Arkansas Ozarks
Victorian Eureka Springs, the bluffs of the Buffalo River and the bathhouses of Hot Springs.
- Distance
- 400 km (248 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 26 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 5
- States
- AR
- Updated
- July 29, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 400 km (248 mi) with 5 stops, from Eureka Springs to Little Rock. About 4 h 26 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Arkansas
Route description
Eureka Springs is a Victorian spa town built on steep hillsides, with winding streets, stone buildings and springs. The streets are narrow and parking is tight, so leave a motorhome at a campground and use the town’s trolley. From there, drive through the hills via Harrison and AR-7 to Jasper.
Jasper is the base for the Buffalo National River, America’s first national river, which flows free between tall limestone bluffs. Near Ponca, Boxley Valley is the place to see elk, especially at dawn and dusk in the fields beside AR-43, and the Lost Valley trail leads to a waterfall and a cave. Canoe trips on the upper river are best in spring, when the water is high enough.
AR-7 south from Jasper is a designated scenic byway with steep grades and sharp curves across the Ozarks, crossing the Arkansas River valley and then the Ouachita Mountains. It ends at Hot Springs, where the ornate bathhouses of Bathhouse Row line Central Avenue in Hot Springs National Park, and a couple still offer thermal baths. Short trails lead up the hill behind them.
The route ends in Little Rock, the state capital, where you can visit Central High School National Historic Site and the Clinton Presidential Center by the Arkansas River. Take AR-7 slowly in a large motorhome, and allow extra time. Late October is the best time for fall color, and spring is best for paddling.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Eureka Springs
AR - 279 km
Jasper
AR - 320 km
Buffalo National River
NatureJasper, ARAmerica’s first national river, with bluffs, canoeing and elk at Boxley Valley.
- 4211 km
Hot Springs
AR - 590 km
Little Rock
AR
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Eureka Springs → Buffalo National River · 62 mi · 1 h 06 minOn the way: Jasper.Overnight nearby, for example: Steel Creek Campground (2 mi); West Campground (5 mi).
- Day 2: Buffalo National River → Hot Springs · 131 mi · 2 h 20 minOvernight nearby, for example: Catherine's Landing (5 mi); Gulpha Gorge Campground (2 mi).
- Day 3: Hot Springs → Little Rock · 56 mi · 0 h 60 minOvernight nearby, for example: Downtown Riverside RV Park (2 mi); Burns Park - RV Campground (4 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Arkansas Ozarks?
3-day road trip of about 400 km (248 mi) with 5 stops, from Eureka Springs to Little Rock. About 4 h 26 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Arkansas Ozarks?
We suggest 3 days: about 4 h 26 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Arkansas Ozarks start and end?
It starts in Eureka Springs and ends in Little Rock.
Which states does Arkansas Ozarks pass through?
Arkansas.
Where can you camp along Arkansas Ozarks?
OpenStreetMap lists 38 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Downtown Riverside RV Park, Steel Creek Campground and Parker's RV Park.
When is the best time for Arkansas Ozarks?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
