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The best dog-friendly RV sites near Franklin
97% (10.8K) • 682 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin
Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
1. Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
100%
(10)
20mi from Franklin · 32 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
No matter the weather, no matter the time of year, here at Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins, a perfect relaxing stay is what we are all about. Enjoy a picturesque creekside retreat in Cherokee, NC, the hub of activity for Western North Carolina in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Our full-hookup campsites and vacation log cabins feature just exactly what you need to get away and have some fun. Explore our peaceful setting and convenient amenities designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
*We are open May-October for stays in the campground, and year-round for the cabins and campsite #19.
If traveling West from I-40, we recommend taking Hwy 74 through Waynesville and Sylva to Cherokee for the best roads.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp
2. Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp
99%
(312)
26mi from Franklin · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to Nature at Indian Creek Rentals
Looking for a peaceful mountain retreat? Our secluded campsites in the heart of Western North Carolina offer the perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to unwind under the stars.
We’re Clayton & Tiffany, owners of Indian Creek Rentals, LLC—a unique property featuring vacation homes, a mini farm, and miles of private hiking trails (approx. 2 miles), all accessible right from camp!
We now offer two campsites and one unique camper stay, all with access to a shared bathhouse and outdoor Wi-Fi.
Campsite & Camper Options
🔥 Site 1: Mountain Shine Camp Trailer – A one-of-a-kind, converted horse trailer with a queen bed, stocked essentials, and a cozy setup. Offers privacy, yet still close to Site 2.
🏕 Site 2: Mountain View Site – Features a hot tub and a covered shed, so you can relax and stay dry no matter the weather.
🌲 Site 3: Primitive Forest Site – A true off-grid experience deep in the woods, complete with a picnic table and firepit
🌟Group Camping Option– Booking Site 1 & Site 2 together is perfect for group camping! We can also accommodate an additional RV for an extra charge.
Good to Know
✔ Pack in/Pack out – No dumpsters on-site, so please take your trash with you.
✔ Private hiking trails – Explore 2 miles of scenic trails straight from camp.
✔ Mini farm on-site – Say hello to our friendly animals!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy camper stay, a hot tub under the stars, or a rustic primitive site, Indian Creek Rentals has the perfect spot for your next adventure.
**Happy Camping!**
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$42
/ night
ᕼIᗪᗪEᑎ ᗩᑕᖇEᔕ ᗰOᑌᑎTᗩIᑎ ᑕᗩᗰᑭIᑎG
3. ᕼIᗪᗪEᑎ ᗩᑕᖇEᔕ ᗰOᑌᑎTᗩIᑎ ᑕᗩᗰᑭIᑎG
99%
(59)
27mi from Franklin · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Find a calmer space to get away from the busy, loud, and hectic environments of life where you can relax and unwind & find tranquility in nature. Our 12 acre property borders the Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy serenity in the woods surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, crisp meadows, a sparkling cool stream and fresh mountain air, all while retreating in your cozy and private camping area. Bathhouse with hot showers, shampoo, conditioner & body wash. WiFi.
Located in the heart of the Pisgah National and Nantahala Forests, the Balsam Grove community is known for its secluded trails & waterfalls. There are a plethora of activities to do in the nearby surrounding area. Explore in adventures like hiking, cycling, mountain biking, canoeing, tubing, fly-fishing & kayaking. Transylvania county is also known as “The Land of Waterfalls”, where you’ll find over 250 spectacular cascades & cataracts.
Just 9 miles away, take in a day of scenic beauty up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll discover amazing long-range views of the Appalachian Mountain Range, stunning waterfalls, fields of wildflowers & trails, over-looks & elevations that reach more than 5,000 feet. Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you can catch a floral show as the seasons change. Afternoon picnics and sunsets on the Parkway are highly recommended as well as star gazing on a clear night is indubitably hypnotizing & will leave you awestruck!!
A few nearby waterfalls under a 15 minute drive from campsite:
3.7 mi- Living Waters. Three easy waterfalls all within a short walk. French Broad Falls, Mill Shoals Falls, & Bird Rock Falls.
7.5 mi- Courthouse Falls. 45 ft. waterfall that plunges into a deep pool. Perfect spot for a dip on a hot summer’s afternoon. Ten minute fairly easy hike from trailhead.
7.7 mi- Paradise Falls Trailhead. One of the best secret swimming holes! A magnificent oasis. Challenging & steep hike, but worth it.
11 mi- Upper Dill Falls & Lower Dill Falls. 50 ft. Waterfall (lower) with just a short easy hike. Upper Dill falls is beautiful and tucked into a lush cove.
7.9 mi- Wolf Creek Lake. Better known to the locals as Wolf Lake, this 183 acre high elevation lake offers spectacular scenery & great swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
Walnut Hollow Ranch
4. Walnut Hollow Ranch
99%
(72)
31mi from Franklin · 19 sites
Walnut Hollow Ranch sits in the Nantahala Mountain Region of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 155 acre farm is a horseshoe shaped cove with Wiggin's Top at its crown. The land consists of 67 acres of cattle pastures, 5 ponds and 3-5 miles of hiking trails. The forest consists of lowland pines, poplar, dogwood, hickory and walnut trees. The upland consists of oaks, poplar and other hardwoods. Wildlife abounds at Walnut Hollow Ranch. Our residents include: wild turkeys, white tail deer, red fox, red tail hawks, bluebirds, finches and many others. Passerby's include: wood and mallard ducks, blue and white herons, river otters, black bear, bobcat, coyote and migratory birds.The ponds include: big mouth bass, small mouth bass and brim.
Full hookups
from
$65
/ night
Gatlin Ridge RV Park
5. Gatlin Ridge RV Park
97%
(17)
31mi from Franklin · 6 sites
Overlooking the French Broad River, Gatlin Ridge is a quaint, full-service, RV Park in Rosman, NC. Just across the road from Headwater Outfitters, and less than a mile from the Champion Park Public River Access, our campground offers immaculately landscaped lots each outfitted with water, sewer, 50/30/20 electric, Wi-Fi, trash collection, and private fire pits.
After a long day exploring the trails, rivers, and waterfalls, Gatlin Ridge is the perfect place to set-up camp. Currently offering only 5 sites, avoid the crowd, and book with us today!
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
97% (10.8K) • 682 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Franklin
Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
1. Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
100%
(10)
20mi from Franklin · 32 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
No matter the weather, no matter the time of year, here at Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins, a perfect relaxing stay is what we are all about. Enjoy a picturesque creekside retreat in Cherokee, NC, the hub of activity for Western North Carolina in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Our full-hookup campsites and vacation log cabins feature just exactly what you need to get away and have some fun. Explore our peaceful setting and convenient amenities designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
*We are open May-October for stays in the campground, and year-round for the cabins and campsite #19.
If traveling West from I-40, we recommend taking Hwy 74 through Waynesville and Sylva to Cherokee for the best roads.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp
2. Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp
99%
(312)
26mi from Franklin · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape to Nature at Indian Creek Rentals
Looking for a peaceful mountain retreat? Our secluded campsites in the heart of Western North Carolina offer the perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to unwind under the stars.
We’re Clayton & Tiffany, owners of Indian Creek Rentals, LLC—a unique property featuring vacation homes, a mini farm, and miles of private hiking trails (approx. 2 miles), all accessible right from camp!
We now offer two campsites and one unique camper stay, all with access to a shared bathhouse and outdoor Wi-Fi.
Campsite & Camper Options
🔥 Site 1: Mountain Shine Camp Trailer – A one-of-a-kind, converted horse trailer with a queen bed, stocked essentials, and a cozy setup. Offers privacy, yet still close to Site 2.
🏕 Site 2: Mountain View Site – Features a hot tub and a covered shed, so you can relax and stay dry no matter the weather.
🌲 Site 3: Primitive Forest Site – A true off-grid experience deep in the woods, complete with a picnic table and firepit
🌟Group Camping Option– Booking Site 1 & Site 2 together is perfect for group camping! We can also accommodate an additional RV for an extra charge.
Good to Know
✔ Pack in/Pack out – No dumpsters on-site, so please take your trash with you.
✔ Private hiking trails – Explore 2 miles of scenic trails straight from camp.
✔ Mini farm on-site – Say hello to our friendly animals!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy camper stay, a hot tub under the stars, or a rustic primitive site, Indian Creek Rentals has the perfect spot for your next adventure.
**Happy Camping!**
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$42
/ night
ᕼIᗪᗪEᑎ ᗩᑕᖇEᔕ ᗰOᑌᑎTᗩIᑎ ᑕᗩᗰᑭIᑎG
3. ᕼIᗪᗪEᑎ ᗩᑕᖇEᔕ ᗰOᑌᑎTᗩIᑎ ᑕᗩᗰᑭIᑎG
99%
(59)
27mi from Franklin · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Find a calmer space to get away from the busy, loud, and hectic environments of life where you can relax and unwind & find tranquility in nature. Our 12 acre property borders the Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy serenity in the woods surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, crisp meadows, a sparkling cool stream and fresh mountain air, all while retreating in your cozy and private camping area. Bathhouse with hot showers, shampoo, conditioner & body wash. WiFi.
Located in the heart of the Pisgah National and Nantahala Forests, the Balsam Grove community is known for its secluded trails & waterfalls. There are a plethora of activities to do in the nearby surrounding area. Explore in adventures like hiking, cycling, mountain biking, canoeing, tubing, fly-fishing & kayaking. Transylvania county is also known as “The Land of Waterfalls”, where you’ll find over 250 spectacular cascades & cataracts.
Just 9 miles away, take in a day of scenic beauty up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll discover amazing long-range views of the Appalachian Mountain Range, stunning waterfalls, fields of wildflowers & trails, over-looks & elevations that reach more than 5,000 feet. Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you can catch a floral show as the seasons change. Afternoon picnics and sunsets on the Parkway are highly recommended as well as star gazing on a clear night is indubitably hypnotizing & will leave you awestruck!!
A few nearby waterfalls under a 15 minute drive from campsite:
3.7 mi- Living Waters. Three easy waterfalls all within a short walk. French Broad Falls, Mill Shoals Falls, & Bird Rock Falls.
7.5 mi- Courthouse Falls. 45 ft. waterfall that plunges into a deep pool. Perfect spot for a dip on a hot summer’s afternoon. Ten minute fairly easy hike from trailhead.
7.7 mi- Paradise Falls Trailhead. One of the best secret swimming holes! A magnificent oasis. Challenging & steep hike, but worth it.
11 mi- Upper Dill Falls & Lower Dill Falls. 50 ft. Waterfall (lower) with just a short easy hike. Upper Dill falls is beautiful and tucked into a lush cove.
7.9 mi- Wolf Creek Lake. Better known to the locals as Wolf Lake, this 183 acre high elevation lake offers spectacular scenery & great swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
Walnut Hollow Ranch
4. Walnut Hollow Ranch
99%
(72)
31mi from Franklin · 19 sites
Walnut Hollow Ranch sits in the Nantahala Mountain Region of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 155 acre farm is a horseshoe shaped cove with Wiggin's Top at its crown. The land consists of 67 acres of cattle pastures, 5 ponds and 3-5 miles of hiking trails. The forest consists of lowland pines, poplar, dogwood, hickory and walnut trees. The upland consists of oaks, poplar and other hardwoods. Wildlife abounds at Walnut Hollow Ranch. Our residents include: wild turkeys, white tail deer, red fox, red tail hawks, bluebirds, finches and many others. Passerby's include: wood and mallard ducks, blue and white herons, river otters, black bear, bobcat, coyote and migratory birds.The ponds include: big mouth bass, small mouth bass and brim.
Full hookups
from
$65
/ night
Gatlin Ridge RV Park
5. Gatlin Ridge RV Park
97%
(17)
31mi from Franklin · 6 sites
Overlooking the French Broad River, Gatlin Ridge is a quaint, full-service, RV Park in Rosman, NC. Just across the road from Headwater Outfitters, and less than a mile from the Champion Park Public River Access, our campground offers immaculately landscaped lots each outfitted with water, sewer, 50/30/20 electric, Wi-Fi, trash collection, and private fire pits.
After a long day exploring the trails, rivers, and waterfalls, Gatlin Ridge is the perfect place to set-up camp. Currently offering only 5 sites, avoid the crowd, and book with us today!
Full hookups
from
$70
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Edward
3 weeks ago
Tent
I’ve gone to countless Hipcamps over the past four years, but this one takes the cake. Best campsite in North Carolina hands down.
See more
L
Laurinda
February 2026
Tent
Me and my fiance camped at the Mountain View and Hot-tub site on Clayton and Tiffany's land and we woke up to a winter wonderland! It was absolutely beautiful with stunning views. The bathhouse was very nice and a great addition! Both of them were very kind and helpful. The animals were adorable as well and one of the highlights of the entire trip!
See more
M
Maggie
December 2025
Tent
The site was clean and spacious. With no leaves on the trees in the winter, we had a lovely view of the mountains and the sunset in the evening from the hot tub. The bath house was a short distance away and was heated, which was great after the hot tub. The stars at night were fantastic! The hosts were helpful and responsive. Highly recommend this spot!
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Michael
November 2025
Tent
With pets
We are frequent campers and this was our first Hipcamp booking. It has ruined us for all future campsites because it set the bar so high!
My wife and I spent Thanksgiving (3 nights) here. This was an amazing property. We stayed in the camping/sheltered site with a HOT TUB !!, amazing views, fire ring, power. Everything we needed for enjoyable cold weather camping. And that heated bath house!!! Unreal, the detail and amenities. Second to none. The on property hiking was so enjoyable. Take a walk to Day Dreamer’s rock. Such a magical experience. We are already trying to find time to bring back the rest of the family. I can not recommend this site enough. We are looking forward to future trips to Indian Creek.
See moreM
Michael
October 2025
3 nights at Indian Creek Rental's Mountain Camp
Always a great stay. Beautiful views and the bathhouse is second to none. Clayton and Tiffany are super friendly and helpful as always. Looking forward to our next visit.
See moreK
Kevin
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
This spot was amazing. Definitely will be coming back. It’s incredibly well kept. Has a high hanging open garage, easy for trailer or roof top tents to be set up there. Bathrooms, showers, and the hot tub were great and well kept as well.
See more
A
Angela
October 2025
Tent
With kids
What a beautiful place! The location was easy to get to, and it was close to fun towns and hiking. We were 2 families. This was the first tent camping trip for one of the families with small kids and it was perfect! There was 1 other camping spot close by, but we still felt very private and there was plenty of places for the kids to run around. The bathrooms were so beautiful and clean, the hot tub was a bonus. We would definitely come back and camp again.
See moren
nick
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This was just what we needed. Such a lovely spot. Wish we could have spent more nights there. The hot tub was amazing, showers were super clean and our dogs loved the trails. everything was perfect. 10/10 we will be back to rent the hikers treehouse at some point.
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Mercer
September 2025
16 ft car
I cannot recommend this enough! This was my first time using HipCamp, and it felt like such a luxurious car camping experience. The hosts had the hot tub ready to jump in upon our arrival, and the covered area was perfect to keep our belongings dry between re-loading, cooking, and eating.
The real bathrooms on site exceeded my expectations as well - I thoroughly imagined a regular campsite shower/toilet area, and they provided an actual bathhouse with real amenities and thoughtful accomodations (common toiletries and towels).
I'm already looking forward to returning. Thank you so much!
See moreJ
Jason
September 2025
12 ft travel trailer
With pets
Awesome place with views and hot tub! Amenities and shower house better than expected !! Hosts were very receptive to questions and great to have fire wood on site . Would definitely stay again !
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Rebecca
September 2025
16 ft car
With pets
I love the view and the big open area for our dog to run around. We were able to set up our little disc golf The hot tub is another bonus to the already nice setup. The bath house is super cute and clean. I love everything about this little sight. I want camping and being outdoors but love having the electricity, water and convenience of a bathhouse. It’s like the perfect mix! We will continue booking this site.
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M
Mark
September 2025
20 ft Class B
This was our 2nd stay at this site. First being in 2022 and then just last weekend. To think that it could get better than what it was the first time defied logic. But the site got better with the addition of the bath house. We will be back again!
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G
Greg
September 2025
44 ft travel trailer
Very nice ranch. Well maintained and beautiful green surroundings. I enjoyed my stay.
Greg
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Jenni
August 2025
Tent
This place is a dream!! We could not have imagined a better spot and experience for our long weekend. Thank you so much to the amazing hosts for making this beautiful slice of nature available to campers! We loved being close to the donkeys and cows and bath house and still feeling like we were surrounded by woods - with the opportunity to listen to the rain one night and gaze at the stars the other nights! Thank you thank you thank you from your biggest Atlanta fans! The firepit and firewood were a huge hit!
See moreJ
John
August 2025
24 ft campervan
The site, the service and the bathrooms were all very nice. We definitely would recommend this property. Great experience.
See moreP
Patty
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
This is a beautiful quiet small campground the view was spectacular. We enjoyed the walking trails.
Bathhouse was top notch. Having cover in the mountains was awesome when those afternoon rainstorms hit, we didn’t have to retreat to our tents could still enjoy our family time!! I personally enjoyed the night sky view our last night was clear… so many ⭐️ stars!!!!!
See moreD
David
August 2025
12 ft pop-up camper
The site was amazing and the facilities impeccable. We did have some heavy rainfall which didn’t dampen the spirits but totally soaked our Australian Overland Camper which didn’t pass the test of Lake Toxaway’s temperate tropical rain forest. However, we were blown away by the beauty, scenery, restaurants and general amenities in the area. We had the pleasure of meeting Clayton and Tiffany in person and were so impressed with their commitment to the facility and the lifestyle of camping. Dave & Jo T.
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Trey
August 2025
35 ft fifth wheel
With pets
We had an amazing stay at Gatlin Ridge RV Park in Rosman, NC! From the moment we arrived, Jake made us feel incredibly welcome and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. The in-and-out for parking our 35-foot fifth wheel was super easy, and our site was spacious and beautifully maintained with all hookups working flawlessly. We stayed in site #5.
The park is peaceful and surrounded by stunning natural scenery, perfect for relaxing or exploring the outdoors. The fire pit was a highlight—we enjoyed s’mores every night under the stars! The location is fantastic, with hiking trails, Brevard, and Headwater Outfitters all just a short drive away.
Overall, Gatlin Ridge is a true gem. Thanks to Jake, our experience was wonderful—we had such a relaxing and fun stay, and we can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend to anyone traveling through western NC!
See moreM
Michael
July 2025
Tent
With kids
Our site was just wonderful. We had a spectacular view of sunset. The bath house is clean, and really well put together. There are tons of charming and thoughtful things around the property. Our kids spent over an hour playing in the creek. The hosts have even put a little swimming hole, maybe a foot deep for the little ones to enjoy. Already planning a return trip.
See moreS
Scott
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
Clayton and Tiffany were a great hosts, along with a great clean campsite with wonderful views and not to mention amazing bathrooms with warm water!
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The best dog-friendly RV sites 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.