Carter Cove operates year-round with sites ranging from $24-$75 per night, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers within the Nimrod Recreation Area. The campground accommodates RVs up to 75 feet with electric and water hookups, though several sites share water spigots requiring longer hoses. Reservations are available through the standard Corps system.

The forested campground sits along Nimrod Lake with both drive-in and boat-accessible sites. One loop is specifically designed for groups, with campsites connected by short trails, while a separate dirt road leads to primitive group areas near the water that require advance permits from the Corps office. "Clean and mostly quiet," notes Sandy H., who also found "trails to walk to find nice fishing spots" throughout the area.

Fishing dominates the activities here, with boats launching throughout the day even during rain according to multiple campers. The lake also offers swimming, though water temperatures can run quite warm during summer months. Standard amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a dump station. A small store down the road stocks bait and basic supplies.

Site sizes vary considerably across the loops, with some spots barely accommodating smaller RVs on sloped terrain. For campers wanting additional options, Sunlight Bay provides another Corps-managed alternative just west on the same lake.

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Location

Public Campground

Carter Cove is located in Arkansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Plainview, Arkansas, take Route 60 for 3 miles east to the Access Road. Continue 1 mile south and follow signs into campground.

Address

CARTER COVE PARK 10692 CARTER COVE ROAD
Plainview, AR 72857

Coordinates

34.963306 N
93.23926 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned large shaded sites, clean facilities, and helpful hosts. Some visitors reported cramped sites for larger RVs. Popular with anglers due to lake access and boat launch.

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2020

Nice campground

This is a medium size campground. Nice and shaded. We usually stay in spot 9. It is above the boat launch and swim area. Water and electric. Plenty of places to walk hike fish. Nice bathroom and showers. Very nice attendants. Spaces are large. There is one right below site 9 that is super huge but not a lot of shade. They also have group campsites. Will come back here.

  • Review photo of Carter Cove by Sandy H., August 5, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Will come back

Nice campground. Clean and mostly quiet. Trails to walk to find nice fishing spots. Bathrooms mostly clean. Electric and water. Hosts very nice and helpful. Boat launch and swimming area. Small store down the road for bait and few necessities they are super nice there). Mostly shaded. Large camping spots.

  • Review photo of Carter Cove by Sandy H., July 21, 2020
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Reviewed Jul. 5, 2020

Filthy and small

First time to camp here. Site was so small batley fit our 20 ft camper. The steps from camper were on a hill because site was so small. Lake was hot, not warm but hot. Eye infection day after swimming in it.

  • Review photo of Carter Cove by Donald B., July 5, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2018

Nimrod Lake with a nearby primitive camping area

While overall for RV campers I think Quarry Cove is the nicer setting on Nimrod Lake, if you're going with a tent or a group then Carter Cove might be the best choice. There is a side dirt road that leads to primitive group campsites near the lake. If you plan to use the Primitive area, make a phone call to the Army COE first, as they require you to fill out a permit. Though there is no bathhouse or water in that particular area; it is secluded and offers a lake view. I am not aware of any hiking in the area, but you can bike along the roads or put a kayak or canoe in the water. Fishing would also be fun. In the Carter Cove campground, one of the loops is set up for groups, with campsites connected by short trails. Call ahead if you plan to make use of those parts of the campground. If you are bringing a camper, be aware that many sites share water hookups so the spigot can be far away. Bring an extra hose - a long one.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Carter Cove by 2SHOE S., August 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Carter Cove by 2SHOE S., August 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Carter Cove by 2SHOE S., August 18, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 24, 2018

Happy Valentine's day trip!

Spend a week at sunrise point for Valentine's week . Not to many people out this early but the fisherman and us but we love camping so here we go . This place is great for fishing the boats were coming and going all day even in the rain. The showers and restrooms was very clean and warm . We took walks on the bank and around the park . Had friends over for Valentine's dinner ! Great camp for you fishing people ! And if you want to say hello to the old ones there is a cemetery close by .We paid our respects. Would stay here again.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Carter Cove by Myra P., May 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Carter Cove by Myra P., May 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Carter Cove by Myra P., May 24, 2018
  • (17) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carter Cove Campground located on Lake Nimrod, Arkansas?

Carter Cove Campground is situated on Lake Nimrod in Arkansas. The campground features a boat launch area providing direct access to the lake, making it convenient for fishing enthusiasts. It's positioned in a wooded setting with some sites overlooking the lake. The area includes both developed campsites and primitive group camping options accessible via a side dirt road that leads closer to the lake. The location offers plenty of fishing opportunities with boats frequently coming and going from the launch area.

What facilities and amenities are available at Carter Cove Recreation Area?

Carter Cove Recreation Area offers water and electric hookups at campsites. The campground features clean bathrooms and shower facilities that are regularly maintained. Recreational amenities include a boat launch, swimming area, and walking trails that lead to various fishing spots around the lake. The campsites are mostly shaded and spacious, with some exceptionally large sites available (notably the one below site 9). The campground has helpful camp hosts on-site and is generally clean and quiet. There's also a small store located down the road where visitors can purchase bait and basic necessities.

Are there photos of Carter Cove Recreation Area to view before visiting?

While specific photos aren't mentioned in the available information, potential visitors can typically find images of Carter Cove Recreation Area on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website, which manages many facilities on Lake Nimrod. Photos would show the shaded campsites, boat launch area, swimming facilities, and the lake setting. For the most current visual information, contacting the campground directly or checking official recreation.gov listings is recommended. Some camping apps and websites may also feature user-submitted photos that can give you a better sense of the campground's layout and setting before your visit.