98% (3.5K) • 204 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin
Holy Smokies RV Park And Glamping
1. Holy Smokies RV Park And Glamping
86%
(18)
44mi from Franklin · 19 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Holy Smokies RV Park and Glamping, your peaceful hideaway in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Just a short drive from popular spots like Dollywood and The Island in Pigeon Forge, our park is tucked away off the main road, providing a perfect mix of tranquility and accessibility.
With accommodations ranging from full-hookup RV sites to stylish glamping tents, you’ll find the comfort and charm you’re looking for. Unwind by the creek, enjoy amenities like clean bathhouses, free Wi-Fi, or gather around a fire pit for a memorable evening.
Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, Holy Smokies offers a welcoming escape for all types of travelers.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Hiker's Haven
2. Hiker's Haven
99%
(109)
38mi from Franklin · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging
Jen and Joe moved to the South Carolina Upstate in 2023 and discovered they were within minutes of the Foothills Trail. The trail is 76.2 miles of waterfalls, rivers, and mountains stretching from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. As soon as the oldest child moved out of his room above the garage, we started hosting thru-hikers hostel-style. Fair warning: it’s an “open concept” bathroom, true studio style. Great for one person but could be awkward for two.
**Please note: all reviews pre-May 2023 are for Flamingo Pad, our now-closed RV site in Tampa**
We love meeting new people and helping them enjoy all the beauty and adventure in the upstate. Hiking, biking, kayaking, oh my! Visit us at Hiker's Haven -- can't wait to meet you!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Good Egg Tiny Home & Remodeled Barn
3. Good Egg Tiny Home & Remodeled Barn
100%
(10)
48mi from Franklin · 4 sites · Lodging
When you go to sleep, there's no light except the moon and stars, no refrigerator or central heating or air conditioning noise -- only the sounds of nature -- the stream, crickets or frogs in the nearby pond, dogs or coyotes in the distance. Without the glow of a nearby city, the hot tub on a clear night, the skies are dazzling.
Speaking of which, the wood-fired hot tub is made by a company called Snorkel. It's perfect for 2 and can fit 3, although tight. It's Japanese style hot tub bathing, meaning no chemicals. Also, since we're not grid tied, it relies on a firebox heating fresh spring water, which you fill it with. It takes approx. 35 minutes to fill the tub and between 3 and 3.5 hours to heat (longer when it's really cold!). There's a thermometer in it, so as it gets closer to your liking (don't let it get over 102 degrees), let the existing logs burn down, choke off the air vent sleeve and hop in. With no pump sounds and the stars above, it's incomparable. The $50 fee (per 2 night rentals) covers thorough cleaning between guests and split firewood.
You will be very comfortable in Little Good Egg, even in extreme weather, simply by paying attention and taking more time for simple tasks. It sounds corny, but there is a meditative quality to thinking and doing things like heating water, keeping warm, staying hydrated, eating well and choosing to do what you really want. I'm always amazed how busy I am -- and how different this kind of busy feels -- without electronics and my technological "time savers." Odd as it sounds to say this, it's stunning and wonderful to go "offline," even for just a day, and not get hit by little chirps and incoming messages that seem to arrive now 24/7.
Note: Since we opened in October, 2014, guest reviews consistently tell us us best thing about staying at Good Egg is being off the grid and the treadmill of modern life, unplugging from the dominant culture and experiencing oneself as humans did 100 years ago and more.
Whether it’s the absence of electricity (in the cabin), the quiet of the country, no city glow in the night sky, or the once common experience of the natural world dominating over human-made or human-crafted things, it’s astonishing for many of us to see and feel and experience without constant communications via text and email and the distractions of modern life. Many people write that they’ve learned an enormous amount about themselves, about homesteading or permaculture, and about alternate ways of being.
WARNING: Under North Carolina law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.” N.C.G.S. § 99E-32(b).
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$108
/ night
Stay Nantahala Cabins
4. Stay Nantahala Cabins
15mi from Franklin · 4 sites · Lodging
Our spacious Nantahala cabin rentals and luxury yurt rentals at Stay Nantahala are on beautiful Nantahala Lake among the Great Smoky Mountains. We are between Franklin and Murphy, North Carolina at an elevation of over 3,000 feet. We are also not far from big cities, sitting an hour and a half west of Asheville and two and a half hours northwest of Atlanta.
Each of our luxury yurts can sleep up to four people as they each have two bedrooms. If you want to try glamping, our luxury yurts can serve as the ideal setting for any outing.
All of our Nantahala cabin rentals surround the idyllic Nantahala Lake, offering a deep connection with the surrounding natural beauty. Cabins come in a variety of sizes so they can accommodate however many you bring on your Nantahala adventure. The cabins offer a lot of amenities aimed at making your stay with us a memorable experience.
