The best forest campgrounds near Franklinton, Louisiana

Franklinton sits surrounded by pine and hardwood forests—prime territory for camping if you want shade, quiet, and a break from concrete. With over 680 forest campsites, you’ll find spots for every style, from secluded clearings to creekside hideouts. Prices start cheap, with options as low as $15 a night and an average around $30. People flock to Camp Topisaw (392 reviews), Big Branch Apiary (207 reviews), and All You Need Institute (193 reviews) for their thick woods, easy-going hosts, and direct access to trails. Most sites allow campfires; expect basics like showers and toilets. Hikers, swimmers, and wildlife-watchers will keep busy—think lazy river dips and owl calls at dusk. Pack bug spray, bring layers, and don’t count on cell service. Here, you trade wifi for woodsmoke and real quiet.

87% (651) • 25 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Franklinton

Camp Topisaw

1. Camp Topisaw

100%

(776)

28mi from Franklinton · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

95 acres on the beautiful Topisaw Creek. Here we've raised 5 kids and a multitude of dogs, cats and chickens and a small herd of pineywoods cattle. The woods are quiet and undisturbed , harboring native species like jack in the pulpit, trillium and Florida anise. The spring-fed (and thus always refreshing!) Topisaw Creek forms the eastern border of our property, so plan to spend time on the sandy beaches and rock bars soaking up the sun or hunting for rocks and fossils (petrified wood and arrowheads have been found here). Many folks also enjoy a leisurely float down the creek in inner tubes ('tubing') or in a kayak. (Please note that after heavy rains the creek rises to epic heights and is too dangerous to navigate.) Little to no light pollution makes for amazing stargazing!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

All You Need Institute

2. All You Need Institute

97%

(407)

44mi from Franklinton · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging

All You Need is a 111 acre paradise that is home to some VERY unique and endangered habitat. Our northern boundary is a tract of DeSoto National Forest, where we have practically exclusive access to another 90 acres of longleaf pine savannah and more bottomland creeks. The sandhills are a "desert in the rain," home to prickly pear cactus and yuccas, abundant lichens (deer "moss"), the endangered black pine snake, and our mascot, the also endangered Gopher Tortoise. We're a nature education and retreat center where we share permaculture practices, homesteading/sustainable living skills, conservation practices, and approaches to connecting more deeply to the land. Check out our sister non-profit, the Burrow Nature Center. You will have access to our many walking paths and our swimming pond, as well as a 15 minute walk to part of DeSoto National Forest, which butts up to our property line. We would love to have you as our guest on the land, and are especially eager to meet travelers who deeply love nature and want to live in better relationship to it! Check in is between 2pm - 8pm, Check out is 11am. There's a fee for late check-in to our site.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$24

/ night

Luxor Camping, RV & Retreat

3. Luxor Camping, RV & Retreat

50%

(4)

11mi from Franklinton · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Luxor is a stunning secluded paradise nestled on 10 acres, providing a tranquil setting for immersing yourself in nature's splendor. We offer camping, RV spots, and a studio/bunkhouse for larger events or gatherings. Spend your evenings by the campfire, indulging in the mesmerizing experience of stargazing. Visit Luxor and realign your mind, body, and soul amidst its serene ambiance.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$25

/ night

Bogue Chitto State Park

4. Bogue Chitto State Park

80%

(5)

State park 5.6mi from Franklinton · 90 sites

Paddling the Bogue Chitto River is a Louisianian rite of passage.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Fairview Riverside State Park

5. Fairview Riverside State Park

State park 30mi from Franklinton · 101 sites

Discover the natural charm of Fairview Riverside State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

LUXOR RETREAT & VENUE

6. LUXOR RETREAT & VENUE

11mi from Franklinton · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Just one hour north of New Orleans, beyond the shimmering stretch of Lake Pontchartrain, awaits a secluded retreat designed for connection, creativity, healing, and transformation. Luxor Retreat & Wellness Center offers a magical, nature-immersed setting where hosts and guests can gather, celebrate, teach, and rest. The journey itself begins the experience—crossing the vast lake as the city fades behind you, the air softens, the trees grow taller, and the world slows. By the time you arrive in Kentwood, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a hidden sanctuary.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$18

