Carter Cove

Campground · Arkansas · 34 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Nimrod State Game Management Area (3308) · Restricted Access

34
Bookable sites
75 ft
Max rig length
up to 50
People per site
395 ft
Elevation
CARTER COVE

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.

The facts

  • 34 bookable sites
  • 35 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • 1 site for day use only
  • Vehicles up to 75 ft
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: CARTER COVE

Site types

  • 33 Standard Electric
  • 1 Group Shelter Electric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

35 campsites at Carter Cove

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
01CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved54 ft8 🐾
02CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved42 ft8 🐾
03CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
04CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved51 ft8 🐾
05CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved48 ft8 🐾
06CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved36 ft8 🐾
07CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved75 ft8 🐾
08CARTER COVEStandard ElectricPull ThroughPaved71 ft8 🐾
09CARTER COVEStandard ElectricPull ThroughPaved45 ft8 🐾
10CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved30 ft8 🐾
11CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved33 ft8 🐾
12CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved35 ft16 🐾
13CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
14CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved27 ft8 🐾
15CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved26 ft8 🐾
16CARTER COVEManagementBack InPaved36 ft8 🐾
17CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
18CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
19CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
20CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved48 ft8 🐾
21CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved44 ft8 🐾
22CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved52 ft8 🐾
23CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved30 ft8 🐾
24CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved50 ft8 🐾
25CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
26CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved48 ft8 🐾
27CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved48 ft8 🐾
28CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
29CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved56 ft8 🐾
30CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved48 ft8 🐾
31CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
32CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved50 ft8 🐾
33CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved56 ft8 🐾
34CARTER COVEStandard ElectricBack InPaved64 ft16 🐾
GS1CARTER COVEGroup Shelter Electric—Paved—50

Getting there

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

34.96331, -93.23926 · 34°57'47.9"N 93°14'21.3"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 94°F in Jul, down to 52°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F525766758290949487766454
Low °F313441506068727063514033
Precip in3.83.94.95.46.24.23.73.64.04.55.15.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

CARTER COVE

Member photos

Common questions about Carter Cove

Can you reserve a site at Carter Cove?
Yes, Carter Cove is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Carter Cove have?
35 sites in total, of which 34 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Carter Cove?
75 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Carter Cove?
Yes, pets are allowed at Carter Cove.
Does Carter Cove have hookups?
Electric, Water.
Are campfires allowed at Carter Cove?
Campfires are allowed at Carter Cove. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Carter Cove

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.