Regardless of your choice, you'll be in a prime spot to enjoy the natural beauty of western North Carolina.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$395
/ night
Forestry Treat, Blue Ridge
5. Forestry Treat, Blue Ridge
89%
(37)
49mi from Franklin · 1 site · Lodging
Learn more about this land:
Cabin is a 10 x12 with a porch across the front. Sit on the porch and listen to the breeze thru the tree leaves and birds chirping and owls hooting. There are 2 lofts for sleeping and a futon. Small area with coffee pot and fridge. Enjoy your meals either inside cabin or outside at the picnic table. There is no running water in the cabin. No cooking in the cabin, but toast or roast your meal at small fire pit near cabin and picnic table. A full bathroom is available in the basement of nearby home with a private entrance. There is unmarked hiking in the surrounding state forrest. With in a 30 min drive, you will find access to the Appalachian trail, lake Blueridge, toccoa river for paddling, Serenberry Winery. There is potable water available.
Only fires allowed in fire pit near the cabin. This is the woods, we must be super cautious. Thank you.
Bring your own towels and sleeping bag/ linens. There is room to pitch a tent near firepit if you wish.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$55
/ night
98% (3.5K) • 204 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin
Holy Smokies RV Park And Glamping
1. Holy Smokies RV Park And Glamping
86%
(18)
44mi from Franklin · 19 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Holy Smokies RV Park and Glamping, your peaceful hideaway in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Just a short drive from popular spots like Dollywood and The Island in Pigeon Forge, our park is tucked away off the main road, providing a perfect mix of tranquility and accessibility.
With accommodations ranging from full-hookup RV sites to stylish glamping tents, you’ll find the comfort and charm you’re looking for. Unwind by the creek, enjoy amenities like clean bathhouses, free Wi-Fi, or gather around a fire pit for a memorable evening.
Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, Holy Smokies offers a welcoming escape for all types of travelers.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Hiker's Haven
2. Hiker's Haven
99%
(109)
38mi from Franklin · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging
Jen and Joe moved to the South Carolina Upstate in 2023 and discovered they were within minutes of the Foothills Trail. The trail is 76.2 miles of waterfalls, rivers, and mountains stretching from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. As soon as the oldest child moved out of his room above the garage, we started hosting thru-hikers hostel-style. Fair warning: it’s an “open concept” bathroom, true studio style. Great for one person but could be awkward for two.
**Please note: all reviews pre-May 2023 are for Flamingo Pad, our now-closed RV site in Tampa**
We love meeting new people and helping them enjoy all the beauty and adventure in the upstate. Hiking, biking, kayaking, oh my! Visit us at Hiker's Haven -- can't wait to meet you!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
Good Egg Tiny Home & Remodeled Barn
3. Good Egg Tiny Home & Remodeled Barn
100%
(10)
48mi from Franklin · 4 sites · Lodging
When you go to sleep, there's no light except the moon and stars, no refrigerator or central heating or air conditioning noise -- only the sounds of nature -- the stream, crickets or frogs in the nearby pond, dogs or coyotes in the distance. Without the glow of a nearby city, the hot tub on a clear night, the skies are dazzling.
Speaking of which, the wood-fired hot tub is made by a company called Snorkel. It's perfect for 2 and can fit 3, although tight. It's Japanese style hot tub bathing, meaning no chemicals. Also, since we're not grid tied, it relies on a firebox heating fresh spring water, which you fill it with. It takes approx. 35 minutes to fill the tub and between 3 and 3.5 hours to heat (longer when it's really cold!). There's a thermometer in it, so as it gets closer to your liking (don't let it get over 102 degrees), let the existing logs burn down, choke off the air vent sleeve and hop in. With no pump sounds and the stars above, it's incomparable. The $50 fee (per 2 night rentals) covers thorough cleaning between guests and split firewood.
You will be very comfortable in Little Good Egg, even in extreme weather, simply by paying attention and taking more time for simple tasks. It sounds corny, but there is a meditative quality to thinking and doing things like heating water, keeping warm, staying hydrated, eating well and choosing to do what you really want. I'm always amazed how busy I am -- and how different this kind of busy feels -- without electronics and my technological "time savers." Odd as it sounds to say this, it's stunning and wonderful to go "offline," even for just a day, and not get hit by little chirps and incoming messages that seem to arrive now 24/7.
Note: Since we opened in October, 2014, guest reviews consistently tell us us best thing about staying at Good Egg is being off the grid and the treadmill of modern life, unplugging from the dominant culture and experiencing oneself as humans did 100 years ago and more.
Whether it’s the absence of electricity (in the cabin), the quiet of the country, no city glow in the night sky, or the once common experience of the natural world dominating over human-made or human-crafted things, it’s astonishing for many of us to see and feel and experience without constant communications via text and email and the distractions of modern life. Many people write that they’ve learned an enormous amount about themselves, about homesteading or permaculture, and about alternate ways of being.
WARNING: Under North Carolina law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.” N.C.G.S. § 99E-32(b).
