Discover the best waterfall campgrounds near Franklin, North Carolina

United States
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North Carolina
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Franklin

98% (3382 reviews)

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99%

(168)

The Enchanted Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Hayesville, NC

Five gravel, flat RV sites with electric and water, by a trout creek and dump site on property! Tiny homes on property, hammocks, fire pit and more. 30 minutes away from Lake Chatuge, local brewing companies, local shopping, wine tasting, local artist displays and Marinas on the lake. Hiking, fishing

Cherokee Waterfall Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Cherokee, NC

Please read the entire listing because I have updated this page and renovated the property! Pull down a paved road and get out of your car and sit down at a picnic table in front of a private waterfall! This site has a pull through, full hookup spot with 30amp for campers but tents are always welcome or a combination of the two. I've had a 33' camper, popup camper and 6 tents at this campsite all at the same time so there plenty of room for your family and friends! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee If you're tired of crowded campgrounds then you'll love the privacy this campground offers. This is now a two site campground with each site being around 100' away from the other site with trees and vegetation growing in between, you more or less cant see on site from the other from May until November. There is a orange cone that marks the border of the two sites. One set of campers will not be allowed on the other campers campsite, if this happens you will be evicted with no refund. Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. No fireworks. No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) Do not cut down trees alive or dead If you move picnic tables please move them back Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be a good fit. If you know your dog barks constantly of other people while camping then it will not be a good fit. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. The EBCI opened a dispensary around 3 miles from the campground. It will open to all adults over 21 starting September 7th 2024. Message me with any questions you have

100%

(15)

The Quack Shack

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Brevard, NC

This site is accessed via a short trail through the trees down a gentle, sloping hill, and finally by a short stairway, and as such it may not be easily accessible for campers with limited mobility. Located on the grounds of the Duckpond Pottery, The Quack Shack is a secluded treehouse perched along the banks of the French Broad River. The structure is an 8x10 A-frame that transforms via a hinged wall into an open-air cabana with a charming deck that affords spectacular views of the French Broad River and surrounding countryside. The interior of the Quack Shack, with its vaulted 11-foot ceiling and earthen plaster walls, provides a warm glow in a rainforest environment. It is furnished with a comfortable seating area surrounding a coffee table that can be easily converted to a full-size queen bed at night. On the outside deck are beach chairs and a chimenea available for use. The quack shack has electric power (1 outlet only). Amenities include a bathroom located a short walk away at the main building as well as an open-air on-demand shower located off the bathroom on a deck overlooking the French Broad River. Morning coffee and tea is available at The Tea Hut located just a hop, skip, and jump from the treehouse. NOTE: The Duckpond Pottery is a working studio pottery and gallery that is open to the public. It is also home to occasional open-air house concerts on the deck at the pottery. The host generally blocks concert dates, however, it is worth double-checking with the host that there will not be a concert if you desire a quieter experience.

DuPont Bike Retreat

15 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Brevard, NC

DuPont Bike Retreat is located 1/4 mile from the Fawn Lake Access area into DuPont State Forest. The DBR is 37 acres and has a pond with a dock and numerous camping sites available. The property used to hold Glass Feather Studio, which was a glass art studio and is now Glass Feather Lodge. The mountain view from the indoor porch is amazing and there are several places to relax and enjoy this view. There is an outdoor shower and bike wash station behind the lodge and two indoor bathrooms (one with shower) off the porch. The lower Pond Area of the property has a port-a-john near the pond. Starter bundles of firewood are included, and additional can usually be purchased on-site. Come enjoy the forest straight from your campsite!

Mountaintop Fantasy

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC

Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere. Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin. With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods, This is the place for you and your family. If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy. Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too. Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite. These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.

12 top waterfall campgrounds near Franklin

96%

(135)

Cherokee Waterfall Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Cherokee, NC

Please read the entire listing because I have updated this page and renovated the property! Pull down a paved road and get out of your car and sit down at a picnic table in front of a private waterfall! This site has a pull through, full hookup spot with 30amp for campers but tents are always welcome or a combination of the two. I've had a 33' camper, popup camper and 6 tents at this campsite all at the same time so there plenty of room for your family and friends! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee If you're tired of crowded campgrounds then you'll love the privacy this campground offers. This is now a two site campground with each site being around 100' away from the other site with trees and vegetation growing in between, you more or less cant see on site from the other from May until November. There is a orange cone that marks the border of the two sites. One set of campers will not be allowed on the other campers campsite, if this happens you will be evicted with no refund. Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. No fireworks. No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) Do not cut down trees alive or dead If you move picnic tables please move them back Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be a good fit. If you know your dog barks constantly of other people while camping then it will not be a good fit. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. The EBCI opened a dispensary around 3 miles from the campground. It will open to all adults over 21 starting September 7th 2024. Message me with any questions you have

Mountaintop Fantasy

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC

Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere. Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin. With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods, This is the place for you and your family. If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy. Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too. Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite. These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.

