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The best forest camping near Manilla

·

In Manilla, forest camping means waking up to the chatter of birdlife and the shadow of tall gums. With over 110 forest campsites around, you can pitch your tent beneath dense canopies, listen to the river, or spot wallabies at dusk. Top picks like Hillside Farmstay (430 reviews), Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping (287 reviews), and Merridale (17 reviews) get high marks from campers for shady sites and easy river access. Swim in clear waterholes, watch the trees for cockatoos, or scramble up rocky outcrops. Most sites offer toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Prices average $16 a night, with some spots as low as $12. Bring sturdy shoes—the ground can be uneven—and always pack out your rubbish. You’ll find the best spots fill up quickly on weekends, so book ahead if you’ve got your eye on a favourite patch of bush.

97% (807)

Top-rated campgrounds

As far as the eye can see

1. Hillside Farmstay

96%
(620)
51km from Manilla · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · Nemingha, NSW
A 200 acre horse breeding property on the outskirts of Tamworth. 6 minutes to the Country Music Capital CBD. Lots of shady trees to camp or park your van/RV. Hills that you can see forever from the top of.... Some outdoor seating. There's two flush toilets, two hot showers. Dogs are welcome but must be strictly on a lead at all times. There is a dog run available if you want to leave your dog and go to town or the Country Music Festival. Generally most people stay and camp near the horse barn. Indoor shower and toilet available and there is a outdoor hot shower and a sink and a tub to rub a dub dub. Laundry is available. Ask for the key ($5) The outdoor shower is private but has no roof so you can shower under the stars. Picnic table provided and a fire pit to barbecue in winter (fire bans in summer) Transported horses are also welcome...yards available. Price is per person. Children under 12 are free.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$16
 / night
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

2. Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

100%
(367)
16km from Manilla · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · Manilla, NSW
A beautiful, off grid, riverside campground with amazing swimming hole on private property. This private campground is located in North West NSW. 50 minutes from Tamworth. Conveniently located 20 minutes outside the pretty town of Manilla and right on the river banks of the Namoi River. Also 20 minutes from beautiful Warrabah National Park. The campground is tucked away in a little valley overlooking an idyllic stretch of windy river with an amazing swimming hole, sandy beach, tranquil rapids and a beautiful, mesmerising, majestic rock. We have four primative campsites suited to all types of large and small, self sufficient campers in RV's, caravans, camp trailers, vans and tents. All sites are unique and positioned to enhance space and privacy as well as proximity and views of the river. They all showcase the varying, natural beauty and characteristics of the landscape. You can also book our amazing, award winning glamping tent. We are not a party campsite. Our little slice of paradise is for peace and relaxation. We also need to respect and encourage the presence and abundance of birds and animals and continue to ensure it is a peaceful and quiet home for them. You can enjoy your music just as long as other campsites and the local wildlife can't hear it. Manilla, only 20 minutes away has two dump points and water refill stations as well as a good number of shops to cater to all your needs during your stay. We are not in a high traffic area so you may get to enjoy having the place all to yourself. Our campsites have good access for all types of camp set ups and are not impacted by flooding. Nor do they become boggy in wet weather due to the high sand content in our soil. You could be sitting on the warm sandy bank overlooking the river and being captivated by the surrounding beauty and the magnificence of the swimming hole. This secret little piece of paradise has been untouched for 40 years and is home to an abundance of birdlife. Birds include the colourful Rainbow bee eaters, Kingfishers, Superb Fairy Wrens, Eastern Yellow Robins, Red Browed Finch and many more. A magical place that will delight your senses and make you feel relaxed and at peace. BYO camp toilet and leave no trace. Fish in the river; cod, cat, golden perch and carp. Well behaved dogs on leash and supervised at all times are welcome. If you would like to enquire about having the place to yourselves send me a message. ACCESS CONDITIONS: To help you decide if your set up is suitable you can google Riverside Escape Camping Manilla and find 2 videos on 23 and 25 May 2022 taken of me driving up and down the track to the campsites in my old Ford Courier that is NOT 4x4. There are lots of other useful videos to get a good sense of our campsite. You will also get a sense of the distance between each site. We recognise the Kamilaroi / Gomeroi people as the traditional custodians of this land.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$20
 / night
Merridale

