When the weather turns cold, many people flock to the balmy South or to the sunny coasts. But there are places in the central US that are also warm all year round. And nestled in the appropriately named town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is one of the finest RV parks in the country: Catherine’s Landing.
Hundreds of guests have left reviews for this RV park and the message is clear: Everyone loved their visit! Not only is this campground exceptional, but it’s also located in one of the most popular travel destinations in the state. The hot springs draw in people from miles around and a bustling little town has built up around them.
So if you’re looking for a new winter destination to spice up your travels, or just want to explore the year-round beauty of Arkansas, hit the road and head for Catherine’s Landing. You’ll find that there are plenty of opportunities to relax, have fun, and soak away your worries. Let’s take a closer look at this exceptional RV hotspot.
Overview
Hot Springs is a fairly small city, with a population of about 37,000. But it’s still large enough to suit all of your needs and them some. Although Hot Springs does have a bustling downtown area, Catherine’s Landing is located on the outskirts where it’s nice and quiet.
The RV park sprawls across several acres and it borders the Ouachita River on the south. Nearby, you’ll also find Lake Catherine, Eleric Island Wma, and Lake Hamilton. So even if hot springs aren’t your style, there are plenty of other places where you can swim, fish, boat, or enjoy the water in other ways.
The RV park at Catherine’s Landing is quite large, with 242 sites altogether. Paved parking spots, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided for all campers. Full hookups are available at every RV site as well, so you don’t have to worry about dry camping here. Multiple sizes and layouts are available to rent. You’re guaranteed to find a spot that suits your vehicle’s length.
The prices may vary based on the season, but the average nightly rates are as follows:
- Premium Plus Back-In: $73.68
- Premium Plus Pull-Through: $82.48
- Executive Pull-Through: $82.48
- Executive Waterfront Back-In: $87.99
- Executive Plus Back-In Waterfront: $93.48
A variety of cottages and yurts are also available. These come fully furnished and the cottages feature modern appliances, full bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and more. These range in price from $150–$199 per night, but be sure to book them in advance to secure your spot.
As you can see, the rates here are a bit steeper compared to the average campground. But you get a tremendous value for the price. Nearly everyone who stays here agrees that the price is a bargain once you look at everything that’s included as part of your stay.
For more detailed information about site types and location, visit the campground website at rvcoutdoors.com
Amenities
We mentioned the amazing value at this RV park, so let’s dive into what makes it so great. After all, a campground is only as good as its amenities.
For starters, all the basics are covered. Every guest can rest assured that they’ll have easy access to bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and internet connection via Wi-Fi and cable TV hookups.
But Catherine’s Landing goes above and beyond when it comes to the customer experience. A variety of activities and experiences are provided within the borders of the park. So even if you never venture into town, you can have a relaxing, fun-filled vacation within walking distance.
For example, there’s a lovely pool that’s open for every guest to enjoy. It has plenty of space to swim around, and the poolside area is lined with recliners, umbrellas, and shady pavilions. In addition to the pool, there’s also a splash pad right next door for the kiddos to get even more energy out.
If that doesn’t do the trick, pop over to the playground that’s also part of this family fun complex. Lush green grass surrounds the entire area, providing plenty of space to dry off and relax in the sun.
Pools aren’t for everyone, so why not explore a more natural water source? Catherine’s Landing offers boat rentals for kayaks, pontoon boats, and canoes so you can paddle around the scenic lakes and rivers in this area.
Thrill-seekers will also love staying here, thanks to the zipline and aerial rope course on the premises. This is the perfect challenge for a daredevil who wants to see how high they can climb and how fast they can complete the course. There are levels appropriate for all ages, plus guests of the park will receive discounted rates for the various experiences.
If you need to stock up on supplies or pick up a fun souvenir, be sure to visit the on-site camp store. There are groceries, firewood, propane refills, snacks, campground essentials, and much more. There’s even a cozy place to gather and relax in the store, complete with armchairs and a fireplace.
Additional amenities include:
- Golf cart rentals
- Concierge services
- Catch and release fishing pond
- A disc golf course
- Fitness center
- Hiking trails
- Pet-washing station
- Dog park
- Rec room
Not only are all these amenities available, but they’re all exceptionally managed and maintained. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy here. So now that you have the full picture, you’ll see why this RV park is worth the price (and then some).
Nearby Attractions
You might be tempted to spend your entire visit within Catherine’s Landing, never even venturing into the town itself. Although you could certainly have a fantastic time within the borders of the campground, the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas has plenty to offer.
For starters, the hot springs! This town has been around for generations and the hot springs have always been a major part of its history and culture. Take a stroll along Bathhouse Row and admire the variety of buildings that comprise this historic stretch. The architecture of each building is intricate and unique.
Although some have closed or repurposed over the years, many remain open for business. These bath houses are connected to natural thermal springs. The heated water is soothing, and many believe that the dissolved minerals also provide other health benefits.
In addition to the bathhouses, downtown Hot Springs also has several other historic buildings. Some have been preserved for their original purpose, while others are home to more modern markets and shops.
There are also other attractions and experiences you can seek out during your visit. You can sneak through the Gangster Museum of America, go wild at the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, stroll the Grand Promenade, or get nerdy at the Galaxy Connection.
Multiple parks and outdoor areas are also open for business year-round. Some of the best include Lake Catherine State Park, Hot Springs National Park, and Garvan Woodland Gardens Children’s Treehouse.
For a more detailed breakdown of some of the best attractions, check out our Full Guide to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Reviews
Finally, let’s hear what the guests have to say. After all, having all the amenities in the world doesn’t mean anything if the people are unhappy with their experience. Thankfully that’s not the case here.
Catherine’s Landing has outstanding reviews from hundreds of people. More than 400 people have rated it on RV LIFE Campgrounds, and the cumulative score was 9.2/10. Hundreds more have also left Google Reviews, where the rating is 4.6/5. Those numbers don’t lie, so it’s clear to see that the general reception here is quite positive.
Many people complimented how quiet and clean the park was. Others really enjoyed how easy it was to get in and out of their sites. Almost everybody remarked that they loved all the amenities and activities that were offered.
There were only small drawbacks, such as a limited number of fish in the pond, some sites without shade, and restrictions on fire pit usage during the dry season. But the good outshone the bad by a long, long way.
So if you’re planning to travel through Arkansas in the future, be sure to put Catherine’s Landing at the top of your list.
To read firsthand experiences from guests, check out the park’s page on RV LIFE Campgrounds.
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