Best Tent Camping near Franklin, NC

The Nantahala National Forest surrounding Franklin, North Carolina offers numerous tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping provides primitive tent sites with access to creeks and natural surroundings, while Siler Bald and Wayah Bald campgrounds offer hike-in tent camping experiences at higher elevations. These areas typically require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making them ideal for spontaneous backcountry tent camping trips.

Most tent sites in the Franklin area feature basic amenities such as fire rings and occasionally picnic tables, but limited services beyond these essentials. Campers should pack in all necessary water or bring filtration systems, as drinking water is scarce at primitive sites. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage—many sites provide bear cables or boxes, but backcountry campers should come prepared with bear-resistant containers or rope for hanging food. The terrain at most tent sites consists of natural forest floor with minimal grading, and access roads to dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.

Areas farther from town like Bearpen Gap Backcountry Site and Picken's Nose Primitive Campground offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quieter experiences. These sites typically sit along hiking trails and provide excellent access to the Appalachian Trail network and scenic mountain views. Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. The natural forest setting provides ample shade during summer months, though higher elevation sites can experience significant temperature drops at night. According to one visitor at Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, "We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else."

Best Tent Sites Near Franklin, North Carolina (124)

    1. Siler Bald

    4 Reviews
    Nantahala National Forest, NC
    11 miles
    Website

    "This is a classic bald where you get to the top and there are no trees around so you can see for miles. This also makes for great open space to set up a tent."

    "In terms of the campground there is a nice large space up at the top and also a smaller area halfway up to the peak that are good for setting up tents."

    2. Wayah Bald Campground

    3 Reviews
    Nantahala National Forest, NC
    9 miles
    Website

    "We got engaged on a 4 day 50 mile backpacking trip along the Bartram trail and our last night was spent at the campground at Wayah Bald."

    "Though the wind blew and gave us a few seconds of view!"

    3. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    15 miles
    Website

    "Some have picnic tables but all have fire rings and lantern posts. There's only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in."

    "Location is actually about 1.5. Miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings. Great trails and people camping near were respectful."

    4. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    Highlands, SC
    21 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review:

    In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."

    "Trail/Campground Review:

    The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "

    5. Bearpen Gap Backcountry Site

    2 Reviews
    Otto, NC
    10 miles
    Website

    "This is a beautiful little secluded site along the AT right near Albert Mountain. It is a well-established site that has a built-up fire-pit and plenty of level ground for tents."

    6. Hurricane Creek Horse and Primitive Campground

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

    $6 / night

    "Always great staying at this (somewhat) primitive campground tucked away in the southeast corner of Nantahala National Forest."

    7. Blue Valley Camp

    3 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "Drive in sites are spaced a really nice distance from one another. Challenging to fit a larger rv."

    "You couldn’t see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."

    8. Picken's Nose Primitive Campground

    1 Review
    Otto, NC
    11 miles
    Website

    "You have to hike in a little way to get to the campground/climbing and it can be a little challenging to find so consult a map and some of the many online guidebooks."

    9. Blue Ridge Basecamp

    2 Reviews
    Nantahala National Forest, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 835-0035

    $15 - $25 / night

    "So happy to welcome this new listing to our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love!"

    10. Cullasaja Gorge

    1 Review
    Highlands, NC
    12 miles

    "Drive through this area and check out the many swimming holes and campgrounds"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Franklin, NC

2980 Reviews of 124 Franklin Campgrounds


  • Michael G.
    Mar. 8, 2021

    Gateway to the Smokies

    Small Family Owned Campground with two very large and private campsites.

