Camper submitted image from Carter Cove - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Carter Cove - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Carter Cove - 3
Animals
Camper submitted image from Carter Cove - 4
People
Camper submitted image from Carter Cove - 5
Water

Established Camping

Carter Cove

Carter Cove, near Plainview, Arkansas, is a solid choice for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. This campground offers a mix of shaded spots and open areas, making it a comfortable place to set up your tent or RV.

With amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, visitors appreciate the convenience while enjoying nature. The campground is known for its clean facilities, including bathrooms that get good marks from guests. As one happy camper noted, “The showers and restrooms were very clean and warm,” which is always a plus after a long day of fishing or hiking.

Carter Cove is situated right by Nimrod Lake, providing easy access to fishing and boating activities. There are trails nearby for those who want to explore on foot or bike, and the area is generally quiet, perfect for unwinding. Some campers have mentioned the large camping spots, which allow for a bit of privacy while still being close to the action.

If you're planning a group outing, there are designated group campsites connected by short trails, making it easy to gather with friends or family. Just remember to call ahead if you’re interested in those spots. Whether you're casting a line or just soaking up the scenery, Carter Cove has a lot to offer for a memorable camping experience.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Nimrod Lake

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.

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

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

Open in Google Maps

Is Carter Cove sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Poor
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

60%
0%
20%
0%
20%

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

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
  • My baby looking for the squirrels she hears
    Play button icon
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

  • How much does it cost to camp at Carter Cove?

    Camping at Carter Cove can cost between $40.00 and $60.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Carter Cove have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Carter Cove has 50 amp electric hookups and water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Carter Cove?

    Carter Cove allows vehicles up to 75 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Carter Cove?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Carter Cove, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Carter Cove?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Carter Cove?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Carter Cove. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Carter Cove, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Carter Cove?

    There are 35 campsites at Carter Cove and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts