Camping sites near Franklinville, North Carolina provide varied terrain with elevation ranging from 400-800 feet in the Piedmont region. The area sits at the intersection of several watersheds including the Deep River basin. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional frost in early spring and late fall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Badin Lake Campground, access to prime fishing spots comes with the territory. "We have stayed at Badin Lake campground a couple times and would recommend it to anyone that likes to kayak and fish. Being able to camp on the water and just slide the kayaks in and out is great," notes Ruth O.
Gem mining activities: Zooland Family Campground offers activities beyond traditional camping. A visitor mentioned the "playground, mini-golf, arcade, gem mining, etc. My daughter begs to come back because of all the amenities."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas, with some sites offering direct lake access. "Wake up early and go to the zoo and come back to camp early and cool off in the pool! Very clean, kid friendly, awesome campground," writes Carole Ann C. about Zooland Family Campground.
Trail exploration: Most campgrounds feature hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. At Badin Lake, a visitor noted, "The lake loop trail crosses the main campground roadway between the two loops. This trail is relatively flat and meanders around the lake and its many fingers...offering lovely lake views and some nice fishing locations."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area gets high marks for site layout. "We camped at C-52. This site was very spacious, easy to back into, and level. This was a HUGE site, lots of space between neighbors," notes Martha S., while Stuart O. adds, "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade."
Creek-side camping: Moonshine Creek Campground offers a unique water experience. "This is an excellent campground! It's really woodsy and the creek is fabulous. Nice laundry facilities. Especially nice are the tent sites. They seem to have some of the most scenic spots," writes Rebecca, while another camper adds, "We camped with our patio hanging out over the creek. It was fantastic."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathhouses. At Moonshine Creek, one visitor found "The BEST and cleanest bathhouse I've ever seen... Laundry room, small store for immediate camping needs, firewood.. just a lovely, darling gem!"
Cell service coverage: Unlike many rural camping areas, reception tends to be reliable. At Moonshine Creek, a camper noted, "Surprisingly good cell reception for being in the mountains and having lots of tree cover. Got 1-3 bars ATT depending on where I was within the campground."
What you should know
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Deep River Campground, a visitor noted that "It took a while for me to get the trailer unhitched and by the time I had it nearly level, I had used all of my blocks and the jack was extended to the maximum height."
Noise factors: Proximity to highways affects some locations. At Greensboro KOA, a camper reported, "As previously mentioned, serves its purpose for an overnight. Right off the highway, and by that I mean you see, and HEAR the traffic."
Booking requirements: Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak season. At Badin Lake Campground, a visitor advised, "I would advise securing online reservations, but they do have an Iron Ranger to drop your payment in should you find an empty site."
Water access limitations: Some sites share water sources. At Hagan-Stone Park, a camper noted, "Water is shared between sites," while another mentioned, "There is one water connection for each two sites so would advise bringing a splitter."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Jellystone Park at Asheboro caters specifically to families. A visitor observed, "This is a great family campground. They have activities all day for the kids and family. They are still under construction but you can't tell. Very spacious with plenty of activities and room for kids."
Site selection strategies: At Hagan-Stone Park, a camper advised, "I would scout ahead if possible because some are nicer than others. We stayed in site #7. The tent pad was level but ground around the area was mostly sloped."
Zoo proximity planning: Several campgrounds near the North Carolina Zoo allow for easy day trips. A Zooland visitor suggested, "Wake up early and go to the zoo and come back to camp early and cool off in the pool!"
Playground options: Multiple sites feature designated kids' areas. At Hagan-Stone, a camper mentioned, "Great location, many trails to walk, shelters to rent... There is a gate at the entrance too. A very safe, nice location."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: At Oak Hollow Campground, a visitor noted, "Very neat, clean and wooded campground. Large sites. Boating. Swimming. Close to interstates but not noisey. Can accommodate large rigs and have an open area for those traveling in tandum."
Utilities and hookup considerations: For utility connections at Greensboro KOA, a visitor reported, "The rv sites are all pull thru nearly level, big gravel sites. We had plenty of room for ort 45' plus toad. There is a nice large K9 park."
Seasonal selection: Weather patterns affect site conditions. A Jordan Lake camper noted, "We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine," indicating good drainage during wet seasons.
Extension cord needs: Plan for potential distance issues. At Moonshine Creek, a visitor advised that some sites may require "at least 50 feet" of electrical cord to reach power pedestals placed away from the ideal parking position.
