We’re just shy of four months on the road (a whole third of the way!), and things are starting to feel less like a daring adventure and more like an exciting new lifestyle. We’ve settled into a comfortable routine, and honestly, it’s been exceeding all of our expectations.
Our latest stop was Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, and it turned out to be quite the gem. Getting there was a relaxed two-day drive by Judy-and-David standards (maxing out at 4 hours per day). We kicked off the journey with a charming stop in pecan country at the Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park—what a sweet way to ease into the trip!
The next day, we arrived at Gulpha Gorge Campground, nestled within Hot Springs National Park, and what a delight it was. This cozy riverside campground came with full hookups—a rare luxury for a National Park! At National Parks, we’re typically boondocking, and on special occasions, we’ll have electricity. But this time, we had electricity, water, and sewer hookups! Showers every day? Yes, please! With our Senior Discount Pass, it was just $17 per night—a steal compared to the usual $50-$100 for full hookups. Naturally, stayed a whole week, and it was wonderfully relaxing.
Hot Springs National Park is truly one-of-a-kind. Imagine a small historic town nestled in the middle of a park, surrounded by gorgeous hiking trails. The town is built around natural hot springs, long believed to have healing powers. The water, filtered through the earth for over four thousand years, emerges hot and crystal clear from the springs. Back in the mid-1800s, this spot was a magnet for tourists, drawn to its row of elegant bathhouses.
From our campground, it was a scenic 40-minute hike to the town, and the trails were an absolute joy. Many of them are former carriage trails, wide and impeccably maintained, making for easy and enjoyable trekking. We spent our days hiking and, of course, indulging in the famed hot springs baths.
The park itself spans two ridges of the ancient Ouachita mountain range—weathered, beautiful, and rich in history. The views from the ridges were breathtaking, and includes a tower built in the ’80s for a panoramic experience.
The visitor center, housed in a converted historic bathhouse, was another highlight. It featured a fascinating museum showcasing how these bathhouses catered to the wealthy and promised cures for a myriad of ailments. The sadder history included segregation (blacks could work at the baths, but not user them!) and lost sacred land of the native people.
Behind the visitor center was a beautiful brick promenade that led to open water from the hot springs.
We spent hours exploring the ridges and soaking up the charm of this unique park. Every trail, every vista, and every moment left us feeling grateful for this incredible journey.
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