/ night

Missihippie Camping and Berries

7. Missihippie Camping and Berries

100%

(3)

23mi from Franklinton · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Nice, quiet peaceful place filled with pine trees. 5- 20 minutes from river. 2 air conditioned bathrooms. 1 cabin available for rent. Full of blackberries and blueberries. Lynard Skyndard monument 15 minutes away. Surrounded by nature at its best. Pet friendly place. Wake up to the sounds of birds every where's. Come make memories with us!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

Porter-Muse Farms

8. Porter-Muse Farms

100%

(3)

31mi from Franklinton · 41 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: 19 acre property with grassing areas, lake fields and wooded forest. Lots of deer and other wildlife. 100 year old pine trees and hard wood forest ... limited space due to hurricane Ida damage.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$9

/ night

Percy Quin State Park

9. Percy Quin State Park

100%

(3)

State park 32mi from Franklinton · 189 sites

Discover Percy Quin State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Fontainebleau State Park

10. Fontainebleau State Park

100%

(5)

State park 36mi from Franklinton · 162 sites

This 2,800-acre park has nature trails and sandy beaches fit for a French King.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Tickfaw State Park

11. Tickfaw State Park

88%

(4)

State park 43mi from Franklinton · 65 sites

Discover Tickfaw State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Franklinton sits surrounded by pine and hardwood forests—prime territory for camping if you want shade, quiet, and a break from concrete. With over 680 forest campsites, you’ll find spots for every style, from secluded clearings to creekside hideouts. Prices start cheap, with options as low as $15 a night and an average around $30. People flock to Camp Topisaw (392 reviews), Big Branch Apiary (207 reviews), and All You Need Institute (193 reviews) for their thick woods, easy-going hosts, and direct access to trails. Most sites allow campfires; expect basics like showers and toilets. Hikers, swimmers, and wildlife-watchers will keep busy—think lazy river dips and owl calls at dusk. Pack bug spray, bring layers, and don’t count on cell service. Here, you trade wifi for woodsmoke and real quiet.

87% (651) • 25 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Franklinton

Camp Topisaw

1. Camp Topisaw

100%

(776)

28mi from Franklinton · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

95 acres on the beautiful Topisaw Creek. Here we've raised 5 kids and a multitude of dogs, cats and chickens and a small herd of pineywoods cattle. The woods are quiet and undisturbed , harboring native species like jack in the pulpit, trillium and Florida anise. The spring-fed (and thus always refreshing!) Topisaw Creek forms the eastern border of our property, so plan to spend time on the sandy beaches and rock bars soaking up the sun or hunting for rocks and fossils (petrified wood and arrowheads have been found here). Many folks also enjoy a leisurely float down the creek in inner tubes ('tubing') or in a kayak. (Please note that after heavy rains the creek rises to epic heights and is too dangerous to navigate.) Little to no light pollution makes for amazing stargazing!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

All You Need Institute

2. All You Need Institute

97%

(407)

44mi from Franklinton · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging

All You Need is a 111 acre paradise that is home to some VERY unique and endangered habitat. Our northern boundary is a tract of DeSoto National Forest, where we have practically exclusive access to another 90 acres of longleaf pine savannah and more bottomland creeks. The sandhills are a "desert in the rain," home to prickly pear cactus and yuccas, abundant lichens (deer "moss"), the endangered black pine snake, and our mascot, the also endangered Gopher Tortoise. We're a nature education and retreat center where we share permaculture practices, homesteading/sustainable living skills, conservation practices, and approaches to connecting more deeply to the land. Check out our sister non-profit, the Burrow Nature Center. You will have access to our many walking paths and our swimming pond, as well as a 15 minute walk to part of DeSoto National Forest, which butts up to our property line. We would love to have you as our guest on the land, and are especially eager to meet travelers who deeply love nature and want to live in better relationship to it! Check in is between 2pm - 8pm, Check out is 11am. There's a fee for late check-in to our site.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$24

/ night

Luxor Camping, RV & Retreat

3. Luxor Camping, RV & Retreat

50%

(4)