    Gateway to the Smokies is a small family owned and operated campground with two very large and private campsites on over an acre of land. It is located right off of US Highway 441 just 7 miles to the North Carolina Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a Dollar General located right across the highway which was very convenient for refilling coolers with ice. They also sold propane, charcoal for the grill, drinks, snacks and any thing you'd need for camping! Site 1 sits along the creek and is a walk-in Tents Only campsite with a 16' tent pad. Site 2 is up the hill on a nice grassy area large enough to turn around a 1/2 ton size pickup truck and 20' travel trailer without having to back up. Both sites have a fire pit, park style grill, and a picnic table. There is also a shared portable toilet located near the site 1 parking area. There is no potable water and no hookups but I'm sure you could boil water from the creek. Generators are allowed with no restrictions unless there is other campers on property then quiet times are from 10pm- 7am. Verizon service worked fine w 3 bars of service. Great spot for exploring the NC side of the Smoky Mountains. Saved money using Dyrt Pro Discount compared to other apps the property is listed on.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House at Elkmont Campground

    Campground Review

    On a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you quickly learn that you’ll enjoy your visit a lot more if you are located close to what you want to see and do. This means you may find it worth your while to move from one campground to another during your stay, as I did. My final night in the park found me setting up camp at Elkmont Campground, < 5 miles from the Sugarlands entrance, so I would have a shorter drive to view sunset and sunrise from overlooks along the beautiful Newfound Gap Rd. This is also the viewing area for the synchronous fireflies in late May/early June (dates vary; parking passes by lottery in April) if you don’t have a campsite reservation).

    Elkmont is open early March – October and reservations are required. If you arrive without a reservation, there is a phone line there that you can call to make them, or you can return to town where you have cell service and make reservations online. This early in the season (mid-April) the campground wasn’t full, some of the loops were closed. I was in site A14, beside a branch of the Little River with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and paved, slightly sloped, parking pad. It was a compact site;  the location of the picnic table between the tent and fire ring made it a challenge to set up a screen house over the picnic table and maintain sufficient distance from the fire. I was pleased with my site and the privacy, though I liked the looks of A13 even better. It was somewhat larger and more secluded. Many of the sites, particularly those on the western side of A - F loops, are along the river. Most of the sites are shaded. A few of the B-loop sites are walk-in. It’s bear country, so your food and toiletries need to be locked in a vehicle or hard-side camping unit; there are some food storage lockers provided for the walk-in sites. There’s a small camp store with limited supplies and hours (open late afternoon); Cades Cove has a much larger one, though it tends more toward souvenirs.

    There’s cold running water, flush toilets, and a dishwashing station available, but no showers or hookups (a couple of accessible sites do have electricity for medical equipment). Bathrooms are basic, no frills, but clean; The one in the A loop didn’t even have an outlet or hand dryer. If you ask at the visitor’s center, they’ll provide you with a list of area campgrounds that allow you to take a shower for $3-7. The nearest dump station is a seasonal one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn’t open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round. Buy firewood in the park or, better yet, pick up deadwood around the park.

    One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you’ve set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails (leaves the camp road to the left before the ranger station on your way into the campground). Follow the signs for additional parking and you’ll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes. Some are open for exploration, others are cordoned off, and some are undergoing renovation. Another nearby, popular highlight is the hike to Laurel Falls.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I sometimes I get to test and evaluate products. This is a review of a Wenzel Sun Valley 12’ x 12’ Screen House As a camper with a teardrop, I’m always looking to maximize my outdoor living space in subpar conditions, so I was excited to try this out at Elkmont.

    I set this up alone the first time in 14 minutes without reading the instructions. The instructions are attached to the inside of the bag and recommend 2 people for set-up, but if you’ve pitched a dome tent in the past, you’ll find this inituitive. Continuous sleeves for 4 of the fiberglass poles and the “Fast Feet” made set- up easy. I did wish the sleeves for the cross-poles were continuous as well, but the gap allows for a hook to hold the ceiling up and it didn’t take much extra effort to slide the poles in. The hardest part was getting the 4th end of the cross poles for the roof into place. I couldn’t bend them enough to slide it in while on the ground, so waited until everything else was up…should have figured it out while it was at ground level rather than over my head! This part would definitely be easier if there were two people pitching it.

