Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and why we felt better after our stay

Heard of Hot Springs? I’m sure you have! But maybe that is the extent of what you’ve heard. If you are like me, you knew the name Hot Springs but had no idea other than that. So obviously it had to be on our list of stops, leading us to finding Catherine’s Landing. Read on about a short, fun-packed couple of days in Arkansas!

When we decide on a location we’d like to stop at, we begin to research the area to see what we can do around there if we go. We usually research area restaurants, museums, National Parks, bike paths, and campgrounds. In looking up Hot Springs we heard from other RVers that they made sure to go gem mining while they were there. Other families said to not skip the Hot Springs themselves and take a hot bath while you are there. And other’s said to be sure you go up to the Observation Tower. And we did all of these things! But we also found in our search a beautiful campground called Catherine’s Landing, and it did not disappoint!

Catherine’s Landing: An RVC Outdoor Destination

Located on Shady Grove Road in Hot Springs, Catherine’s Landing was a clean, quiet, spacious campground that was easy to find and navigate around as newbies to Hot Springs, and also having never been to Arkansas at all. Upon arrival, there was a board to pull up next to which had a packet of information for each arrival. No needing to park and go into an office. In fact, we didn’t see a worker there the entire three days of our stay. (I’m sure they were inside if we needed them.) We were able to easily navigate with the map in our packet to our site and were hooked up in no time.

The sites are all paved throughout this campground, as well as the roads throughout. This was probably the cleanest our camper ever stayed because there wasn’t and dirt or stones to be tracked in. Amen to that! I love when everything is paved!

Because these sites were so level and paved, we finally put on our Snap Pads here so we could be sure they were even and attached properly. If you don’t have these for your jacks – get them! They snap right in place under your jack just by lowering the jack down on top of it. Then no need to ever remove them. They stay in place when you travel and store the camper, and you never need to worry about them. If you are interested in getting some, reach out to us with any questions. (You can save 10% on your order if you order through our special link: https://www.rvsnappad.com/discount/LOVEATFIRSTSITE ). You will love these things!

Our specific site this time was site 107 which was a waterfront back-in site. The water itself is very brown and looks like a wide river, but the map shows that it is actual Lake Catherine. We did not go out on the river, however, it was nice to look out our windows and back door at the water.

There was a wide selection of pull-through sites as well, if that’s a preference for you. All of the RV sites had both 30 and 50 AMP options so it’s a preference on back-in versus pull-through.

Like many campgrounds we go to, this one had many cabin and yurt rentals as well for those without RVs. Some day I will stay in a Yurt – because they are so cute and cozy looking. Someday!

This campground also had many of the other commonalities we are used to and appreciate: dog parks, showers, laundry rooms, a pool and splash pad (opened seasonally) and a pavilion. It was April when we were there, so off-season and rather quiet. But I’m sure in the summer it is much busier. And I’m sure the other cool amenities are busy then too, like the aerial course, zip lining, and the pontoon boat rentals. Yes, that’s right – they have pontoon boats campers can rent there. How cool! Nothing we had time for when we were there – but all the more reason to go back!

One more thing to say about this campground that we particular liked, and not everywhere does it – but this one offered trash pick-up at the site. And not just once per day: twice. They came through everyday at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up trash that you put out at the end of your site. This is so much appreciated!

Ron Coleman Mining

Our youngest daughter has really shown an interest in gems and crystals over the past year, so we decided to try out mining while in Hot Springs. There was an add in the flyer we got at check-in that advertised Ron Coleman mining, which was also in Hot Springs. We drove less than a half-hour to this location one day. Never having done this before and not being from the area, I’m sure we looked like the biggest tourists! Many people were bringing in their own tools, kneeling pads, hats with lights on them, and you name it. We were in shorts, tees, and crocs – and roasted in the sun. Next time we’ll know!

The store is where you check-in upon arrival and pay for your day passes. You are given a very quick tutorial here and have the opportunity to buy something that resembled a pick to head out and find stuff. Whatever you dig up you can keep. We got excited when on our way in, someone came out with his arms full with one giant crystal!

