Best Campgrounds near Manila, AR
Camping options around Manila, Arkansas range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across the northeastern part of the state. Craighead Forest Park, located approximately 30 miles west of Manila near Jonesboro, offers both RV and tent camping with concrete pads, electric and water hookups, and access to a lake. Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground provides another developed option with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins about 40 miles from Manila. Mallard Lake Wildlife Management Area offers more primitive dispersed camping opportunities closer to Manila for those seeking a less developed experience.
Road conditions throughout the region remain generally accessible year-round, though some areas may experience seasonal flooding, particularly in spring. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide water and electric hookups, with several offering full hookups for RVs. Craighead Forest Park features clean bathhouses with showers and laundry facilities, while more remote areas like wildlife management lands have minimal amenities. Cell service varies throughout the region but remains strongest near Jonesboro and other population centers. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. As one visitor noted, "Arkansas has some of the best bathhouses as well! There is a really nice playground and also a walking trail that you can access from the campground."
Campers consistently mention the natural features of Crowley's Ridge, a unique geological formation running through the otherwise flat Mississippi Delta region. The area's state parks provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing. Several campgrounds in the region feature lake access, with Craighead Forest Park offering waterfront sites popular among anglers. "The campground is small, but the sites are nice," reported one visitor about Lake Poinsett State Park, which is within an hour's drive of Manila. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with interstate-adjacent sites experiencing traffic sounds while state park campgrounds generally provide a quieter experience. Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities and offer family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas.