    The zippers on the two doors close tightly and easily without extreme tension, though it was definitely easier to open and close with 2 hands rather than one. There was no gap at the junction of the 3 zippers. Once you are inside, you have a crystal clear view of the outside! It’s quite tall, I couldn’t touch the ceiling in the middle with a raised hand. It doesn’t have a floor, just a wide border around the perimeter, so you can place it over a picnic table. The picnic table (about 6’) fit inside it easily with plenty of room to walk around and even add a chair in a corner. I had to be careful about making sure the bottom of the walls lay flat on the ground, otherwise there were gaps.

    It comes with 10 thin metal stakes for the feet and 4 plastic ones for the guy lines. A word of advice: USE THEM.  The first time I set this up, this experienced camper made a rookie mistake. The weather was nice, but it was getting dark, and I wanted to move it over the picnic table in the morning…so I didn’t stake it down. That night a wind storm blew through and blew it away! Found it at 4am in the next campsite,  astonished to discover it was still intact! No broken poles, just a slight abrasion on one sleeve and a tiny tear in one part of the screen that will be easily repaired. A couple of the poles slid out of the Fast Feet during its overnight adventure, allowing the screen house to collapse and preventing damage to the poles themselves (I’ve seen MANY other screen houses/canopies with bent and broken poles from wind). Truly impressed.

    Pitched it again the next afternoon with the wind still blowing and as you can see in my video, the screen house was like a kite until I staked it down. Once staked, it stood up well to the wind, though it did cause the bottom edge of the screen house to lift a bit. If bugs are out in that weather (there were wind advisories), they probably deserve a chance for some shelter, too.

    Taking it down, it easily fit back in the storage bag, with the zipper extending down one end to open the bag a bit more. Oh, and it weighs so much less than many of the canopies do, coming in around 20# and not requiring a wheeled case to lug it around. If you’re looking for a  screen house, this one has a lot going for it!

    Black fly season is coming and with the Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House packed, I’m ready! MY fuller video review is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ealCyAi02HA

  • Courtney B.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Devils Fork State Park Campground

    Loved it so much, we've planned another trip there!

    We had a wonderful time camping at Devil's Fork State Park. Our group took up rustic tent sites T1, T3, and T5. On the map, these sites seem not ideal, as they are not on the water. However, they are more isolated, more wooded (plenty of trees for hammocking), and seemingly larger than the other tent sites. They are a short walk from the tent-camper parking area, a short walk from the two water spigots in the parking area, and a short walk from the restrooms. The bonus is that, behind sites T1 and T3, is a jumping rock into a gorgeous cove of Lake Jocassee with beautiful blue-green water. It's a great place to enjoy kayaks, rafts, and other inflatables. 

    While site T13 books up quick because of its waterfront location on the point, the walk from the parking lot is no joke. 

    Notes about the rustic tent sites: They have been recently renovated. Each has a picnic table and a fire ring. Only 1 vehicle is allowed to park, per site, unless you pay for the extra vehicle and park in the overflow lot. There is no electricity, and two water spigots located in the parking area. The entire camping area (25 tent sites and 59 RV sites) share 2 restrooms (which were muddy and gross while we were there). No generators are allowed in the tent area. We did have a bear visit us multiple times in one night, putting teeth puncture marks in our cooler. And if the bear don't get ya, the raccoons will!

