There are 453 miles between Dallas and Memphis. While you can always get there by driving straight through, you will miss a lot of fun along the way. Stop at the Hot Springs National Park to get pampered, play in beautiful natural state parks, and see many things that you have never seen before. The open highway is calling you to complete a Dallas to Memphis road trip, so get your RV loaded to complete this incredible journey as soon as possible.
It is easy to include a national park in your Dallas to Memphis RV road trip itinerary because Hot Springs National Park is located right on the route, but you may want to consider visiting other national parks now or on a future road trip.
Hot Springs National Historical Park
Hot Springs National Park is one of only four urban national parks in the United States. Bathhouse Row was created in the late 1800s so that the nation’s wealthiest citizens could come and soak in its crystal-clear mineralized water, which was believed to cure many different ailments. Today, you can still get a deluxe spa treatment at one of the bathhouses. You can also drink the water by taking your own container to at least four different locations around the city, including in front of the Hot Springs, Arkansas, city hall. The area around the park is filled with numerous opportunities to hike and bike. You can also find spots to soak in the hot springs where the water comes out of the ground at 147 degrees.
On your Dallas to Memphis RV road trip, you will be passing through northeast Texas, Arkansas, and part of Tennessee. There are wonderful state parks near your route in each state.
Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper Lake State Park is located only 90 miles northeast of Dallas, near Sulphur Springs, Texas. It is divided into two different units. Boat docks, fishing piers, and fish cleaning stations are all available for anglers to use with bass, catfish, and crappie being caught regularly. The lake is also a great place to go swimming and water skiing. You can rent kayaks and canoes. Bring along your hiking boots to explore areas near the lake at both parts of this state park. This park is also a great place to camp at night, allowing you to see many constellations.
Atlanta State Park
Atlanta State Park on the shores of Wright Patman Lake is a great place to spend some time on your road trip from Dallas to Memphis. The lake at this state park located near Atlanta, Texas, has yielded 75-pound catfish. There are 4.8 miles of hiking trails available for use with many running under tall pine and hardwood trees. The park’s roads are also a great place to go for a jog. Community events are often held in the amphitheater. You can rent canoes and kayaks or talk to the park rangers as there is usually fishing equipment and sports equipment available to borrow.
Millwood State Park
The submerged timber, marshes, and oxbow cutoffs at Millwood State Park near Ashdown, Arkansas, make this a great place to go bass fishing. Consider going on a birdwatching hike because the Audubon Society has named this an Important Bird Area. Plan a picnic to enjoy at the shaded picnic tables. There’s no need to worry if you forgot something because the marina store probably carries it.
Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine State Park near Hot Springs, Arkansas, contains the only full-service marina on this 1,940-acre lake. Hike along the short Slunger Creek Nature Trail that runs along Slunger Creek in the Ouachita Mountain to listen to the water babble along. Depending on the amount of rain that has fallen, you may also want to hike along the Falls Trail to view the waterfall. Watch for the Ouachita streambed salamander as this park is the only place on earth that it lives. See the park on a guided horseback trail ride.
T.O. Fuller State Park
After the drive, refresh with a swim in the pool at T.O. Fuller State Park. This park has over 8 miles of hiking trails that run through wetlands, wildflower valleys, native grassy meadows, and around upland ponds. You can often view migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors because of this park’s proximity to the Mississippi Flyway.
There are numerous points of interest that you may want to stop at on your Dallas to Memphis road trip.
Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Center and Museum
This museum consists of two different museums in Pittsburgh, Texas, and you will want to leave time to visit both. The Pittsburgh Depot Museum contains a fascinating collection of early transportation objects, including a surrey, firetruck, and steam engine. This museum also contains a wildlife diorama, an early telephone switchboard, and a telegraph machine. The second part of the museum is the Ezekiel Airship where a replica of a pre-1902 airplane can be viewed.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is operated by the University of Arkansas. Depending on the time that you arrive, you may want to start your visit with a bite at the Chipmunk Café. Then, stroll around the garden path through the many different gardens.
William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum contains three-stories of permanent and temporary exhibits. You can view the car that he rode in during his time in office on the first floor. Second-floor exhibits showcase major accomplishments of his presidency. On the third floor, you can learn more about his personal life before, during, and after his time in office.
You can find interesting cities to include along your Dallas to Memphis RV road trip. There are many outstanding RV dump stations in Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
Sulphur Springs, Texas
There are many reasons to visit Sulphur Springs, Texas. Stop at the Southwest Dairy Museum to learn more about this industry. Coleman Park is a fantastic spot for a meal break on the shores of its beautiful lake. Consider spending the night at Cooper Lake State Park or at Shady Lake RV Park. RV dumpsites are available at both locations along with the Love’s Truck Stop.
Texarkana, Texas
Texarkana crosses the state line with part of it being in Arkansas and part in Texas. There are several museum options in this area including the Museum of Regional History, Discovery Place Interactive Museum, and Ace of Clubs House. Many lakes in this area, including Lake Wright Patman, offer fishing fun. Camping options in Texarkana with dump stations include Four States Fairground RV Park and Millwood State Park.
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
You can find a lot to do in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, including visiting the Arkansas Railroad Museum, where you can see restored passenger cars, cabooses, and baggage cars. Another site that you may want to consider visiting is the Arts and Science Center of Southeast Arkansas. Children will love the arts and crafts space created just for them at this center. Consider camping for the night at Pine Bluff Regional Park or at Deam RV Park. Dump stations are available at Hestand Stadium.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas, is a fascinating town to visit. If you have children along, then consider stopping at the Center of Discovery as they are sure to love the hands-on exhibits. You may also want to visit the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site because of the important role it played in the Civil Rights movement. Think about taking a stroll along the river at Riverfront Park. Think about camping at the Downtown Riverside RV Park or at Burns RV Park and Campground. RV dump stations are available at the Downtown Riverside RV Park or at nearby Cabot Park.
A Dallas to Memphis road trip offers so many different possibilities. You can have a great time reconnecting with nature, fishing, and hiking. Treat yourself to a spa treatment at Hot Springs National Park. There are lots of other things that you will want to do and tour along the way. Get your RV loaded and hit the highway as soon as possible. If you do not have one, then rent one in Dallas or Memphis on RVshare.com. For the way back, check out Memphis to Dallas!
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