Lake Frierson State Park Campground includes 7 sites situated near a boat ramp in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The sites lack sewer hookups, with campers needing to use the dump station at nearby Crowley's Ridge State Park. The small campground features vault toilets without shower facilities, providing basic amenities for tent, RV, and glamping visitors. Surrounding flat farmland characterizes the natural landscape near Manila, Arkansas, where glamping accommodations offer varying levels of amenities depending on the specific location. Shearins RV Park represents another option for glamping in the Manila area, operating at its current location since 1955 and offering both short-term and extended-stay options.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing opportunities: Lake Frierson State Park Campground provides excellent water recreation access. According to visitor Donna M., "Kayaking and fishing was great! Beautiful place to stay!"
Highway access for Memphis exploration: Located conveniently off Interstate 55, Memphis KOA in Marion serves as a strategic base. As Nicholas L. notes, "Close to Memphis, across the river. It's a great campground. The scenery is not spectacular but that's not their fault. Surprisingly quiet for being right on hwy 40."
Recreation games for all ages: Memphis KOA offers various outdoor activities on-site. Melissa J. shares that "There is a dog park, horseshoes and cornhole. They offer daily breakfast and lunch and will deliver site made pizza to your camper. They also have a community garden."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Lake Frierson provides a peaceful glamping experience near Manila. Shelly S. comments, "Lake Frierson State Park is a nice stop off on the way to Jonesboro Arkansas. Nice trails, water recreation and quiet."
Level camping pads: Sites at Memphis KOA feature exceptionally flat surfaces for easy setup. As Kathy F. remarks, "The most Level site in our 6k mile trip. Nice park w clean facilities. Easy access to the sites."
Clean facilities: The Memphis KOA maintains well-kept amenities. Art Z. reports, "The staff was super helpful. Our site (and the whole campground) was covered in snow and it was cold. Other than that, we had a great experience."
What you should know
Limited camping capacity: Lake Frierson State Park operates a small campground. Robert H. notes the compact size but positive qualities: "Only 7 sites no sewer, very clean and spacious."
Seasonal pest issues: Some locations experience significant insect activity. Charles S. warns about Memphis KOA: "The campsites were a decent size but the mosquitoes were unbearable. Very few people were spending any time outside due to the bugs."
Weather considerations: Manila area camping can experience extreme weather. Art Z. shares this experience at Memphis KOA: "Our site (and the whole campground) was covered in snow and it was cold."
Tips for camping with families
Boat ramp proximity: Lake Frierson sites are situated near water access. Shana D. explains, "This is a great fishing hole with a small campground! The sites are nice and have great views of the lake."
Pool availability: Families staying at Memphis KOA can utilize the swimming facilities. Zack L. recommends, "The pool was clean and a great way to cool off."
Group booking potential: The small size of Lake Frierson's campground allows for exclusive use with enough people. Shelly S. advises, "I guess one plus is it's not very crowded and if you have enough relatives you can book the whole site for yourself."
Tips from RVers
RV utilities limitations: Important information for those glamping in Manila-area RV sites. Shana D. cautions about Lake Frierson: "For those of you with RV's beware that there is no sewer dump station here. You have to drive to Crowleys Ridge State Park to use their dump station (10 minute drive)."
Long-term stay options: Shearins RV Park accommodates extended stays. As reviewer N I. explains, "Located in flat farm land a few miles from Blytheville. There is no pool or playground. RV'er will find flat gravel sites that can handle most if not all rigs. They have sites with 30 and 50 amp service. You will find rates for daily weekly and monthly."
On-site food service: Memphis KOA offers meal delivery convenience. Kari K. appreciates, "Very impressed they have breakfast and dinner + they deliver right to ur site!"