Well, given that we were newbies and didn’t know what we were really doing (a more in depth tutorial would have been nice!) we didn’t find anything like that. Rather we walked up to a spot in the mound of dirt where there wasn’t anyone, and just began clinking away with our tools. And we kept anything we thought looked cool. While it would be nice to say we have all these cool things, I’m pretty sure we just have a bag full of rocks that we are now storing in the front of the camper. We did end up with a few that looked like the picture below though, which is cool. But what do we do with them now?

The overall experience was interesting and we can say we have done it. But mostly we got sunburnt and ended with sore backs from leaning over for quite a few hours. Would we go again? Probably, but would want a guide or a group to go with that could help us in the process. Never before had we been able to say we went Crystal Mining in Arkansas, so we are glad for that opportunity!

Hot Springs National Park

The other two experiences we were told about were both within Hot Springs National Park. We take our National Park passport with us each time we go to a park and are getting quite a collection of stamps in it. We were very excited to get this one stamped after spending a day around the park.

What’s different about this park is that basically the whole downtown area is all part of the park. It isn’t a park that is entirely wooded with picnic areas throughout. This is a park that included a downtown area, as well as places where you can touch the hot springs, and some hiking trails leading up to an observatory tower where you can see in all directions for miles and miles. It was unique to say the least!

We began our visit to the park by walking up the main street in the village. There were shops lining both sides of the streets with many different touristy things to buy. There were restaurants, museums, and bathhouses. Yes bathhouses! And we wanted to try it!

I knew that the Hot Springs were hot water and many people claim it’s healing powers, but that’s all I knew. By the end of the same day, I had toured a historic bathhouse that was in use 100 years prior, and even bathed in one of the tubs myself. And man did it all feel good!

While there are several bathhouses on the street, we made appointments at the Buckstaff Bathhouse. This one accepted walk-ins, and allowed our 11 year old a hot soak, which many of the others didn’t allow children. We walked in after lunch time and were able to get in. Us two adults booked dips in the hot baths, as well as massages afterwards, while the kids got just the hot baths. Men went in one door, and women go upstairs to another floor. Completely unsure of what to expect, we all went in with open minds.

You are first greeted by a staff member who guides you to a changing area with a locker for your valuables. You can either change into a bathing suit or go all natural, but are given a sheet to cover up with. You are then guided to a stall with a full sized bathtub full of hot Hot Springs water. The temperature in it was 105! And then you soak. It was about a 20 minute span before the attendant comes back in to help you get back out of the bath and cover you again in the sheet. From there we were lead to a flat bed where we were told to just relax. They covered us from head to toe in hot, hot towels to soothe and relax us, with the exception of a cold cloth on your face to counteract the heat and make you not get dizzy. If I didn’t say I fell asleep, I’d be lying. Talk about relaxation! Follow that by a hot steam, a sitz bath, and a 30 minute full body massage – and you would be in relax mode too! If you ever get the change – I highly recommend this place!

The Observation Tower

The only downside of that, was poor planning on our end. We wanted to take a hike up to the observation tower. But the timing that we could go to the bath house was limited, so we had baths and massages and then went hiking. Most people would probably prefer to get the massage after a hike. Not us! But again, just from poor planning!

While we were in the waiting room at the bath house, a lady told us about a hike up to the observation tower. After hiking mountains back in Vermont, this path was more like a nature trail. A winding trail from the center of town leads you up to this beautiful observation tower. There is a small store at the bottom, and from there you can pay for a ticket to get to the top. You can venture up via stairs, or take the elevator. It’s pretty high up there, so the elevator is my suggestion!

There was so much history about Hot Springs written at the top of the tower to read (inside). But you can also go outside at the top and have 360 degree views. I mean, look at this view!

Amazing, right? I’d hike up over and over again to see this!

We topped off our trip to the town of Hot Springs with a visit to a local candy store and ate candy apples that caught our eye in the store window. They were even better than they look!

From a wonderful camping experience at Catherine’s Landing, to crystal mining at Ron Coleman’s mining to hot baths at Buckstaff Bathhouse, to eating candy apples at Kilwins – our trip to Hot Springs was one to remember. We wish we had planned to be there longer, and perhaps next time we will be. Definitely add this to your list of stops and let us know what places you choose to visit while there!

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