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$108
/ night
Stay Nantahala Cabins
4. Stay Nantahala Cabins
15mi from Franklin · 4 sites · Lodging
Our spacious Nantahala cabin rentals and luxury yurt rentals at Stay Nantahala are on beautiful Nantahala Lake among the Great Smoky Mountains. We are between Franklin and Murphy, North Carolina at an elevation of over 3,000 feet. We are also not far from big cities, sitting an hour and a half west of Asheville and two and a half hours northwest of Atlanta.
Each of our luxury yurts can sleep up to four people as they each have two bedrooms. If you want to try glamping, our luxury yurts can serve as the ideal setting for any outing.
All of our Nantahala cabin rentals surround the idyllic Nantahala Lake, offering a deep connection with the surrounding natural beauty. Cabins come in a variety of sizes so they can accommodate however many you bring on your Nantahala adventure. The cabins offer a lot of amenities aimed at making your stay with us a memorable experience.
Regardless of your choice, you'll be in a prime spot to enjoy the natural beauty of western North Carolina.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$395
/ night
Forestry Treat, Blue Ridge
5. Forestry Treat, Blue Ridge
89%
(37)
49mi from Franklin · 1 site · Lodging
Learn more about this land:
Cabin is a 10 x12 with a porch across the front. Sit on the porch and listen to the breeze thru the tree leaves and birds chirping and owls hooting. There are 2 lofts for sleeping and a futon. Small area with coffee pot and fridge. Enjoy your meals either inside cabin or outside at the picnic table. There is no running water in the cabin. No cooking in the cabin, but toast or roast your meal at small fire pit near cabin and picnic table. A full bathroom is available in the basement of nearby home with a private entrance. There is unmarked hiking in the surrounding state forrest. With in a 30 min drive, you will find access to the Appalachian trail, lake Blueridge, toccoa river for paddling, Serenberry Winery. There is potable water available.
Only fires allowed in fire pit near the cabin. This is the woods, we must be super cautious. Thank you.
Bring your own towels and sleeping bag/ linens. There is room to pitch a tent near firepit if you wish.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$55
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Amanda
November 2025
4 nights at Hiker's Haven
It is impossible to state how lovely this location and hosts are! Every accommodation and possible need was sumptiuously met. The room had a plush sense of comfort and a thoughtful design for utility. It is a perfect location for endless hiking and historical adventures, and the town of Pickens is adorable yet also full of every necessary type of shop or eatery. The property is impeccable and peaceful. The hosts clearly love their home, town and nature. They were deeply kind and were a wealth of information about area hikes and destinations!
See more
K
Kimberly
June 2025
With kids
I was traveling with 2 kids and 3 dogs (2 huskies) for my daughtets softball. We were on a tight budget so I booked this. It was a wonderful stay. The cabin is cute and we even had baby dear wake us our first Morning. Our host John went above and beyond building a fire for us and unclogging the toliet. Its beautiful there. We had the best time!
See more
B
Badara
January 2025
With kids
Eva was amazing place was well kept and clean. It camping in the woods with a roof. The firewood provided was definitely a plus. Even though cabin did not have any heat Eva provided a space heater which helped a lot.
See more
The best dog-friendly cabins near Franklin guide
Where to go
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Blending the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an action-packed nature playground north of Franklin. Featuring frontcountry and backcountry campsites, group camping, and horse campsites, campers can hike or horseback ride the surrounding trails from base camp. Cyclists will need to stick to the lower Deep Creek Trail, Gatlinburg Trail, and Oconaluftee River Trail, or enjoy the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. On any adventure, keep a lookout for black bears, elk, deer, and warblers.
Gorges State Park
Head east of Franklin to Gorges State Park for an epic environment of rivers, waterfalls, and gorges. Offering multiple routes to travel, consider the south route towards Highlands, NC and make a pit stop at Bust Your Butt Falls—a roadside waterfall popular for swimming, sliding, and cliff jumping. Upon arrival, choose from cabins, tent and backpacking campsites, or RV sites (some with hookups). Known for its backcountry recreation, Gorges State Park backpackers and horseback riders can be found forging through the 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest landscapes.
Nantahala National Forest
Step into the largest nearby national forest just moments from Franklin. Offering on-site campgrounds with tent sites, cabin rentals, RV campsites, and group camping, Nantahala National Forest provides serenity year-round. Home to over 600 miles of trails, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicles are popular throughout the area. With winding rivers and plenty of waterfalls, the forest also hosts fishing, hunting, and white water rafting. Picnic areas throughout the park make this the perfect place for a single-day trip or multi-day getaway.
When to go
Franklin’s unforgettable environment provides campers with adventure every season. Late spring to early fall sees warmer temperatures ideal for tenting, backpacking, and RVs without heat. Reaching average highs over 80°F in the summer months and average lows dropping to the 40s in the shoulder months, campers should plan ahead to enjoy some of the area’s water activities comfortably. The winter months bring highs around 50°F and drop below freezing overnight, so cold weather camping experience or cabin rentals are recommended this time of year.