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, overlanders 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCardinal Mountain Campground is located in North Carolina near Franklin
Private CampgroundDirections
We're at 341 Turkey Pen Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Take Patton Road to Potts Branch Road. Follow Potts Branch Road for 0.5 miles (be mindful that it takes a sharp curve to the right). Turn right onto Turkey Pen Road where you see a string of black and silver mailboxes. Drive 0.3 miles on Turkey Pen Rd, staying to the left. This stretch is a one-lane road, so take it slow. You may meet a vehicle coming the other way, and there are pullouts along the way for passing. Vehicles that fit in our campground can easily drive on this road. Please don't enter neighbor's driveways guessing it's the entrance - it's not. You'll know you've reached the campground when you see a sign that says Bear Paw Ridge (new Cardinal Mountain Campground sign being worked on). That's us. Turn right into the campground on the paved road. Follow signs to your numbered to your campsite. No formal check-in required - you're welcome to go directly to your site.
Coordinates
35.14422384141807 N
83.44910849128877 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
