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I love West Arkansas! When our full-time RV friends said they’d be in Hot Springs, we didn’t hesitate—we drove 10 grueling hours straight from Pensacola. It was worth every mile.
The great thing about this park is it was full of families. Our kids had a blast hanging out with friends, playing games in the dark, and having a movie night on a projector screen.
Hot Springs, one of the oldest federally protected areas in the U.S., is rich in history. The preserved early 20th-century bathhouses on Bathhouse Row are a must-see.
We chose the Quapaw Bathhouse for its $25 all-day pass, featuring multiple thermal pools, free spring water, and a snack bar. It was a hit—though my daughter got dizzy.
Lesson learned: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Did you know Hot Springs was a gangster hotspot in the early 20th century? Al Capone was a regular! While we skipped the Gangster Museum, a friendly local gave us the inside scoop for free.
We visited Crater of Diamonds in Murfreesboro to dig for real diamonds in a volcanic crater—the only public diamond-bearing site in the world.
We even brought home a bucket of dirt to sift through (still haven’t done it!).
Fun fact: Diamonds are regularly found here in white, brown, and yellow. The largest U.S. diamond, the 40.23-carat "Uncle Sam," was discovered here in 1924.
Best part? You keep whatever you find!
A family friend from California had just bought a house in Arkansas. Though they hadn’t moved in yet, he invited us to stay.
Join me as I show you why this place is so special!
Gulpha Gorge Campground
Located in Hot Springs National Park, this full hookup campground is beautiful, with trails starting right in the park.
We went on two beautiful and strenuous hikes, but did not take the trail to downtown, we drove instead.
The great thing about this park is it was full of families. Our kids had a blast hanging out with friends, playing games in the dark, and having a movie night on a projector screen.
Spring Weather Adventures
Early spring greeted us with mild 70-degree days, a mix of sunshine and rain—and one unforgettable tornado warning. As sirens wailed and hail fell, we huddled in the campground bathrooms. Knowing our friend’s experience with tornadoes kept us (mostly) calm.
Thankfully, the tornado touched down four miles away, leaving us safe and grateful.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, one of the oldest federally protected areas in the U.S., is rich in history. The preserved early 20th-century bathhouses on Bathhouse Row are a must-see.
We chose the Quapaw Bathhouse for its $25 all-day pass, featuring multiple thermal pools, free spring water, and a snack bar. It was a hit—though my daughter got dizzy.
Lesson learned: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Did you know Hot Springs was a gangster hotspot in the early 20th century? Al Capone was a regular! While we skipped the Gangster Museum, a friendly local gave us the inside scoop for free.
Crater of Diamonds
We even brought home a bucket of dirt to sift through (still haven’t done it!).
Fun fact: Diamonds are regularly found here in white, brown, and yellow. The largest U.S. diamond, the 40.23-carat "Uncle Sam," was discovered here in 1924.
Best part? You keep whatever you find!
Little Rock
When we arrived and found it locked, Scott’s friend jokingly had us "break in."
The home was stunning, with breathtaking views—so different from the suburban vibe of Southern California!
Our friend’s grown kids and adorable grandson visited us in Hot Springs and surprised us with an Airbnb on Lake Hamilton. We spent the time eating, playing games, and watching a movie—a generous and thoughtful gift!
One of the best things about full-time RVing is the friendships we’ve built. Meeting new people and reconnecting with them in different places makes this lifestyle so special. These bonds grow fast when you share a similar outlook on life—friends quickly feel like family.
This trip reminded me of two things: the power of generosity and God’s unwavering protection.
From our California friend offering his not-yet-lived-in home to our Hot Springs friends surprising us with an Airbnb stay, making us feel like part of the family-we felt so blessed.
God’s hand was evident throughout our journey. On our long drive, our truck went into "limp mode," forcing us to stop in a sketchy area.
Airbnb Surprise
Our friend’s grown kids and adorable grandson visited us in Hot Springs and surprised us with an Airbnb on Lake Hamilton. We spent the time eating, playing games, and watching a movie—a generous and thoughtful gift!
Overall Experience
If you know me, you know I’m all about a good hot spring! With Raynaud’s making my hands and feet constantly cold, soaking in hot water is pure bliss.
One of the best things about full-time RVing is the friendships we’ve built. Meeting new people and reconnecting with them in different places makes this lifestyle so special. These bonds grow fast when you share a similar outlook on life—friends quickly feel like family.
This trip reminded me of two things: the power of generosity and God’s unwavering protection.
From our California friend offering his not-yet-lived-in home to our Hot Springs friends surprising us with an Airbnb stay, making us feel like part of the family-we felt so blessed.
God’s hand was evident throughout our journey. On our long drive, our truck went into "limp mode," forcing us to stop in a sketchy area.
Thankfully, after a short rest, the truck was back to normal, and we continued safely.
Then there was the tornado—sirens blaring, hail pounding, and skies turning ominous.
Then there was the tornado—sirens blaring, hail pounding, and skies turning ominous.
Yet God kept us safe, with the tornado touching down miles away.
Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.
In Luke 6:38, part of Jesus' powerful Sermon on the Plain, He challenges us to live generously, reflecting God's heart.
Luke 6:38 (MSG)
Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.
Context
In Luke 6:38, part of Jesus' powerful Sermon on the Plain, He challenges us to live generously, reflecting God's heart.
He promises that when we give freely, God will bless us abundantly, like a cup filled to overflowing. It's not a transaction—it’s about embracing the joy of giving and watching God's grace pour back into our lives.
Jesus invites us to see generosity not as a duty, but as a chance to reflect His love and abundance.
What stands out to me in The Message is, "generosity begets generosity."
Reflection
The incredible generosity we've received has not only blessed us but also taught us how to be more generous.
The love of money isn’t just about working to gain material things or go on grand vacations. It also shows up as fear and anxiety about not having enough, holding tightly to what you’ve got.
The love of money isn’t just about working to gain material things or go on grand vacations. It also shows up as fear and anxiety about not having enough, holding tightly to what you’ve got.
Scott and I both struggled with this in different ways, but God has freed us.
Now, our greatest joy is blessing others with what He’s given us, and He’s been faithful to provide every step of the way.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your generosity and provision. Help us to reflect Your heart by giving freely, trusting that You will always provide. Free us from fear and the love of money, and guide us to bless others with what You've given us. May our lives be a testament to who You are.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.
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