Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs, AR
A woodland botanical garden on a peninsula in Lake Hamilton, with a striking wood-and-glass chapel. Spring azaleas and the winter holiday lights are the busiest times.
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a botanical garden in the hills near Hot Springs, Arkansas, about 8 miles (roughly 13 km) south of town on Lake Hamilton. The garden covers 210 acres (about 85 ha) with 4.5 miles (about 7 km) of wooded shoreline. Verna Cook Garvan gave it in 1985 to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture, which still runs it as a botanical garden.
Highlights include the Garden of the Pine Wind, a Japanese-style rock garden in a natural ravine. There is also a wildflower overlook, a children's garden, bridges and pergolas, and the Garvan Pavilion by Fay Jones and Maurice Jennings. Right nearby stands Anthony Chapel, a wood-and-glass building designed by Maurice Jennings and David McKee.
Popular times are spring, with the Tulip Extravaganza and around 160 varieties of azalea, and winter, with the Holiday Lights: roughly 5 million lights across 18 acres (about 7 ha). Expect more visitors in spring and in December; check hours and admission in advance.
- Nearest town
- Hot Springs, AR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.4390, -93.0457
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
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. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Timbercrest RV & Mobile Home ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from Garvan Woodland GardensMotorhomesElectricity
- Catherine's LandingMotorhome stopover3 mi from Garvan Woodland GardensMotorhomes
- Gulpha Gorge CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Garvan Woodland Gardens · 40 pitches
- Loop CCampsite20 mi from Garvan Woodland GardensTentsCaravans
- Loop BCampsite20 mi from Garvan Woodland GardensTentsCaravans
- Hickory Nut Mountain CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Garvan Woodland GardensTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in Arkansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Garvan Woodland Gardens?
Garvan Woodland Gardens is in Hot Springs, AR, at GPS 34.4390, -93.0457. It is about 34 mi from Mount Ida.
Can you camp near Garvan Woodland Gardens?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Timbercrest RV & Mobile Home Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Garvan Woodland Gardens?
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Arkansas crystals and diamonds.
What is there to see near Garvan Woodland Gardens?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bathhouse Row (5 mi), Lake Ouachita State Park (14 mi), Pinnacle Mountain State Park (42 mi) and Crater of Diamonds State Park (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Garvan Woodland Gardens?
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)