3. Merridale

91%
(22)
51km from Manilla · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Bakers Creek, NSW
Our beautiful property is located near Inverell, featuring 1,850 acres of gently sloping farmland edged by mountains with beautiful eucalyptus bush. There is a big dam and yabbies in the creek. We have a range of fruit trees which you are welcome to help yourself to fruit when in season. Farm Rules - clean up after yourself - The hut and the yard up on the hill are out of bound. - Fishing is welcome however we run a catch and release. - Shut the gates when passing through. - Dogs are welcome but must be under control/on lead as we do run cattle on the property. - No hunting. - Fires are welcome but must be contained and kept under control. Activity's - Being a kayak or something to float around on. - Bring your metal detectors - Horses are welcome with the addition cost. Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley. - Fishing (catch and release) - Yabbies (welcome to eat what you catch). - Panning in the creek for gems. - hike Sites - we run a undesignated system meaning you can set up and camp anywhere you would like however some ideas below. Anywhere around the dam You have an option to camp at the shed where there is a generator for power (lighting) and toilet amenities. This area is generally flat and can accommodate any type of camping vehicle. There is a shed to provide shelter for your food prep etc. There is a sink under the awning but you will need to carry water in a container to wash dishes. Outside there is wood-burning BBQ the camping paddock is fully fenced in . For 4WD enthusiasts, there are good camping spots at the top of the mountain ridge however need to be self contained eg toilet. You will need to bring your own fresh drinking water supply and unleaded fuel to run the water pump and generator. We have secure cattle yards as a holding space if holidaying with your horses (please see Extras for horse facility fees). Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley and relax in front of the campfire by night. Dogs on leashes are welcome. There is no phone reception on site There is a pub in Bundarra where meals hospitality and spending time with the locals and a corner store 25km away at Bundarra, and all shops and amenities are available 75km at Inverell.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$49
 / night
Taylors Run Farm Camping

4. Taylors Run Farm Camping

74km from Manilla · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Kentucky South, NSW
The Taylor family history goes back to the early days of fine wool production in Australia. Taylors Run was one of the original properties established on the New England Tablelands. Today this region produces the largest percentage of top quality superfine wool in the world.Taylors Run is now represented by one of the six Taylor family farms. All properties are still owned and managed by direct descendants of William Tydd Taylor and the sheep are mostly of the same original bloodline that has been improved through selection and breeding for producing the premium quality superfine wool we sell today.
from 
AU$61
 / night
The Macdonald River

5. Bai-Yai River Eco-Camp & Artist Retreat

100%
(37)
37km from Manilla · 4 sites · Lodging · Retreat, NSW
Bai-Yai is a 480 acre partly Conservation Covenanted property, 70 minutes south-west of Armidale & 70 minutes north-west of Tamworth. On the tablelands 700 metres above sea level, next door to Warrabah National Park. Our northern boundary is the Macdonald river, just before it drops westward through the gorges & changes its name to the Namoi.We're for the nature-lover who enjoys peace & quiet away from crowds, who values birdsong above the hum of cars & generators! Our facilities are simple but comfortable, all off-grid. There's a covered platform kitchen area overlooking some of the great river swimming spots for campers to enjoy, a pit toilet, simple shower, & fresh drinking water supplied daily. The owners house is out of sight but within coo-ee if needed.The river & general wildness of terrain make Bai-Yai camping not really suitable for young children who requite 24/7 supervision for their safety.CRITICAL: Please ensure your personal profile is completed including a photo before submitting a booking request.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

In Manilla, forest camping means waking up to the chatter of birdlife and the shadow of tall gums. With over 110 forest campsites around, you can pitch your tent beneath dense canopies, listen to the river, or spot wallabies at dusk. Top picks like Hillside Farmstay (430 reviews), Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping (287 reviews), and Merridale (17 reviews) get high marks from campers for shady sites and easy river access. Swim in clear waterholes, watch the trees for cockatoos, or scramble up rocky outcrops. Most sites offer toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Prices average $16 a night, with some spots as low as $12. Bring sturdy shoes—the ground can be uneven—and always pack out your rubbish. You’ll find the best spots fill up quickly on weekends, so book ahead if you’ve got your eye on a favourite patch of bush.

