Carden Point

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Carden Point

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Season

Year-round

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Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Carden Point
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwaterlake

"Reviews for Carden Point are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the beautiful, quiet lakeside setting, clean water, and pleasant beach area. Many mention it as a favorite spot for relaxing, watching sunsets and stars, and bringing family, though one very negative review describes a period when the area was dusty, damaged, and unpleasant due to poor conditions and weather."

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About Carden Point

Nestled between the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains along the pristine shores of Nimrod Lake, Carden Point Day Use Park offers a perfect escape for families seeking waterfront recreation. Whether you're casting a line from the shore, building sandcastles on the swimming beach, or gathering under the spacious group shelter, this scenic day-use area delivers classic lakeside fun with mountain views as your backdrop.
Carden Point is described as a day-use park with facilities supporting group gatherings and lake recreation.
Historical SignificanceThe story of Carden Point begins with the completion of Nimrod Dam in 1942, an ambitious engineering project designed to tame the Fourche LaFave River and protect downstream communities from devastating floods. What started as a purely practical flood control measure has evolved into something the original engineers never imagined—a beloved recreational destination where generations of Arkansas families have created lasting memories. The transformation from functional infrastructure to cherished gathering place reflects the unexpected ways that conservation projects can enrich our lives beyond their intended purpose.
Natural Features and SceneryThe park's 21,000 acres of land and water create a wildlife haven where nature puts on a daily show. White-tailed deer emerge from the treeline at dusk, while eastern wild turkeys strut through the understory. Overhead, doves and waterfowl trace patterns across the sky, and if you're exceptionally fortunate, you might spot a black bear moving through the distant hills. The lake itself mirrors the surrounding Ouachita and Ozark Mountains, creating a landscape where water and peaks engage in an endless conversation. Smaller residents—squirrels, rabbits, bobwhite quail, fox, and mink—complete this thriving ecosystem that makes every visit feel like stepping into Arkansas's wild heart.
Geological RegionCradled in the unique meeting place between Arkansas' ancient Ouachita and Ozark Mountain ranges, where two distinct geological worlds converge
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Campsite details

Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSkiing and tubing should be conducted only from the tip of Carden Point eastward toward the dam due to hazardous conditions west of that point. The area is well suited for group picnics and family activities given the large day-use shelter, playground, horseshoe pit and swimming beach.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Day use only
Groups
  • The park features a large day-use group picnic shelter equipped with drinking water, grills and tables
  • the shelter and adjacent amenities are described as ideal for large parties or family functions.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFeatures a large day-use group picnic shelter with drinking water, grills and tables, plus a playground, horseshoe pit and a swimming beach.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities center on lake-based activities and wildlife viewing, with facilities and shoreline features to support day-use recreation.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular activities; the lake contains catfish, bluegill, bass and crappie.
Swimming
A swimming beach is available for visitors.
Boating
Boating is popular; Nimrod Lake has 11 boat ramps. Water skiing and tubing are allowed from the tip of Carden Point eastward toward the dam, while areas west of that point are considered too hazardous for those activities.
Wildlife viewing
Visitors are likely to spot white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, fox, mink, black bear, dove and waterfowl. Seasonal hunting is permitted throughout the lake except in or near recreation areas.
Beach activities
A designated swimming beach is provided for lakefront recreation and day-use visitors.
Water Sports
Water skiing and tubing are specifically mentioned; these activities are restricted to the area eastward from the tip of Carden Point toward the dam.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsWater areas west of the tip of Carden Point are described as too hazardous for skiing and tubing. Presence of wildlife (including black bear) and ongoing seasonal hunting on the lake are noted.

Weather at Carden Point

41
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 47%
Wind: 4.1 mph
Clear sky

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shores of Nimrod Lake and adjacent to Nimrod Dam.

Campground Map

Carden Point
Driving directionsFrom Plainview, Arkansas, take Route 60 east for 5.5 miles to the Access Road, then follow signs into campground.
Adjacent to State Highway 7 (a National Scenic Byway); access from Route 60 via Plainview as described in driving directions.
Nearby places
Nearby points of interest: Petit Jean State Park
Mount Nebo State Park
Hot Springs National Park (distances not provided).

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Carden Point has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Carden Point are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the beautiful, quiet lakeside setting, clean water, and pleasant beach area. Many mention it as a favorite spot for relaxing, watching sunsets and stars, and bringing family, though one very negative review describes a period when the area was dusty, damaged, and unpleasant due to poor conditions and weather.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Campers highlight the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding wilderness, including memorable sunsets and starry skies. Reviewers appreciate the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere, clean lake water, and...
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Common Concerns

There are almost no recurring complaints; only one reviewer reports severe issues, describing knocked-down trees, dusty conditions, brown water, a partially submerged and poorly maintained dock, and...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a small, rocky lake beach, and be prepared for lake entry over rocks rather than soft sand. It tends to be quiet and not very busy, making it a good choice if you’re seeking a less crowded...
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Camper Quotes

"I used to live in Arkansas and this was one of my favorite spots in the entire state." "It is so beautiful here! Nice beach access and boat ramp as well! I will definitely be coming back here...
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Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer notes that the beach area is not open to dogs, so pet owners should plan to keep dogs away from the designated beach section or confirm current pet rules before visiting.

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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