  • P
    Jun. 8, 2018

    Standing Indian Campground

    Beautiful Location

    Standing Indian is located at 4000+ feet , 20 minutes from Franklin,NC. It’s a hikers dream with the Appalachian Trail skirting the campground and several other trails crossing through the campground. The campground can accommodate a pup tent or a 45ft motor home. No electricity or water is available per site, but each loop does have 2 community water faucets and a bathhouse with flush toilets and push button showers, bathhouses are clean and modern. Each site has a concrete picnic table and combination fire ring/grill. Loops 1-2 & 3 have a mix of sites , wooded and open that can accommodate tents or motor homes. Loop 4 is wooded, offering lots of privacy but is more suitable to tents or small (

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    National Park Campground with Roadside RV Parking

     I camped at this campground about fifteen to twenty years ago, and I loved the coolness of the high altitude. That has not changed. When I camped at Balsam Mountain last night, there were things I didn’t remember from my first visit long ago. Now there are tent pads, and some of them are within spitting distance of each other. Fortunately, I got a site that was a good distance away from the next site. However, the site was small and sloped. If you have a large tent, just know that you might have to stake guy lines outside of the tent pad. The picnic table was not level, and the fire pit was very close to the picnic table. That wasn’t too bad, but almost every site was such that you had to park on the campground road, except for sites 26-31. Those were tent sites in which you had to park in a designated parking area and walk in a short distance. There are no hookups at this campground, which is okay with me since I am in a tent and carry my own water, and the restrooms have no showers. The worst part about the restrooms, however, is that you have to remember to take a towel/paper towel with you, and at night, make sure to take a lantern/headlamp/flashlight to the restroom. This may be TMI, but I am glad I had tissue in my pocket. Both rolls of toilet paper were empty. The men’s urinals are placed fairly high, so if you have small children, you will definitely want to let them use the toilet in the stall. There is no electricity at the restrooms, which means there is no light—not even outside. I enjoyed the campground for it being away from towns, but it was a little crowded anyway. Beware. If you are in an RV, you will have to park it on the campground road. There are no back-in sites, nor are there any pull-through sites. The RV sites are literally on wide sections of the paved campground road. Each site does have a picnic table and a fire pit, but there are no lantern poles. I did like it that there was a separate building for washing dishes. Also be aware that the campground is in a bear habitat, and you have to take precautions. I actually saw a huge pile of bear scat(poop) on the nature trail fewer than 100 yards away from the campground. Make sure when you go that you take everything you need, including ice, kiln-dried firewood, etc. The nearest town is fifteen miles away. Finding downed wood is hard to come by. I found just enough to have about a twenty-minute fire, and bringing wood from outside the park is not allowed unless it is sealed and certified. There is one nature trail that is about a half mile long, and it takes you to Heintooga Overlook, which is at the picnic area. To me, this is the best part about the campground, although it’s not really part of the campground. There is another trail not accessible directly from the campground, and years ago, you could hike to a waterfall. That is no longer the case. The trail has been re-routed, and several people have tried to find the waterfall without any luck. I came upon a small amphitheater while I was looking for wood, not that it would interest the camping overnighter, but it is interesting. Overall, I was disappointed in the campground. I was hoping to give it at least three stars, but the fact that you have to park in the road, there are not real RV sites, the restrooms are disappointing, and the site I was on was really small, I cannot give it three stars. Some of the campers I talked to loved the campground and come back every year. For me, there are better national park campgrounds in the Smokies.

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Great campsite near Cades Cove loop

    We reserved our site online, this can be done a month in advance. We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great. The souvineer shop has great gifts and a good selection of snacks and some supplies. Prices are reasonable, better than we expected. Bathroom was not the best, not very clean. The dish washing sink behind the bathroom was handy. No showers, but this is true for any camp sites in the park. Ranger station nearby is helpful to get advice and current weather reports (no phone reception in the park). Bike rentals available near the gift/snack shop too, to bike the loop. Lots of trees on our site that we used to setup a tarp to stay dry.

