Charlton Recreation Area — Hotel in Hot Springs

We made reservations online for a Monday through Wednesday stay. We arrived about 5 PM, and there were no instructions, no workers, and no information about hosts. When we looked at the sites we had reserved. They did not match the descriptions and were too small for one of our rigs. Since the place was completely empty (And based on our search the previous night, None of the other sites were reserved) We picked another site that was suitable for a larger rig.

We tried to contact reservation.gov, but because there was no cell phone service within the campground, We had to go in a car outside of the campground to make a phone call to reservation.gov. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach anyone to change our site number, but we sure did try. It would’ve been nice if there was a host available to work this out. But they were nowhere in sight

Two hours later, after getting set up and ready for dinner, the hosts finally show up and tell us we have to move because someone might decide to make a reservation in the middle of the night. This was ridiculous and Unreasonable, and the hosts started Shouting down anything we were trying to say. We were then told if we stayed in these sites they would call law-enforcement on us, and they drove off.

Since there was absolutely no cell phone coverage, we decided to pack up our sites and move on to Cracker Barrel down the road. (which ended up being nicer and more level).

The people at reservation.gov were very nice and gave us partial refund, but I want to make sure others don’t have to deal with the same idiocy that we had to deal with. On top of not being available to make sure we were able to set up, the two sites that we had reserved were not even marked as being reserved. Plus, there was a wasps nest in the electrical box, so obviously no one had done any checking on the equipment in recent days?

I would not recommend this location unless you’re someone who’s willing to rough it, and feels safe without having any kind of emergency access or competent host To handle any situation that might occur.

It’s a shame Because the location has a lot...

Stopped for a night on our way through on a road trip. Tried to make a reservation online but it would only let me make a reservation for 3 nights since it was a holiday. (Even though the whole entire loop was empty) Sat outside the camp hosts camper for about 20 minutes on two separate occasions but no one was to be found. had to call and they made us book for 2 nights. Which was fine. The next morning the camp host was at our site telling me nothing had come in and we never made a reservation. I said I called and she asked for email confirmation which I didn’t have as I had no internet service. She told me they needed the email confirmation or the rangers would come and would “not be very nice.” I said I would drive down the road for service and get it but before she drove away she realized she was looking at the wrong site and did, in fact, have our reservation. The rangers drive around a lot. There are no bathrooms (not even an outhouse) in the upper loop. It’s surprisingly loud from the cars driving by on the highway down below. The sites were clean. There are showers and bathrooms down on the other loop that aren’t the best but they have hot water and are clean…ish. Plus side is it’s not far from hot springs and the day area was pretty...

Best little swimming gem tucked off the hwy in the forest. This water is so cold and so clean, exactly what you need for our super hot summer days. Downside- it’s not the secret it used to be so get here early if you want a good parking spot and picnic table. This is truly such a magical place and as we all know, inflammation in the body is heat, and cold takes the heat out, so this water seriously feels healing on the body and swimming is so good for you too. Plus being in the forest away from the city is healing in itself. There are bathrooms, some tables, an outside amphitheater and covered table area, plus camping spots too. Best part is there’s a man made waterfall you can cross at your own risk or lay in the falls below by taking the stairs down. You will see families of curious water lovers exploring up and down the creek. There’s so much to see and look at in this little space. I love this area with all of my heart and it has been a go to spot for me since I was a tiny tot. I hope everyone respects the space, keeps it clean, and that way we can visit and enjoy it...