The best cave camping near Franklin

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Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest, Franklin is home to tall trees, mountain peaks, and waterfalls with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that wrap the town. Explore the infamous Appalachian and Bartram Trails, whitewater raft through wicked waters, or scour the lands for rocky treasures. Known as the Gem Capital of the World, Franklin features many mines filled with sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones waiting to be mined. Campers are welcomed throughout the seasons to campsites, glampsites, cabin rentals, and mountain retreats year-round. Whether searching for summertime sun or hoping for snowy slopes, Franklin campers indulge in this nature-filled oasis.

92% (468) 65 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin

Stoney Creek Oasis Campground

1. Stoney Creek Oasis Campground

91%
(358)
42mi from Franklin · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: We have 20 beautiful campsites, including tent,and rv sites, along Stoney Fork Creek .We are located in Candler, NC, 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. 5 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway and within 2 miles to national forests. 10 minutes from Mt. Pisgah and 9 waterfalls within 10 miles. We offer off grid primitive campsites with a few touches of modernism, with and Wi-Fi. The sites are located adjacent from the greenhouses in a large grassy field, next to the creek, and behind the barn.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Harmony hollow

2. Harmony hollow

95%
(380)
48mi from Franklin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Hi and thanks so much for checking out the Harmony Farm . Things available you can enjoy here onsite are a small (seasonal) splash pool , a small take one leave one library , fresh organic vegetables (free) when in season , fresh eggs when available , trails with scenic views , abundant wildlife and natural springs , an outdoor macrame swing , two person hammock , forageable firewood , morels , a hot outdoor showers and EXTRA LARGE sites, . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood and 13 minutes from a super Walmart Incase you forget something . Only a short 30 minute drive gets you to the Great Smoky Mountains national park. I will be happy to share the scenic route . Greenbrier Tn. one of the first settlements here in the National park is only a scenic 30 minute scenic drive from the farm which will takes you through the arts and crafts community while avoiding the hectic hustle and bustle of town . While visiting Greenbrier you can find a picnic area near the river and an outdoor pavilion with a large grill for your special events located there . Several trail heads are located there in the Greenbrier community including Brushy Mountain trail Old settlers trail (several old settlements can easily be found here) Porters Gap trail. There are too many local attractions to list within 15 to 25 minute drive , from horseback riding . tubing, rafting , smoky mountain gravity park to shopping outlet malls .  READ !! Be sure to check mypigeonforge.com , pigeonforge.com or gatlinburg.com to find all the local special events calenders as there is at times ALOT of heavy traffic you may not be prepared for . You're welcome . Discounted rides at local riding stables upon request depending on availability . We are accepting tents, hammocks, trucks, with campers, camper vans and pop up campers welcomed also .Small tear drop types ok . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm .  There are many private areas along the creek side for your primitive camp on our 80 acre horse farm.   Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm .  You will find the laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 80 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Cove Creek RV Resorts

3. Cove Creek RV Resorts

40mi from Franklin · 68 sites
Cove Creek RV Resort stands out as a premier destination for luxury RV living, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of Cove Mountain. Nestled in the serene Smoky Mountain region of Wears Valley, this resort is perfectly situated between the vibrant towns of Pigeon Forge and Townsend, TN. What makes Cove Creek RV Resort truly special is its blend of tranquility and adventure. Guests can unwind in the peaceful surroundings or dive into a plethora of exciting activities nearby. Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, discover hidden swimming holes, or embark on outdoor adventures such as hiking and fishing. In addition to the natural attractions, visitors will find a variety of restaurants and shops just a short drive away, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Whether you’re looking to relax on-site or explore the vibrant local area, Cove Creek RV Resort is the perfect home base for creating unforgettable memories. Book your stay today and experience the charm and beauty of this unique destination.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

4. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

96%
(65)
National forest 46mi from Franklin · 557 sites
Visit the Georgian gateway to the Appalachian Trail.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pisgah National Forest

5. Pisgah National Forest

97%
(156)
National forest 75mi from Franklin · 251 sites
One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

98%
(194)
National park 31mi from Franklin · 621 sites
Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.
Cherokee National Forest

7. Cherokee National Forest

96%
(49)
National forest 117mi from Franklin · 625 sites
Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest, Franklin is home to tall trees, mountain peaks, and waterfalls with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that wrap the town. Explore the infamous Appalachian and Bartram Trails, whitewater raft through wicked waters, or scour the lands for rocky treasures. Known as the Gem Capital of the World, Franklin features many mines filled with sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones waiting to be mined. Campers are welcomed throughout the seasons to campsites, glampsites, cabin rentals, and mountain retreats year-round. Whether searching for summertime sun or hoping for snowy slopes, Franklin campers indulge in this nature-filled oasis.

