Pets

Hot Springs National Park Is Pet Friendly

 
A red dog sits with her mouth open in front of a scenic vista.
All of the trails in Hot Springs National Park are Dog friendly.

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Know Before You Go

Pets are an important part of our lives, providing companionship, love, and joy to their caretakers.

  • Hot Springs National Park has a BARK Ranger program that your canine companion can complete! See below for more info. You can also stop by the Fordyce Visitor Center or call for more information.
  • Dogs are welcome on all 26 miles of the Hot Springs National Park trails. There are Pet Waste Stations located on both ends of Bathhouse Row and in the campground.
  • Pets are not permitted inside of Federal Buildings but must wait outside the visitor center and other park buildings. Pets are allowed in the Superior Bathhouse Restaurant and Brewery.
  • Pets should not be left unattended. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles.
  • Plan ahead and prepare. Check out our safety page before you go. Take enough water for you and your dog. Be sure the sun has not made the pavement too hot for your pets paws.
  • Service animals and Certified Guide animals are allowed in all federal buildings. For the definition of a service animal, please see the Americans with Disibilities Act (ADA) definition.
 
Man and woman walking dog on a leash on the sidewalk
Enjoy a walk with your dog on Bathhouse Row or any of the parks trails.

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Follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles

By following the principles below, you can ensure that your pet, your family, and fellow guests will have a positive and memorable experience while visiting Hot Springs National Park.

  • Bag your pets waste. Help keep your national park clean by collecting and disposing of all dog waste. Public garbage cans are located throughout the park, including at the visitor center.
  • Always keep your pet on a leash. For the safety and comfort of all the park’s visitors, dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. We know that sometimes Fido likes to run free, but keeping dogs on leashes will also protect them from ticks, snakes and other wildlife, and other dogs.
  • Respect wildlife. The park is also home to snakes, birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife. Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.
  • Know where you can go. Pets are not allowed inside park facilities, including the visitor center. However, the national park is home to 26 miles of trails that dogs (and their humans) love!

 

Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger!

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    Hiking information and trail maps
    Hiking

    With 26 miles of hiking trails in the Park, you can find great views, beautiful forest scenery, and feel like you're not in the City.

    Visitors receive information from a park ranger at the visitor center front desk
    Basic Information

    Learn the basics before you visit!

    Looking at the Ozark Bathhouse. The building is white with a Spanish hacienda architecture style.
    Bathhouses of Hot Springs

    Delve into the history, economics, and environmental considerations that led to the creation of Bathhouse Row.

    The Mountain Tower at sunset with run rays shining through and around the structure.
    Hot Springs Mountain Tower

    View Hot Springs from atop the Mountain Tower. Learn more about the history of this Hot Springs icon.

    A group of young women pose with their hands in a display spring at Arlington Lawn.
    Things to Know before you Visit

    Know where to soak, where to park, and what to expect when you arrive.

    Last updated: August 18, 2024

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    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    101 Reserve Street
    Hot Springs, AR 71901

    Phone:

    501 620-6715

    Contact Us