Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Nimrod Lake

Because of its location convenient to Little Rock, and low traffic, Nimrod Lake makes a good camping destination. When the fall leaves change and begin to drop it is an especially pretty setting. During the off-season there are plenty of first-come, first-served campsites (with 30 amp electric hookups). Some of the campground sites are not level but there should be enough to choose from. Given that Corps of Engineers operates three campgrounds around Nimrod Lake, you are likely to find them only sparsely occupied, especially in the off-season. For summer months, there is a swim beach a short walk down a hill from the campsites. I give it 3 stars mainly because I’m not aware of any good hiking from the campground, but if I’d gone out on the water for an adventure I might have rated it higher. It’s also feasible to drive up Mount Nebo as a side trip from this location.

Large dispersed campsite along the Fourche La Fave River on US Army Corps of Engineers land in the Nimrod Lake area. A boat launch to the river is next to the site. Because of erosion, direct access to the river bank from behind the site is difficult. This site can accomodate multiple rigs. Tent camping is possible. The level site surface is a mixture of dirt, sand & gravel. A small rock fire ring, lantern pole and a broken picnic table is included. There was some trash at the site but not too bad. Access to the site is on River Road which is gravel and a little pot-holed. A small RV, small towable, truck camper and any rig smaller should have no problem accessing the site. Note that accessing it on Duck Pond Rd from the south, you have to cross the narrow Wards Crossing Bridge which has a 3 ton weight limit.

Catherine’s Landing is a great RV park with lots of amenities and things happening. This park is an RVC Outdoor Destination property which is known for their “resort” amenities. The park is set on 400 acres with one mile bordering Lake Catherine and about eight or nine miles from downtown Hot Springs. 

All roads, sites and patios are paved and this is definitely a big rig-friendly park. Every site has water, 50/30 amp, sewer, cable, and wifi. Fire pits and picnic tables accompany all sites. There are a variety of sites ranging from waterfront back-in, pull-thrus, or interior back-in. Waterfront sites have a nice view of the lake from the back of the site and access for fishing. The park also has yurts and cottages (some of which are pet-friendly). Adjacent to the yurts is a nice, large covered picnic area with grills, a dish washing station. 

Lots and lots of amenities here. Hiking trails, swimming pool, fitness center, lounge, playground, dog park, zip-line, boat rental, boat launch, store, and disc golf. Some amenities (boat rentals and zip-line) are an extra charge. 

Hot Springs is a nice little town nestled in the Ouachita Mountains with interesting history and natural beauty. We found plenty to do from hiking the National Park to learning about the bathhouse history to discovering the gangster influence. We spent four nights and could have stayed longer with all that the town offers. Most people come here to bathe in the soothing warm mineral waters but there is also a horse racetrack, science museum, off road track, water/theme park, alligator farm, and a few museums. Hot Springs National Park has miles and miles of great hiking trails and a great place to spend an afternoon. The town of Hot Springs is very dog-friendly and we found many places that would allow them in and on the patio for lunch.

Pros:

• Very nice, clean, well-manicured
• Lots of amenities
•  Paved level sites with paved patios 
• The dog park was a decent size for running and mingling with other dogs
• The hiking trail(about 3 miles) was a big plus and got used a lot. 

Cons:

• Price. We booked late and didn’t have too many sites to choose from we had to pay for a waterfront site

Top notch RV campground that is well maintained and has a friendly professional staff. Lots of amenities like disc golf, hiking trails, pool, zip line course, lake access and two dog parks that were the cleanest I’ve seen at an rv park. We had site 204 which is a back in site with FHU on driver’s side. We loved this site because it was on the back side of the campground, near the dog park and lots of open space behind us to play with our dog. All of the sites are very spacious, concrete pads, well maintained hook ups, and most are full sun. This was our second visit and we will definitely be back.

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.

This park was very peaceful and quiet. You can hear the bullfrogs at night. JJ - the owner was the ice on the cake. Just such a nice fellow. There are several full timers there. It is right on a little creek, and there are turkeys somewhere nearby. The RV Park is very very close to Hot Springs National Park, and there is an amusement park right across the highway. The Wi-Fi is nonexistent. There is no dog park, but plenty of space to walk your fur children. We enjoyed the full hook ups. Nice big pull thru sites. There is a laundry room and bathrooms on the premises. I had an enjoyable experience, and would gladly stay there again if I am ever nearby.