11mi from Franklinton · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Luxor is a stunning secluded paradise nestled on 10 acres, providing a tranquil setting for immersing yourself in nature's splendor. We offer camping, RV spots, and a studio/bunkhouse for larger events or gatherings. Spend your evenings by the campfire, indulging in the mesmerizing experience of stargazing. Visit Luxor and realign your mind, body, and soul amidst its serene ambiance.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$25

/ night

Bogue Chitto State Park

4. Bogue Chitto State Park

80%

(5)

State park 5.6mi from Franklinton · 90 sites

Paddling the Bogue Chitto River is a Louisianian rite of passage.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Fairview Riverside State Park

5. Fairview Riverside State Park

State park 30mi from Franklinton · 101 sites

Discover the natural charm of Fairview Riverside State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

LUXOR RETREAT & VENUE

6. LUXOR RETREAT & VENUE

11mi from Franklinton · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Just one hour north of New Orleans, beyond the shimmering stretch of Lake Pontchartrain, awaits a secluded retreat designed for connection, creativity, healing, and transformation. Luxor Retreat & Wellness Center offers a magical, nature-immersed setting where hosts and guests can gather, celebrate, teach, and rest. The journey itself begins the experience—crossing the vast lake as the city fades behind you, the air softens, the trees grow taller, and the world slows. By the time you arrive in Kentwood, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a hidden sanctuary.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$18

/ night

Missihippie Camping and Berries

7. Missihippie Camping and Berries

100%

(3)

23mi from Franklinton · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Nice, quiet peaceful place filled with pine trees. 5- 20 minutes from river. 2 air conditioned bathrooms. 1 cabin available for rent. Full of blackberries and blueberries. Lynard Skyndard monument 15 minutes away. Surrounded by nature at its best. Pet friendly place. Wake up to the sounds of birds every where's. Come make memories with us!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

Porter-Muse Farms

8. Porter-Muse Farms

100%

(3)

31mi from Franklinton · 41 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: 19 acre property with grassing areas, lake fields and wooded forest. Lots of deer and other wildlife. 100 year old pine trees and hard wood forest ... limited space due to hurricane Ida damage.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$9

/ night

Percy Quin State Park

9. Percy Quin State Park

100%

(3)

State park 32mi from Franklinton · 189 sites

Discover Percy Quin State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Fontainebleau State Park

10. Fontainebleau State Park

100%

(5)

State park 36mi from Franklinton · 162 sites

This 2,800-acre park has nature trails and sandy beaches fit for a French King.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Tickfaw State Park

11. Tickfaw State Park

88%

(4)

State park 43mi from Franklinton · 65 sites

Discover Tickfaw State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Entrance to Duck Pond Overlook from the pasture.

B

Bonnie

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Camp Topisaw

We so enjoyed our quick camping trip. Very private and relaxing. We bought fire wood and had plenty to keep a good fire going all evening. We definitely plan to return for a few days next time.

k

kayleigh

January 2026

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to All You Need Institute

This was our second time camping here, and we will absolutely be back. It’s a fantastic spot for tent camping! It’s safe, quiet, dog-friendly (leashes required but they had plenty of space to roam around on the extended leashes we brought) and very secluded. The trails and pond were a great bonus, and despite knowing others were on the property, we never saw anyone else during our stay. Jordan, the host, was very attentive and quick to help troubleshoot any issues. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful, well-maintained camping experience.

E

Echo

January 2026

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

What's not to Love about this place.... the woods, the beach, the creek, the rocks, the soil, the clay, the dogs... Hope to return again & again....

J

Jenna

January 2026

Tent

2 nights at Camp Topisaw

What an amazing place! We couldn’t have asked for a better spot. The campsite was awesome and right in the creek. Will definitely be back!

Kelly

December 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camp Topisaw

The hosts were so great with my needs and accommodations and offered me a different spot to allow me to pull my car up closer. Amazing location. Very quiet, even got to hear wolves or coyotes and the view of the stars was outstanding. Sweet Luna, one of the farm dogs, slept outside my tent all night and made me feel very comfortable. Can’t wait to come back!

