Cardinal Mountain Campground sits in forested terrain outside Franklin, North Carolina, with a creek nearby and cell service available for those who need to stay connected. The access road runs rough, so low-clearance vehicles may have trouble reaching the site. Pets are allowed, and reservations are available. Campers wanting a different setup can look at Cartoogechaye Creek Campground to the west as an alternative.
Description
Tucked into 28 private acres in the North Carolina mountains, Cardinal Mountain Campground offers long-range mountain views, quiet nights, and plenty of trees and space for privacy — just 8 minutes from downtown Franklin's restaurants, shops, and gem-mining. Nearby you'll find hiking in the Nantahala National Forest, plus waterfalls, creeks, and fishing all around.
Each site sits on cleared, flat ground with its own 16' x 16' deck for your tent, so you're up off the dirt and set up in minutes. Sites are spaced 150+ feet apart and screened by trees, so you get real privacy. This is a spot for tent campers and Class B van travelers who want seclusion without a long haul to town.
Wake up to mountain air, spend the day exploring the Nantahala and the Smokies, and come back to a peaceful basecamp under the trees.
A note on access: paving is scheduled but not yet done. Until then, please drive the road slowly and carefully. 4WD recommended, especially in wet weather.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCardinal Mountain Campground is located in North Carolina near Franklin
Private CampgroundDirections
Patton Road > Potts Branch Road > bear right and stay on Potts Branch Rd > Turn Right onto Turkey Pen Rd (just after a collection of old mailboxes) and drive straight on Turkey Pen Rd until you see the sign that says Bear Paw Ridge with green entrance gate on the right.
Coordinates
35.144140901510596 N
83.44865305269904 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Pets