  • Adam C.
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Turkey Creek Campground

    Cute off the beaten path, at a good price

    Smaller camp grounds, that best suited for smaller campers, or tent camping. The driveway coming into the campground is steep, so drive slow, and I would highly recommend showing up before dark, not an entrance I would want to make after dark. They have affordable firewood and ice on site, free coffee in the office, and Wi-Fi. Currently I’m using the Wi-Fi from my spot, since cellular service in this area isn’t reliable. Make sure you download a google map “offline mode” map of the area before coming, since service is limited for ATT and Verizon. If your doing tent camping, they made these elevated large squares out of crushed gravel to put your tent on, that are perfectly level, and with the gravel, should stay dry in event of rain. Some of the spots have “river” access, I would call it more of a small creek, but still nice. All the gravel roads seem to be in great condition. Washer and dryers are available, and showers and bathrooms are way better than average.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 23, 2022

    Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    Shade, Shade and more Shade!

    PROS 

    Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with large space along with vegetation between sites 

    Very quiet 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with bean size gravel 

    Concrete picnic table 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    2 hook lantern pole 

    Electric at water connection for heated water hose connection 

    Recycle bins in campground loop 

    Trash dumpsters immediately out of campground loop 

    Firewood for sale but gate attendant told us to buy at Ingles (grocery store) where it is $3 bundle cheaper and we did! 

    Next to North Carolina Arboretum 

    Close to Asheville Outlet Mall and Camping World 

    CONS 

    3 bear sitings a day prior to our arrival in campground, according to gate attendant 

    No overnight gate closure even tho RULES proved at check-in stated gates closed at 10pm, but no open hours in RULES

     Lakeview site 38 not level 

    Up hill sewer connection at Lakeview site 38 

    Fire ring not cleared of ash upon our arrival 

    Non-moveable concrete picnic table and beyond camper awning 

    2 toilets and 2 showers for entire Lakeview Loop (21 campsites). There were lines! 

    Low hanging tree branches over roadways and roadside tree branches over roadways so it was a maneuvering obstacle challenge to not scrape camper roof and sides Campground roads narrow with tight curves along with roadway asphalt dropped off to steep shoulders; could be challenging to novice rig drivers (as we witnessed that more than once) 

    Two-and- a-half-mile drive on a twisty hilly road through residential neighborhood to get to the campground 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Appalachian Pond Campground

    Back to Nature Campground to Get Away from it All

    For tent campers, I would rate this campground with five stars. For RV campers, I would rate it with one star. There are no hookups for RV campers, but there is a place to park a small RV camper that is self-contained. I loved this campground. It is everything you need for tent camping. It is remote in the mountains of western North Carolina and has lots of shade. It has a small pond, it is quiet, and the owners are very nice. One of the owners apologized for the grass being so high, but I assured him it was all right(and it wasn’t really that high). 

    There are several tent sites back in the woods, but they are spacious and not on top of each other. Some of them have access to running water, and at least one has electricity.  There is also a small cottage by the pond, and a camper that can be rented.   At night, all you will hear are crickets, the wind through the trees, birds, and frogs—just the way I like it. This campground truly is off the beaten path. 

    As far as facilities, it has a shower. There is a portable toilet across the path. Although it sounds primitive, which it is, the quaintness of the shower house and the fact that it has both a shower and a portable toilet is good enough unless you are looking for luxury accommodations. This campground may be remote, but it is not far from many hiking trails and sites, including but not limited to Purchase Knob, Hemphill Bald, the old Ferguson Cabin, Cataloochee Valley, the Great Smoky Mountains, and much more. 

    An additional feature is the old barn owned by the same people, which can accommodate special events, such as weddings and other venues in a beautiful rural setting. Would I recommend this campground? Absolutely!!!!… especially for tent campers.


Guide to Franklin

Dispersed camping near Franklin, North Carolina offers access to multiple trails in the Nantahala National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,000-5,000 feet. The forest encompasses over 500,000 acres with diverse terrain ranging from creek-side flats to high-elevation mountain gaps. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer months, with higher elevations experiencing 10-15°F cooler temperatures than in town.

What to do

Climb and view wildlife at Picken's Nose: This primitive campground requires a short hike with a bit of elevation gain but rewards with both climbing opportunities and expansive mountain views. "This is a great spot in the area to try out some top-rope climbing, get in some amazing views, and enjoy nice camping while you are at it," notes one Picken's Nose Primitive Campground visitor. The campsite is naturally sheltered between rock formations and accommodates 1-2 tents.