G

Gary

December 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Missihippie Camping and Berries

Great place to go unplug and relax. If you're tent camping, power and water availability depends on your location on the site. The owners are still developing the camping areas so this may change over time. There is a road near by but traffic is pretty light during the weekend. The bathroom was super clean (no spiders). A real plus for the wife. lol Like I said, the owners are still building this up. They have one little cabin completed (super nice inside), are working to finish the second, and have the foundation set for a third. I'm looking forward to visiting again to see the development over time

B

Brandi

December 2025

Weekend Trip to All You Need Institute

Enjoyed the stay! Night sky was beautiful. There were other sites nearby, but this still felt secluded.

Bryan

December 2025

1 night at All You Need Institute

The property was beautiful!!! The yurt was extremely spacious and bigger than I had previously thought from the picture. So much care and thought was put into every single thing on the property. It was very enjoyable to explore and walk the trails during the sunrise. Highly recommend.

C

Callie

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Camp Topisaw

We had a great time and made some great memories - pretty sure we had the place to ourselves. It was so quiet and peaceful!

D

David

November 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Camp Topisaw

Fiancee and I went to get away for the Holidays to avoid the Family hassles with the pup for four days. David was communicative and friendly prior to our trip, asking if we needed some extra firewood (25$ cash) and made sure we got set up okay once we got there. He checked in over text daily. The area was very nice, we went searching for trash to pick up prior to getting set up and found very little. The grill and wood were a huge help as I had a bit of trouble getting the campfire set up in the cold and rain. The ad says David has 4 dogs that might say hello, I will say they definitely said hello and stayed for quite awhile. One of them for a night and two days without leaving camp, so if your tied up or leashed dog is not ready to be around other dogs, highly recommend you look for another place, thankfully mine was okay with the two that visited frequently. Little close to the road for my liking as you can hear trucks with loud bass coming up and down through the night, but the serenity of the water from the creek flowing through made up for that. Stores are a short drive to get any last minute supplies, which is great since we had to grab some extra ice last minute.

c

caitlin

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We loved camping at Camp Topisaw for our 2nd time! Fabulous spot, the creek is peaceful and gorgeous. Great spot to unwind and especially great for us that it is kid + dog friendly. Thank you as always to David!

A

Anne

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

I loved tent camping here! All of the beautiful sounds from rushing water to animals in nature made for a nice relaxing time! The directions were easy but the camping spot was still very secluded! Awesome spot to stargaze!

A

Abbie

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to All You Need Institute

Great spot! The site had a nice flattened area for my tent a little into a wooded area. I was able to hang my hammock. And the spot is right in the edge of the walking trails which was lovely. I also had some car troubles and Jordan was very responsive and helpful!

G

Gary

November 2025

With pets

3 nights at All You Need Institute

Fantastic property with some unique ecological features, plenty of room to feel private or connected to other campers, and great accommodations. Highly recommend this for your next weekend getaway.

Shawn

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

Topisaw is always great. Stayed multiple times, host is always very accommodating and communicates very well.

B

Blaine

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We tent camped on the creek side sandbar. It was a group of 5 of us and a dog. David welcomed us at the site, he was friendly and answered all questions we had. The site had a bbq grill, a patio table and 4 chairs, and an outhouse that was close by. There was enough parking for our 3 vehicles so no problems there. The site wasn’t close by to other campers and felt very private which was nice. The creek was a little chilly but we were in it the majority of the days anyway, and the dog loved it. If you’re in to rock hunting this spot is for you! Bunch of neat things to find in and near the creek. I would also recommend some kind of water shoe for the rocky spots (if you have city feet like me) Overall, we had nothing negative to say about this place. Everything was great and we will be returning in the future!

J

Jolie

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camp Topisaw

Such a private and quiet spot to camp at. Would definitely go again if i lived closer.

N

Nicholas

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

We had an absolutely amazing long weekend here. The sandy banks are gorgeous and the river is awesome. David was super friendly and helped us find our spot. One of the most relaxing get aways we have had in a while.

R

Reid

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Topisaw

Great location and as described! This was my second time camping here and will be back again. The host are great and would highly recommend the firewood!