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.

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.

Recreation

Floating 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 floating 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.   

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.

Important Notices

• • The facility is available for camping free of charge outside of the reservation season, generally November 15th to March 15th every year.

  • Climbing and/or diving from the bluffs is dangerous and highly discouraged.

  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. 

  • All park trails are closed to pets with the exception of the Buffalo River Trail, only on the section of trail between Ponca and Steel Creek, the Villines Homestead Trail at Ponca, the Mill Creek Trail (trailhead is at the Pruitt river access area in the Upper District), the Tyler Bend Campground trails (Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge, and Rock Wall in the Middle District), and all three Buffalo Point Campground trails (Forest Trail, Overlook Trail, and Campground Trail in the Lower District). For more information visit the Pets page on the park website.

  • Do not swim alone during high water.

  • Please be aware that some special events held at the pavilions or anywhere in the park (such as weddings, press receptions, concerts, et al) require a Special Use Permit in addition to the pavilion reservation. To obtain a Special Use Permit or additional information, please contact the Commercial Services office at (870) 365-2724. For more information visit the Special Park Uses page on the park website.

  • Please be advised that providing business services within an NPS unit is prohibited per CFR 5.3 without a written Authorization or Permit approved by the Superintendent. This includes services such as RV or tent delivery & set-up, firewood sales and delivery, shuttle (transportation) services, and guided hikes, floats, etc. For a list of approved visitor services and to learn more about working with Buffalo National River, please visit the Doing Business with the Park page on the park website.

Available Activities

• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Camping - Camping
• Fishing - Fishing
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Swimming - Swimming
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing

Directions

<p><strong>From Fayetteville, Arkansas</strong> 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.  </p><p><strong>From Little Rock, Arkansas</strong> 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.  </p><p><strong>From Springfield, Missouri</strong> 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.  </p>

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel?</strong></p><p>Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation in My Reservations.</p><p><strong>Changes</strong></p><p>If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee (per reserved site). There are no additional fees for:</p><ul><li><p>Adding or removing nights to your stay.</p></li><li><p>Changing to a different campsite.</p></li></ul><p>Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate.</p><p><strong>Cancellations</strong></p><p>You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees:</p><ul><li><p>$10 cancellation fee</p></li><li><p>Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking)</p></li><li><p>Any previous change fees</p></li></ul><p>Late cancellation penalties may also apply:</p><p><strong>What is “Late”?</strong></p><p>For individual campsites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 1 calendar day before your scheduled check-in. For cabins and group sites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in.</p><p><strong>Late Fee</strong></p><p>In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your <strong>first night's recreation use fee </strong>from any refund owed. For additional details, please visit  <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Changes and Cancellations</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow"><strong>rules and reservation policies</strong></a> </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 870-439-2502

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip