Carver Campground

About

Carver Campground offers an intimate camping experience in the upper district of Buffalo National River, situated where Highway 123 crosses the Buffalo River near the confluence of Big Creek. The campground features 8 tent-only sites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook. Vault toilets are available year-round, while potable water is provided seasonally from approximately March 13 through November 15. The location provides excellent access to paddling opportunities on the Buffalo River, with the Hasty to Carver and Carver to Mt. Hersey float trips being popular options. The area where Big Creek enters the Buffalo River is a favorite spot for swimming and fishing. Cell phone service is unreliable in this area, so campers should make reservations in advance. As of 2026, reservations are required for all sites during the operating season through Recreation.gov. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with free primitive camping from mid-November through mid-March when water services are unavailable. RVs, motorhomes, camper trailers, and vans are not permitted. This is a pack-in/pack-out facility, so campers must bring all trash out with them.

Directions

From Jasper, AR, travel 12 miles east on Highway 123. The campground is located just off Highway 123 where it crosses the Buffalo River. Alternatively, from Harrison take Highway 65 south approximately 13 miles to the Highway 123 turnoff in Western Grove, then turn right on Highway 123 and travel approximately 11 miles to Carver Road turnoff on the right.