Explore waterfalls near Blue Valley: Several hiking trails lead to limestone pools and waterfalls accessible from the camping areas. "Adventurous hiking can lead to waterfalls, limestone pools and plenty of seclusion," reports a camper at Blue Valley Camp. The sound of moving water creates a natural soundtrack for your camping experience.

Trout fishing: The Chatooga River offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. "This river is stocked with trout. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line," explains a visitor to Burrell's Ford. Spring and fall typically offer the best fishing conditions with lower water temperatures.

What campers like

360-degree mountain views: Higher elevation sites provide unobstructed panoramas, particularly at sunrise and sunset. A camper at Siler Bald describes, "This peak is one of my favorites in the area since it provides 360 degree views of the mountains and is totally clear on top. We have done the hike several times to see sunrise from the top or finished up a day with a sunset view."

Creek-side campsites: Many dispersed camping areas feature sites positioned alongside creeks or streams. "Almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails near by. No facilities. Room for larger groups ~40 people max for the biggest site ~6 for the smallest," notes a visitor to Blue Valley Dispersed Camping.

Temperature variation: Higher elevation sites provide natural cooling during hot summer months. "I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice, secluded," shares a Blue Valley Dispersed Camping visitor. This makes the area suitable for summer camping when lower elevation sites might be uncomfortably warm.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing and cell service is limited throughout the region. One Blue Valley Dispersed Camping visitor warns, "Never found this place but it's definitely not where the map brings you. Beware." Another provides more specific directions: "From Highlands, follow NC 28 south about 5.5 miles and turn right onto Blue Valley Rd. (S.R. 1618) at the sign. The pavement will end in a half mile."

Access considerations: Many forest roads require cautious driving and possibly high-clearance vehicles. A camper notes, "When I arrived the pavement ended and continued onward a very primitive gravel road. Pretty rough in some places and very narrow, let's just say I wouldn't want to end up encountering another car."

Water supply planning: Most dispersed sites have no drinking water available. A Wayah Bald Campground visitor advises, "There is also water available that we didn't find till we got on the trail again but it is about 5 min or less if you just continue along the bartram trail." Always carry sufficient water or bring filtration systems.

Tips for camping with families

Secluded sites with natural play areas: Some locations offer large clearings surrounded by forest for exploration. "Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek," shares a Blue Valley Camp visitor.

Easy access waterfall options: Several family-friendly waterfalls require minimal hiking. "Short hike to King Creek Falls," mentions a Burrell's Ford visitor. These shorter trails work well for families with younger children who may not be ready for longer backcountry hikes.

Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring adaptable plans. A Burrell's Ford visitor recounts, "We noticed that the temps seemed to be dropping along our walk and there was actually a little snow/sleet falling on us.... It dropped to 17 degrees and our plan to stay in 2 tents quickly changed to everybody in the 4-man / 3-season tent." Always pack extra layers, even in summer.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate large RVs. "Challenging to fit a larger RV," warns a Blue Valley Camp visitor. Sites typically work best for smaller trailers, truck campers, or vans under 20 feet.

Accurate site assessment: Don't rely solely on online maps to determine if your vehicle will fit. "I would be a bit concerned with larger rigs on the small road but small RVs or tents are great," notes a Blue Valley Dispersed Camping visitor. When possible, scout locations first in a passenger vehicle before attempting access with a larger rig.

Base camp option: Consider using Blue Ridge Basecamp as a more accessible option with amenities. "We got to stay on an island thing and it was awesome. Only problem I had with it was the internet kept going out at times and there was no service," shares a camper. This established campground offers toilets, trash service, and potable water with proximity to the best tent camping near Franklin, North Carolina.

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 Siler Bald with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 124 tent camping locations near Franklin, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.