97% (807)

Top-rated campgrounds

As far as the eye can see

1. Hillside Farmstay

96%
(620)
51km from Manilla · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · Nemingha, NSW
A 200 acre horse breeding property on the outskirts of Tamworth. 6 minutes to the Country Music Capital CBD. Lots of shady trees to camp or park your van/RV. Hills that you can see forever from the top of.... Some outdoor seating. There's two flush toilets, two hot showers. Dogs are welcome but must be strictly on a lead at all times. There is a dog run available if you want to leave your dog and go to town or the Country Music Festival. Generally most people stay and camp near the horse barn. Indoor shower and toilet available and there is a outdoor hot shower and a sink and a tub to rub a dub dub. Laundry is available. Ask for the key ($5) The outdoor shower is private but has no roof so you can shower under the stars. Picnic table provided and a fire pit to barbecue in winter (fire bans in summer) Transported horses are also welcome...yards available. Price is per person. Children under 12 are free.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$16
 / night
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

2. Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping

100%
(367)
16km from Manilla · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · Manilla, NSW
A beautiful, off grid, riverside campground with amazing swimming hole on private property. This private campground is located in North West NSW. 50 minutes from Tamworth. Conveniently located 20 minutes outside the pretty town of Manilla and right on the river banks of the Namoi River. Also 20 minutes from beautiful Warrabah National Park. The campground is tucked away in a little valley overlooking an idyllic stretch of windy river with an amazing swimming hole, sandy beach, tranquil rapids and a beautiful, mesmerising, majestic rock. We have four primative campsites suited to all types of large and small, self sufficient campers in RV's, caravans, camp trailers, vans and tents. All sites are unique and positioned to enhance space and privacy as well as proximity and views of the river. They all showcase the varying, natural beauty and characteristics of the landscape. You can also book our amazing, award winning glamping tent. We are not a party campsite. Our little slice of paradise is for peace and relaxation. We also need to respect and encourage the presence and abundance of birds and animals and continue to ensure it is a peaceful and quiet home for them. You can enjoy your music just as long as other campsites and the local wildlife can't hear it. Manilla, only 20 minutes away has two dump points and water refill stations as well as a good number of shops to cater to all your needs during your stay. We are not in a high traffic area so you may get to enjoy having the place all to yourself. Our campsites have good access for all types of camp set ups and are not impacted by flooding. Nor do they become boggy in wet weather due to the high sand content in our soil. You could be sitting on the warm sandy bank overlooking the river and being captivated by the surrounding beauty and the magnificence of the swimming hole. This secret little piece of paradise has been untouched for 40 years and is home to an abundance of birdlife. Birds include the colourful Rainbow bee eaters, Kingfishers, Superb Fairy Wrens, Eastern Yellow Robins, Red Browed Finch and many more. A magical place that will delight your senses and make you feel relaxed and at peace. BYO camp toilet and leave no trace. Fish in the river; cod, cat, golden perch and carp. Well behaved dogs on leash and supervised at all times are welcome. If you would like to enquire about having the place to yourselves send me a message. ACCESS CONDITIONS: To help you decide if your set up is suitable you can google Riverside Escape Camping Manilla and find 2 videos on 23 and 25 May 2022 taken of me driving up and down the track to the campsites in my old Ford Courier that is NOT 4x4. There are lots of other useful videos to get a good sense of our campsite. You will also get a sense of the distance between each site. We recognise the Kamilaroi / Gomeroi people as the traditional custodians of this land.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$20
 / night
Merridale

