Top Tent Camping near Franklin, NC

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Franklin? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Franklin, NC (121)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    1.

    Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    67 Reviews
    400 Photos
    444 Saves
    Cosby, Tennessee

    Overview

    Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.

    Recreation

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

    Facilities

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

    Natural Features

    World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cosby never disappoints. At 2,460 feet, Cosby Campground provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the early 19th century European settlements, the park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes and artifacts, which tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home.

    Nearby Attractions

    Cosby, Tennessee, located about five miles from the campground, offers convenience stores and fuel. Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located about 20 miles from the site, offering visitors tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Burrells Ford
    Camper-submitted photo from Burrells Ford
    Camper-submitted photo from Burrells Ford
    Camper-submitted photo from Burrells Ford
    Camper-submitted photo from Burrells Ford
    Camper-submitted photo from Burrells Ford

    2.

    Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    103 Photos
    289 Saves
    Highlands, North Carolina

    Burrells Ford campground is open year round with no charge. A pit toilet and picnic tables are available. Walk .25 miles to camp on the Chattooga River.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven Cliff Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven Cliff Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven Cliff Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven Cliff Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven Cliff Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Raven Cliff Falls

    3.

    Raven Cliff Falls

    27 Reviews
    128 Photos
    372 Saves
    Helen, Georgia

    Raven Cliff Falls camping

    This trail is one of North Georgia’s most popular camping destinations. Trailhead campsites offer fantastic stream-side camping just steps from the car, and a fantastic base camp for hiking the Raven Cliff Falls Trail during the day. The trail is also dotted with many backpacking campsites on the creek’s level banks, offering a little more solitude for campers willing to backpack it in.

    Black bears frequent this wilderness area. Keep all food items and fragrant cosmetics out of reach in a bear canister: many years ago, we lost our camp stove, food and cookware to a trio of bears in a traditionally-hung bear bag along this trail.

    Campsites are free and first-come, first-claimed. Pack out everything you pack in: this is one of Georgia’s most beautiful Wilderness areas, so please, please leave no trace. (What is Wilderness, and why is it important? Read more in our guide to Wilderness areas in the South.)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Siler Bald
    Camper-submitted photo from Siler Bald
    Camper-submitted photo from Siler Bald
    Camper-submitted photo from Siler Bald
    Camper-submitted photo from Siler Bald
    Camper-submitted photo from Siler Bald

    4.

    Siler Bald

    4 Reviews
    49 Photos
    35 Saves
    Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

    A moderate 2-mile hike climbs to the summit of Siler Bald. The view is almost 360 degrees, and you’ll catch sight of several other notable peaks like Standing Indian and Brasstown Bald.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wayah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Valley Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Valley Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Valley Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Valley Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Valley Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Valley Camp

    6.

    Blue Valley Camp

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    103 Saves
    Highlands, North Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Ammons Branch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ammons Branch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ammons Branch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ammons Branch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ammons Branch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ammons Branch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheoah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheoah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheoah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheoah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheoah Bald Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheoah Bald Campground
  1. 9.

    Gateway to the Smokies

    4 Reviews
    22 Photos
    95 Saves
    Whittier, North Carolina

    We are a small family owned and operated campground featuring two very large and private campsites on just over an acre of land. We are located right outside of Cherokee, NC and a short 10 minute drive to Bryson City, Sylva, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the North Carolina entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

    When making a booking request through thedyrt.com, please email us as well at: michaelg012977@gmail.com to let us know which campsite you would like based on the following:

    Site# 1 is our Creekside Campsite. It's a walk-in Tents only site which has a 16'x16' tent pad, a picnic table, fire ring and a brand new park style charcoal grill. The Creekside area is only about 75 feet from where you'll park your car and the shared portable toilet. This site gets lots of Sun in the front part of the meadow and lots of shade from very mature maple and black walnut trees towards the back end where the tent pad is located. 

    Site# 2 is our Hilltop Campsite. It is considered a Dry Camping/ No Hookups site. This site has a large flat grassy area with trees all around the perimeter providing some shade at different times of the day. It also has a picnic table, a brick fire pit and a brand new park style charcoal grill. The Hilltop site is available for tent campers as well as those traveling with smaller sized RVs. Perfect for camper vans, truck campers, smaller sized Class B and C's as well as travel trailers up to 20' in length.

    ** We can not accommodate any large class A or 5th wheels due to the steepness and curvature of the road. Four wheel drive or AWD is recommended to reach the hilltop site. Two wheel drive vehicles can make it just fine when the ground is dry however the Great Smoky Mountains area is considered a temperate rain forest and it can snow in early Spring and Winter. 

    To reach Site#2 cross the bridge over the creek and follow the road until you get to the top of the hill. When you've reached the level lot this is your camping area. You will have plenty of room to turn your rig around without having to back up. For this reason we have it listed as a pull through site. 

    AGAIN No class A or 5th wheels are allowed. 

    Directly across the highway from our property is a Dollar General and a Beer and Wine store. There is also a gas station close by on the same side of the highway that you could walk to. Behind the property is several acres of natural forest and on the other side beyond the trees is pasture land.

    *Please note, Our property is easily and conveniently accessed directly from US Highway 441 which is the main road to and from Cherokee and the National Park. The sounds of cars can be heard passing by at times. Please check out our reviews and photos here on this listing, on Google and on Instagram as most people are not bothered by it. 

    Please feel free to send me a message with any questions or concerns and I’ll be more than happy to respond as soon as possible. I can also recommend local eateries breweries hiking trails and activities. 

    Thank You and we hope to see you soon!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $40 / night

  2. 10.

    Simple Life Mountain Retreat & Campground

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    161 Saves
    Robbinsville, North Carolina

    Stay in Comfort @ The Simple Life. A quiet / clean Mountain Retreat within minutes of; Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner28, Joyce Kilmer National Forest, Lake Santeelah, and the town of Robbinsville. We have 13 Comfortable / Air-conditioned Tree House Cabins, 2 RV and 6 Tent Sites. Also available is a 6 person bunk-house fully loaded.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $18 - $32 / night

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Franklin, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Franklin, NC is Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 67 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Franklin, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 121 tent camping locations near Franklin, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.