92% (468) 65 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin

Stoney Creek Oasis Campground

1. Stoney Creek Oasis Campground

91%
(358)
42mi from Franklin · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: We have 20 beautiful campsites, including tent,and rv sites, along Stoney Fork Creek .We are located in Candler, NC, 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. 5 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway and within 2 miles to national forests. 10 minutes from Mt. Pisgah and 9 waterfalls within 10 miles. We offer off grid primitive campsites with a few touches of modernism, with and Wi-Fi. The sites are located adjacent from the greenhouses in a large grassy field, next to the creek, and behind the barn.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Harmony hollow

2. Harmony hollow

95%
(380)
48mi from Franklin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Hi and thanks so much for checking out the Harmony Farm . Things available you can enjoy here onsite are a small (seasonal) splash pool , a small take one leave one library , fresh organic vegetables (free) when in season , fresh eggs when available , trails with scenic views , abundant wildlife and natural springs , an outdoor macrame swing , two person hammock , forageable firewood , morels , a hot outdoor showers and EXTRA LARGE sites, . We are conveniently located minutes from Pigeon Forge TN. Home of and only 5 miles from Dollywood and 13 minutes from a super Walmart Incase you forget something . Only a short 30 minute drive gets you to the Great Smoky Mountains national park. I will be happy to share the scenic route . Greenbrier Tn. one of the first settlements here in the National park is only a scenic 30 minute scenic drive from the farm which will takes you through the arts and crafts community while avoiding the hectic hustle and bustle of town . While visiting Greenbrier you can find a picnic area near the river and an outdoor pavilion with a large grill for your special events located there . Several trail heads are located there in the Greenbrier community including Brushy Mountain trail Old settlers trail (several old settlements can easily be found here) Porters Gap trail. There are too many local attractions to list within 15 to 25 minute drive , from horseback riding . tubing, rafting , smoky mountain gravity park to shopping outlet malls .  READ !! Be sure to check mypigeonforge.com , pigeonforge.com or gatlinburg.com to find all the local special events calenders as there is at times ALOT of heavy traffic you may not be prepared for . You're welcome . Discounted rides at local riding stables upon request depending on availability . We are accepting tents, hammocks, trucks, with campers, camper vans and pop up campers welcomed also .Small tear drop types ok . We do have sites set up for you or you may prefer to pack your gear out to create your own site in a more secluded areas of the farm .  There are many private areas along the creek side for your primitive camp on our 80 acre horse farm.   Hike to the back of the farm to watch a sunset over the horse field or down by the stream . Lots of wildlife and scenery at the farm .  You will find the laundromat and food venues just minutes away. you can still feel off grid with just a short stroll by the stream that babbles along throughout the 80 acres you will be able to make your playground while visiting the Harmony Farm. Come stay with us as we grow our hip community. Thanks so much for your support.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night
Cove Creek RV Resorts

3. Cove Creek RV Resorts

40mi from Franklin · 68 sites
Cove Creek RV Resort stands out as a premier destination for luxury RV living, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of Cove Mountain. Nestled in the serene Smoky Mountain region of Wears Valley, this resort is perfectly situated between the vibrant towns of Pigeon Forge and Townsend, TN. What makes Cove Creek RV Resort truly special is its blend of tranquility and adventure. Guests can unwind in the peaceful surroundings or dive into a plethora of exciting activities nearby. Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, discover hidden swimming holes, or embark on outdoor adventures such as hiking and fishing. In addition to the natural attractions, visitors will find a variety of restaurants and shops just a short drive away, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Whether you’re looking to relax on-site or explore the vibrant local area, Cove Creek RV Resort is the perfect home base for creating unforgettable memories. Book your stay today and experience the charm and beauty of this unique destination.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

4. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

96%
(65)
National forest 46mi from Franklin · 557 sites
Visit the Georgian gateway to the Appalachian Trail.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pisgah National Forest

5. Pisgah National Forest

97%
(156)
National forest 75mi from Franklin · 251 sites
One of Pisgah's gems is Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 feet.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

98%
(194)
National park 31mi from Franklin · 621 sites
Forest trails link campsites with waterfalls and reminders of once-bustling Appalachian communities.
Cherokee National Forest

7. Cherokee National Forest

96%
(49)
National forest 117mi from Franklin · 625 sites
Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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The best cave camping 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.