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.
Description
Overview
Carter Cove Campground sits along the shores of Nimrod Lake and Dam, cradled between Arkansas' Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. Visitors are greeted with shaded campsites, beautiful scenery and many outdoor recreation opportunities. Nimrod Lake provides the ideal spot to get away from it all, relax and enjoy yourself.
Recreation
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the lake, with an abundance of catfish, bluegill, bass and crappie available. Boating, water skiing and tubing are also popular, with 11 boat ramps conveniently located around the lake, however, skiing and tubing are only allowed from the tip of Carden Point eastward toward the dam because areas west of there are too hazardous. Campers are likely to spot white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, fox, mink, black bear, dove and waterfowl in the area. Seasonal hunting is also permitted throughout the lake, except in or near recreation areas.
Facilities
With 34 spacious and modern campsites and one large day use group picnic shelter, Carter Cove Campground has plenty of room for the family. A swimming beach, boat ramp and playground are also provided.
Natural Features
Nimrod Dam was completed in 1942 as part of a comprehensive plan for flood control and development of water resources in the Fourche LaFave River. Although recreation was not part of the initial mission of the dam project, the lake and surrounding 21,000 acres of pristine land have now become a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions
Nimrod Lake is conveniently located adjacent to State Highway 7, a National Scenic Byway and other nearby points of interest like Petit Jean State Park, Mount Nebo State Park and Hot Springs National Park.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCarter Cove is located in Arkansas
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites 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
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Hot Springs, AR
- 1 hr 12 min from Little Rock, AR
- 1 hr 40 min from Fort Smith, AR
- 2 hrs 9 min from Fayetteville, AR













