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Best Campgrounds near Franklin, NC

3,411 Reviews

The Franklin area in western North Carolina features several developed campgrounds accommodating various camping preferences. Standing Indian Campground, located within the Nantahala National Forest, offers tent and RV sites with access to drinking water and toilets. Rose Creek Campground provides full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, along with cabin accommodations. Pines RV Park and Cabins offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV spots, and cabin rentals, making it a versatile option for visitors exploring the region.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability around Franklin, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Standing Indian Campground typically opens April 1 and closes October 30, coinciding with peak hiking and outdoor recreation seasons. "The campground is really well cared for and the staff's effort really shows," noted one camper about Rose Creek Campground. Road access varies across sites, with some campgrounds like Pines RV Park featuring paved roads while others have gravel or dirt access roads that may require caution during wet weather. Cell service can be limited in more remote locations, particularly in the higher elevations of the surrounding mountains.

Campground amenities range from basic to comprehensive across the Franklin area. Pines RV Park receives consistently positive reviews for cleanliness and hospitality, with multiple visitors praising the owners' helpfulness. According to one review, "Lou meets you at the office and guides you to your campsite and politely offers to guide you in." Most developed campgrounds provide picnic tables and fire rings at individual sites. Many campgrounds offer proximity to natural attractions, including the Little Tennessee River for fishing and swimming, and access to popular hiking trails such as the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail. The surrounding Nantahala National Forest provides additional recreational opportunities with its extensive network of trails and scenic mountain views.

Map showing campgrounds near Franklin, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Franklin, North Carolina (717)

    1. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Rabun Gap, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 746-2141

    $20 - $255 / night

    "We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."

    "We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. This was our first (and so far, only) walk-in tent camping experience as a family. I gotta say - there were challenges. "

    2. Standing Indian Campground

    19 Reviews
    Otto, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 524-6441

    $26 - $100 / night

    "Standing Indian is located at 4000+ feet , 20 minutes from Franklin,NC."

    "This campground is very spacious and in the beautiful NC mountains right outside of Franklin. Each site has a firepit, picnic bench, and leveled gravel space for pitching a tent."

    3. Rose Creek Campground and Cabins Franklin, NC

    9 Reviews
    Franklin, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 547-0707

    $22 - $100 / night

    "This is a really large and very nice campground near Franklin, NC that caters to both RV and tent campers. They have a ton of sites and several bathroom facilities."

    "There is a small pond for fishing and some amazing waterfalls nearby to walk too! We used our pop up camper and the campsites were gravel and level."

    4. The Great Outdoors RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Franklin, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 349-0412

    $48 - $54 / night

    "Well groomed campground in a central location in the mountains of North Carolina. Good amenities. Friendly staff."

    "We traveled to Franklin N.C. A couple weeks ago and stayed at Grear Outdoors RV Resort. We were greeted by gracious hosts who were also the owners."

    5. Van Hook Glade

    12 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 526-5918

    $24 - $40 / night

    "There are many sites to visit nearby. Western North Carolina is hard to beat for natural beauty."

    "Great, small campground near Highlands, NC. Private sites, nice hosts, and clean bathrooms."

    6. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    29 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-3184

    $50 / night

    "The Deep Creek Campground is located just minutes away from the charming Bryson City with its shops, breweries, little cafes an other attractions such as steam train rides on the"

    "Quiet with plenty of space between the RV sites, surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls. Tent sites are next to the river and in close proximity to one another."

    7. Pines RV Park and Cabins

    4 Reviews
    Franklin, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 524-4490

    "Tent sites are near the small stream running behind the grounds. Clean bathhouse, rec-room with pool table and two cabins to rent."

    8. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    9. Peaceful Cove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Franklin, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 356-9769

    $45 / night

    "Having the river steps away to fish and let the dogs swim was absolutely perfect! We are very appreciative of both of them for welcoming us and our fur kids to their little slice of heaven."

    "This site is super close to all the amazing Cullasaja river swimming sites. Although the campground is not very large overall it is well cared for and in an incredible location."

    10. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    27 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

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Recent Camping Photos near Franklin, NC

1515 Photos of 717 Franklin Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Franklin, NC

3411 Reviews of 717 Franklin Campgrounds

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground

    Way overpriced for tent camping

    Three of us on motorcycles with pup tents were going to be charged for three tent sites at $141 each per night . We laughed and left. Hotels were charging less than that. Being a KOA member didn’t make a difference.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

Guide to Franklin

Camping near Franklin, North Carolina, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the area. Campers love the access to trails like the Little River Trail from Elkmont Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. At Cades Cove Campground, one camper noted, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby rivers and lakes. A visitor at Davidson River Campground shared, "Great fishing available all within a stone's throw from camp."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at Greenbrier Campground said, "The site had a gorgeous view of the river and mountains."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground facilities are clean and very well kept."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Vogel State Park offer fun for kids. One parent said, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close together, so privacy can be an issue."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A visitor at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "No cell signal but we were able to set up our Starlink."
  • Bear Awareness: Some campgrounds are in bear country. A camper at Cosby Campground shared, "An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with nearby attractions. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep kids happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The camp host was very helpful and provided us with firewood."
  • Bring Games: Keep the kids entertained with games. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground noted, "The kids loved the game room and pool."

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Franklin, NC, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's a perfect spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Franklin, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Franklin, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 717 campgrounds and RV parks near Franklin, NC and 64 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Franklin, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Franklin, NC is Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Franklin, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Franklin, NC.

What parks are near Franklin, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Franklin, NC that allow camping, notably Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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