bathhouse
Bathhouse Row
Traditional thermal baths in continuous use since 1912.
Bathhouse
Quapaw Baths & Spa
Bathhouse Row
Four shared thermal pools and private baths in a 1922 bathhouse.
View only
Hot Water Cascade
Behind Bathhouse Row
Steaming 143°F water spilling down a rock face; free to see.
Hotel spa
Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Central Avenue
A grand 1924 hotel with its own thermal bathhouse.

Famous hot springs in Arkansas

All 8 hot springs sites we list in Arkansas, A to Z, all in the city of Hot Springs.

Hotel spa

Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, Arkansas

Grand 1924 hotel at the head of Bathhouse Row, with a thermal bathhouse and mineral water rooms.
Bathhouse

Buckstaff Bathhouse, Arkansas

Traditional thermal baths and spa treatments on Bathhouse Row, in continuous operation since 1912.
View only

Dripping Spring (Hot), Arkansas

Walk-up hot spring in the national park where you can touch and taste the water; no soaking.
Jug fountain

Hill Wheatley Plaza Jug Fountain (Hot), Arkansas

Free fountain where locals fill jugs with thermal drinking water, a block from Bathhouse Row.
National park

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Water surfaces at about 143°F, too hot to soak in outdoors; bathe in it at the Buckstaff or Quapaw bathhouse. No entrance fee.
View only

Hot Water Cascade, Arkansas

Steaming 143°F water spilling down a rock face behind Bathhouse Row; free and open all year.
Hotel

Hotel Hale In-Room Thermal Soaking Tubs, Arkansas

Restored 1892 bathhouse turned hotel, with thermal soaking tubs in each of its nine suites.
Bathhouse

Quapaw Baths & Spa, Arkansas

1922 bathhouse with four shared thermal pools and private baths; walk-in entry is about $25.

Rules and etiquette for hot springs in Arkansas

Bathhouse rules are simple.

Book treatments aheadMassages and private baths fill up at weekends.
Don't touch the hot featuresOutdoor spring water is about 143°F.
Bring your own jugsThe free fountains are for filling containers, not bathing.

Seasons, costs and access in Arkansas

Seasons

All year. Bathhouses are indoors, so even summer is fine, though spring and autumn are best for walking Bathhouse Row and the park trails.

Entry fees

Hot Springs National Park has no entrance fee. Baths at the Buckstaff and Quapaw are paid, with walk-in entry to the Quapaw's shared pools about $25. Filling a jug at the thermal fountains is free.

Access and travel

Hot Springs is about an hour south-west of Little Rock by road. Bathhouse Row, the Hot Water Cascade and the fountains are all within walking distance downtown.

Your questions about Arkansas hot springs

Can you swim in the hot springs in Arkansas?

Not outdoors. You bathe in the thermal water at the Buckstaff or Quapaw bathhouse, or at hotels like the Arlington and Hotel Hale.

How hot is the water in Hot Springs, Arkansas?

About 143°F where it surfaces, so it is cooled before it reaches the baths.

Does Hot Springs National Park have an entrance fee?

No. The park is free, and the bathhouses charge separately.

Can you drink the water at Hot Springs?

Yes. Free fountains around town, such as the Hill Wheatley Plaza jug fountain, let you fill containers.

Pictures of hot springs in Arkansas

Photos of Buckstaff Bathhouse, Quapaw Baths & Spa, Hot Water Cascade and Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, all hot springs in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.