Tent campsites near Nimrod Lake sit within the Ouachita National Forest at approximately 700 feet elevation. The camping areas surround a 3,550-acre reservoir created by the Nimrod Dam on the Fourche LaFave River. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions and fewer visitors.
What to do
Fishing access points: Carter Cove Campground offers excellent shoreline fishing with boat ramp access. "Great fishing on a mostly shallow lake that keeps the personal watercraft and skiers away. Boat ramps are in great condition," notes Jason W.
Kayaking opportunities: Irons Fork Primitive Camping provides direct water access for paddlers. "Great for kayaking. Fairly level. Right next to the boat ramp. Lots of people fishing," reports Stephanie P. from her spring 2025 visit.
Hiking trails: Access portions of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from various camping areas. Fred S. mentions that at Dispersed FR132 Ouachita National Forest, "Access to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail located nearby. Free dispersed site, no facilities."
What campers like
Natural shade coverage: Most campsites feature dense pine and oak tree coverage. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, Fred S. notes "Sites are mostly shaded making solar recharging and Starlink access a challenge" but this same coverage provides relief during hot Arkansas summers.
Creek sounds: Several primitive sites sit near small creeks offering natural ambient sounds. At Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite, Fred mentions "The South Fork of Brown Creek runs behind this campsite... The sound from the creek was soothing."
Affordability: Many camping options around Nimrod Lake are free or low-cost. Arthur S. describes his experience at Brown Creek Cascade Dispersed Campsite: "Nice stone camp fire circle, good flat spot for my tent, which is a four person... All in all though it is good to be with nature."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack drinking water and trash service. Fred S. notes about Fourche Mountain Campground: "No water. No electric. Clean vault toilets with tp, and a trash barrel. Clean campground & campsites."
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires travel on gravel or dirt roads. At Hickory Nut Mountain, Nicole G. warns "It's a 4 mile drive uphill with only narrow gravel roads. But it's free to stay."
Seasonal challenges: Summer can bring high temperatures and humidity while spring often sees higher water levels. "They had some recent flooding, not all sites were available," reported Stephanie P. about Irons Fork Primitive Camping in April 2025.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Carter Cove Campground provides amenities suitable for families new to camping. Jason W. describes it as a "Clean, kid friendly campground with RV and tent sites available, 30 amp electric and water, bathrooms are kept clean and have showers."
Swimming areas: Several access points around Nimrod Lake offer swimming opportunities during summer months. Jason W. notes Carter Cove has "a boat ramp and sandy beach to swim or lay out in the sun."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more traffic than others. At Hickory Nut Mountain, Emerald B. observed "This campground shares a drive with a trailhead, so there was more traffic than I was expecting."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most primitive sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. Jack W. notes about Carter Cove Campground: "The sites are a little tight for larger rigs to maneuver and many sites don't have water."
Utility connections: Even at established campgrounds, hookups may be inconsistent. "The water connections were kind of far from the site so had to use longer hose. Did have 50 amp power though," reports Jack W.
Dump station access: Plan ahead as sanitary dump options are limited. The Carter Cove Campground does offer a dump station, making it suitable for brief stays before needing to find full-service options elsewhere.