3. Merridale

91%
(22)
51km from Manilla · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Bakers Creek, NSW
Our beautiful property is located near Inverell, featuring 1,850 acres of gently sloping farmland edged by mountains with beautiful eucalyptus bush. There is a big dam and yabbies in the creek. We have a range of fruit trees which you are welcome to help yourself to fruit when in season. Farm Rules - clean up after yourself - The hut and the yard up on the hill are out of bound. - Fishing is welcome however we run a catch and release. - Shut the gates when passing through. - Dogs are welcome but must be under control/on lead as we do run cattle on the property. - No hunting. - Fires are welcome but must be contained and kept under control. Activity's - Being a kayak or something to float around on. - Bring your metal detectors - Horses are welcome with the addition cost. Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley. - Fishing (catch and release) - Yabbies (welcome to eat what you catch). - Panning in the creek for gems. - hike Sites - we run a undesignated system meaning you can set up and camp anywhere you would like however some ideas below. Anywhere around the dam You have an option to camp at the shed where there is a generator for power (lighting) and toilet amenities. This area is generally flat and can accommodate any type of camping vehicle. There is a shed to provide shelter for your food prep etc. There is a sink under the awning but you will need to carry water in a container to wash dishes. Outside there is wood-burning BBQ the camping paddock is fully fenced in . For 4WD enthusiasts, there are good camping spots at the top of the mountain ridge however need to be self contained eg toilet. You will need to bring your own fresh drinking water supply and unleaded fuel to run the water pump and generator. We have secure cattle yards as a holding space if holidaying with your horses (please see Extras for horse facility fees). Enjoy scenic horse rides around the valley and relax in front of the campfire by night. Dogs on leashes are welcome. There is no phone reception on site There is a pub in Bundarra where meals hospitality and spending time with the locals and a corner store 25km away at Bundarra, and all shops and amenities are available 75km at Inverell.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$49
 / night
Taylors Run Farm Camping

4. Taylors Run Farm Camping

74km from Manilla · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Kentucky South, NSW
The Taylor family history goes back to the early days of fine wool production in Australia. Taylors Run was one of the original properties established on the New England Tablelands. Today this region produces the largest percentage of top quality superfine wool in the world.Taylors Run is now represented by one of the six Taylor family farms. All properties are still owned and managed by direct descendants of William Tydd Taylor and the sheep are mostly of the same original bloodline that has been improved through selection and breeding for producing the premium quality superfine wool we sell today.
from 
AU$61
 / night
The Macdonald River

5. Bai-Yai River Eco-Camp & Artist Retreat

100%
(37)
37km from Manilla · 4 sites · Lodging · Retreat, NSW
Bai-Yai is a 480 acre partly Conservation Covenanted property, 70 minutes south-west of Armidale & 70 minutes north-west of Tamworth. On the tablelands 700 metres above sea level, next door to Warrabah National Park. Our northern boundary is the Macdonald river, just before it drops westward through the gorges & changes its name to the Namoi.We're for the nature-lover who enjoys peace & quiet away from crowds, who values birdsong above the hum of cars & generators! Our facilities are simple but comfortable, all off-grid. There's a covered platform kitchen area overlooking some of the great river swimming spots for campers to enjoy, a pit toilet, simple shower, & fresh drinking water supplied daily. The owners house is out of sight but within coo-ee if needed.The river & general wildness of terrain make Bai-Yai camping not really suitable for young children who requite 24/7 supervision for their safety.CRITICAL: Please ensure your personal profile is completed including a photo before submitting a booking request.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

