National Park Service campground

Carver Campground

National Park Service campground in Buffalo National River, Arkansas.

Managed by: National Park Service Buffalo National River
Sites: 8 8 standard non-electric
Hookups: None listed
Reservations: Recreation.gov

Overview

Carver Campground is located in the Upper District of the Buffalo National River, and about 12 miles (19 km) east of Jasper. It has 8 tent-only sites. Drinking water is available when fees are collected from approximately March 15 - November 15. All sites are limited to 6 people per site, and each site is $16 per night. All sites must be reserved in advance. A vault restroom is available.

Recreation

Paddling conditions in the upper (westernmost) district of Buffalo National River are extremely dependent upon rainfall. On an average year, the upper river is only navigable by boat in the spring and early summer when consistent rainfall feeds into the watershed. Some sections on the upper end of the river are technical and should not be attempted by novices. For current paddling conditions, please check with an outfitter (visit our Guided Services web page ), call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at (870) 439-2502, or check the USGS Buffalo River Floating Conditions web page.

Facilities

Carver has 8 reservable tent-only sites with potable water available from approximately March 15 through November 15 each year, but no electrical amenities. A vault restroom is available.

Natural Features

The Buffalo National River flows free over swift running rapids and quiet pools for its 135-mile (217 km) length. One of the few remaining rivers in the lower 48 states without dams, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River.

Nearby Attractions

Carver is conveniently situated between the Upper and Middle Districts of the Buffalo River, offering access to many great day hiking and overnight backcountry destinations in the park. Additionally, access to the Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area is immediately across the river from Carver.

The description, directions and fees are the National Park Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

camping
canoeing
fishing
kayaking
picnicking
star gazing
swimming

Getting there

From Fayetteville, Arkansas drive north and take US Highway 412 East for approximately 42 miles (67.5 km) to the intersection with State Highway 21. Take highway 21 South for approximately 17 miles (27.4 km) to the intersection of State Highway 43. Here, take highway 43 East for about 5 miles (8 km) to the intersection of State Highway 74. Here, turn right onto highway 74 and drive about 25 miles (40.2 km) to the intersection of State Highway 123. Turn left on State Highway 123 and drive approximately 3 miles (4.8 km), then turn right on Carver Campground Road. The campground will be at the bottom of the short gravel road. From Little Rock, Arkansas take Interstate 40 West for approximately 74 miles (119 km) to Exit 81. At Exit 81 turn left on Aspen Road and then take an immediate right on N. Arkansas Avenue/Scenic Byway 7 North. Follow N. Arkansas Avenue/Scenic Byway 7 North through the town of Shiloh and drive approximately 39 miles (62.8 km) to the intersection of State Highway 16. Bear right at the intersection towards State Highway 123. Take State Highway 123 for about 20 miles (32.2 km), then turn right on Carver Campground Road. The campground will be at the bottom of the short gravel road. From Springfield, Missouri take US Highway 65 South for approximately 70 miles (112.6 km) to the town of Harrison. In Harrison, take State Highway 7 South about 1 mile (1.6 km) through downtown Harrison until you come to the intersection of US Highway 412 East. Turn left and drive for about 15 miles (24 km), then turn right on State Highway 123. Follow State Highway 123 for about 11 miles (17.7 km), then turn right on Carver Campground Road. The campground will be at the bottom of the short gravel road.

Fees

Fees for the walk-in tent-only sites are $16 a night for up to 6 people per site.

Confirm before you go

The federal record has no coordinates for this campground, so it is listed under its county and left off the map rather than placed by guesswork. Use the directions above.

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated May 26, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.