Cartoogechaye Creek Campground

We booked for a week here simply because we couldn’t find anywhere for a weekend at the beginning of May of 2024. Then we extended 3 days, then 3 more, then 5 more…you get the idea. Upon arrival I was disappointed. Simply because I booked a spot I thought would A. Not be directly across from the dumpster and be able to see the horses from our campsite. We are directly behind the dumpster and there’s no enclosure. Then the horses were in a different pasture the first 2 weeks we were here. The spots are close together but most people aren’t even here. If it were full, and you don’t like your neighbors, you’re screwed. BUT, that’s not the case here. Many things that are available aren’t listed on the website. Here’s all the positives: The horses are friendly, walk over, I’ve pet them all and even fed fresh fruit, (not too much!) it’s the best part of my day! Verizon, when connected to campsite wifi is full bars and at times 5g. Take advantage of mapping out your mountain drives because you will not have reception “up there!” No complaints! The owners are absolutely hospitable. If you need anything, they live onsite and will accommodate. We were able to order from Amazon and simply go pick up in open office when no one is there. They are able to see who goes in and out, so no worries about the security of your stuff. The walk around the road is cool. If you don’t walk, you’ll miss the creek that travels the backside of the property. It’s cold and rocky, but I just put on water shoes (big lots in town $9.99). It’s gorgeous!!! The evening lightning bug show has been unreal. They light up the back side (by dumpster) for hours! BIRDS GALORE!!! Song sparrows, chipping sparrows, chickadees, northern parulas, ravens, house finches and swallows with babies in bird houses-awesome nature! Shaded spots but still sun! Also only one amber light by shower house. If you want to stargaze, book away from it. Showers and bathrooms are good. 3/3 excellent water pressure. I played my music and enjoyed a roomy shower! Bugs are around but nothing too crazy. Weather dependent for sure. I simply use eucalyptus oil mixed with lotion and the biters don’t come near me. Otherwise just gnats. Mosquitoes love my husband and the 3 weeks we have been here, no bites. And he doesn’t use anything. Firewood available if you get it yourself, charge for bringing it to you. We were missing a fire ring and I had messaged the owner and by the time we got back, a brand new one was all put together at our site for us! Laundry is super convenient because they aren’t monetarily operated. It’s an honor system. 2 washers 2 dryers. One is an HE washer, so if you have that detergent, you’ll be happy! Now, the rest. You’re in Franklin. About 7 miles from downtown, easy to get to Walmart, restaurants, gas, ice, groceries (INGLES) including liquor. Not open on Sundays. You are centrally located to Asheville, Knoxville and Atlanta. The trails, rafting, gem mining, rock hounding, hiking, the drives to the balds and gaps are absolutely stunning, if you aren’t athletic. The waterfall loop from Franklin is Google searchable and highly recommended. Just drive around and get lost. It’s beautiful. Drove to a town west, (Murphy) and it was also incredible! Just come, relax, go have appetizers at Gracious Plates on Main Street, walk the area, the garden club of Franklin has done some beautiful gardens and the history is cool. Graff’s has great food (burgers, fried shrimp)as well, so while you feel far from things, you really aren’t. There is some road noise but you can’t really see the vehicles much since you’re low and covered by trees. Perhaps because our site is closer to the bend in the road above and no one is here. With everything else, not a complaint. I would stay here again without a doubt. The locals are awesome, the fellow residents that own property that I originally thought was part of the campground but is not, are as nice as could be. We even hung out and bought the dogs treats for their daily walks! Good community. Lovely area!

I have been here for a month so far and will be staying here till mid December or so. First impression of the campground is the amount of lots taken up by people who either live there or spend many months as residents from Florida and other states escaping the heat. And with many long term residents, the sites can appear a bit run down.

With that being said I pulled in and walked into the office where I met the owner of the campground. He and his wife are both extremely nice and I have hardly ran into him since moving in a month ago so you don't have to worry about them being in your business all of the time.

Once spending a few nights I really began to appreciate how quiet the place is. The residents keep to themselves and aren't loud or anything so its great. The bathhouse is very clean and while I can't vouch for the women's restroom, the men's have three toilets and 3 or 4 showers. There is also a laundry room that is open during the camp season.

The campground is mainly set up for campers and RV's with water/sewer and electricity which is what I pulled in. There are a couple of tent sites which consists of a picnic table and a fire ring on a lawn. There are a few cabins available to rent as well.

Around the grounds are pastures where several horses roam and graze and some of the people that live nearby ride throughout so its nice. Kind of adds a homey feeling to the area being next to them.

Behind the campground is a nice river you can walk to. The water is clear and maybe a foot or two deep. I haven't waded to see because it is pretty cold and I haven't had the chance to try and fish it yet.

Overall the campground is a good bang for the buck since it is cheaper than all of the surrounding campgrounds. It is only 6 or 7 miles east of town so that's convenient. This is my first review on here and I will try to update my review as I spend more time here this fall and winter.