Stories from the community

Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
J
Jackie
2 weeks ago
9 m travel trailer
Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
What a beautiful spot for a relaxing get away right by the river on the private spot. Took our 9 metre motorhome and had mo issues getting there and despite us having rain we got out ok too. Highly recommend and would love to come back again. Thanks Caroline for having us x
See more
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
S
Sparkelez
3 weeks ago
Tent
2 nights at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Beautiful little spot. Peaceful. Just what is needed. Even with bad navigation skills, Caroline was very attentive and quick to respond. Will definitely be back.
See more
Beautiful scenery
Y
Yacht
3 weeks ago
4 m Class B
1 night at Hillside Farmstay
The views were a lively sight to wake up to. Hot showers as well as toilet and drinking water!
See more
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
R
Randal
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Another wonderful visit. Amazing amounts of birdlife and tranquil bush setting thanks again Caroline.
See more
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
K
Kelly
October 2025
7 m travel trailer
With pets
Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Caroline outlines directions very well and getting to the site was easy. The relaxing atmosphere and sounds of the river were amazing!
See more
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Avatar
Michael
October 2025
5 m travel trailer
Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Brilliant spot to camp. Very quiet. Peaceful. Caretaker Mike was very friendly and helpful. Had a great stopover.
See more
Hillside Farmstay
S
Sir Paul
October 2025
13 m travel trailer
1 night at Hillside Farmstay
Dawn was so welcoming and wanted to take us on a complete guided tour of her entire property, unfortunately we did not have time. Highly recommend this place for a stay.
See more
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
K
Karen
October 2025
7 m travel trailer
1 night at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Another glorious stay. We had a great time enjoying the river and the birds. Went for a few swims and just enjoyed the serenity. Caroline was super communicative and helpful as usual. We’ll be back.
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Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
J
Jessica
October 2025
9 m travel trailer
With kids
4 nights at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
This is a magnificent spot! The birdlife is amazing! So, if you enjoy the sounds of bird songs, this is place will not disappoint. If you prefer to cast a line, the fishing is peaceful. The fish seemed to avoid me, but perhaps you will have better luck.
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Hillside Farmstay
D
Don
October 2025
7 m travel trailer
Weekend Trip to Hillside Farmstay
Dawn was fantastic. Nothing was a problem. She took us for a drive up to the top of the hill and the views were amazing. I would definitely stay here again.
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Beautiful scenery
Avatar
Rodney
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Hillside Farmstay
As soon as I was welcomed by a lovely gentleman who showed me where to go then as I was setting up came over and showed me where the toilet and shower was. Would certainly go back again.
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Beautiful scenery
N
Nicole
October 2025
Tent
With kids
4 nights at Hillside Farmstay
We loved our stay at Hillside. Dawn was amazing, she took the time each morning to say good morning to all the campers and even took us for a drive through her property. Highly recommand
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Hillside Farmstay
E
Eveliina
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Hillside Farmstay
Was such a beautiful camp site! We arrived quite late but the camping site was still easy to find. The outdoor shower is super warm and definitely worth it to look at the stars. We woke up to plenty of horses in the fields nearby including some foals.
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Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
C
Carl
October 2025
4 m pop-up camper
With pets
2 nights at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Lovely spot on the Namoi river. Great for swimming and fishing. Swimming hole is excellent. Private camp is very private. Directions to campsite were clear and easy to follow. Would go again
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Beautiful scenery
K
Ken
October 2025
12 m travel trailer
With kids
2 nights at Hillside Farmstay
Close to Tamworth. Clean toilets and showers provided
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Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
B
Barry
October 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
1 night at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Great spot. Wonderful host. Would book there again
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Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
B
Barry
September 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
1 night at Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Caroline was a wonderful host and the camp-site was private and peaceful. 18ft van was no trouble to park.
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Hillside Farmstay
M
Mark
September 2025
Tent
13 nights at Hillside Farmstay
I had a great time. I was there for two weeks. The campsite is great - lots of room. Directions were easy and signage at the entrance and on the farm made it easy to get to the paddock. Shower, sink, laundry and toilet facilities also very good. Two toilets, two showers. Lovely hot water. Clothesline available for laundry. Finally, Dawn was lovely to deal with. I had a very enjoyable stay. I've already booked a trip back!
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Beautiful scenery
T
Tom
September 2025
2 m pop-up camper
With kids
Weekend Trip to Hillside Farmstay
Awesome spot, just out of town. Beautiful scenery, nice amenities and reasonably priced. This was our second stay and we'll no doubt be back again.
See more
Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
R
Randal
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Riverside Escape Off Grid Camping
Such a beautiful and relaxing place. My daughter and dog thoroughly enjoyed such a wonderful bush spot. Thank you Caroline for having us again.
See more
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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