DuPont Bike Retreat

15 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Brevard, NC

DuPont Bike Retreat is located 1/4 mile from the Fawn Lake Access area into DuPont State Forest. The DBR is 37 acres and has a pond with a dock and numerous camping sites available. The property used to hold Glass Feather Studio, which was a glass art studio and is now Glass Feather Lodge. The mountain view from the indoor porch is amazing and there are several places to relax and enjoy this view. There is an outdoor shower and bike wash station behind the lodge and two indoor bathrooms (one with shower) off the porch. The lower Pond Area of the property has a port-a-john near the pond. Starter bundles of firewood are included, and additional can usually be purchased on-site. Come enjoy the forest straight from your campsite!

The Enchanted Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Hayesville, NC

Five gravel, flat RV sites with electric and water, by a trout creek and dump site on property! Tiny homes on property, hammocks, fire pit and more. 30 minutes away from Lake Chatuge, local brewing companies, local shopping, wine tasting, local artist displays and Marinas on the lake. Hiking, fishing

At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Balsam Grove, NC

Our property was once owned by Transylvania County Sheriff Carter McCall. 36 acres in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. “Simple Mountain Camping” is our motto. Located approximately seven miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Campground is surrounded by North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest and the North Fork River. Here you can experience what you came to the Blue Ridge Mountains for: crisp evenings, sitting around the campfire, excellent views, relaxing in nature, hiking to waterfalls and fishing, Don’t forget our favorite, just watching the water go by! All at an affordable price.

94%

(26)

Wanderlust Woods

10 sites · Lodging10 acres · Cosby, TN

Wanderlust Woods is a hidden 10 acre property hosting a flowing creek, mountain views, and plenty of space to wander yet minutes from adventure activities, fishing, and hiking in the National Park. Perfect for all seeking the glory of the mountains in a unique & immersive setting. We are located in Cocke County Tennessee near the towns of Cosby and Hartford, 10 minutes from the Interstate and situated very near the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The natural beauty of the area is unparalleled with views of the Smokies at almost every turn. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, white water rafting, and ziplining are all within a 10 mile radius of the property. Gatlinburg, TN is a 25 minute drive and Asheville, NC is just over an hour, offering guests options for fun day trips in the area.

99%

(750)

Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Pisgah Forest, NC

This 5-acre parcel was part of a larger 17-acre tract/cow pasture that was for sale in the spring of 2017. We had moved to this beautiful quiet country road the year before after spending 15 years in the hustle and bustle of West Asheville. When our neighbor put the land up for sale, we jumped at the chance to protect our view (we live across the street) and own another piece of the heaven we have come to call home. This land has a creek running through it, and is in a quiet, rural, residential area that is a mix of newcomers and families who have lived here for generations. The property has a secluded feel to it while being very conveniently located to the wonderful hiking, mountain biking, and trout fishing this area is famous for. We’re also very close to cycle shops, outfitters, groceries, restaurants, etc. We love it here and are excited to develop our plan for this space. We hope you will love it here too.

The Quack Shack

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Brevard, NC

This site is accessed via a short trail through the trees down a gentle, sloping hill, and finally by a short stairway, and as such it may not be easily accessible for campers with limited mobility. Located on the grounds of the Duckpond Pottery, The Quack Shack is a secluded treehouse perched along the banks of the French Broad River. The structure is an 8x10 A-frame that transforms via a hinged wall into an open-air cabana with a charming deck that affords spectacular views of the French Broad River and surrounding countryside. The interior of the Quack Shack, with its vaulted 11-foot ceiling and earthen plaster walls, provides a warm glow in a rainforest environment. It is furnished with a comfortable seating area surrounding a coffee table that can be easily converted to a full-size queen bed at night. On the outside deck are beach chairs and a chimenea available for use. The quack shack has electric power (1 outlet only). Amenities include a bathroom located a short walk away at the main building as well as an open-air on-demand shower located off the bathroom on a deck overlooking the French Broad River. Morning coffee and tea is available at The Tea Hut located just a hop, skip, and jump from the treehouse. NOTE: The Duckpond Pottery is a working studio pottery and gallery that is open to the public. It is also home to occasional open-air house concerts on the deck at the pottery. The host generally blocks concert dates, however, it is worth double-checking with the host that there will not be a concert if you desire a quieter experience.

98%

(391)

Sky High Ridge RV Campground

10 sites · RVs14 acres · Scaly Mountain, NC

Escape the noise and heat of the valley. Chill in the cool mountain air high atop the Highlands Plateau with breath taking views and sunsets. Unhitch and relax in one of our secluded treed sites with water, up to 100 amp electric, and waste hookup. Base camp to adventure in hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, winter and summer tubing, ice skating, and the largest Zipline in NC, in National Forests and Parks. Bartram Trail, that peaks Rabun Bald, and the Appalachian Trail are a within a stones throw. Our campground is for the hardy even getting here is an adventure!Sky high Ridge Campground is in the western mountains of North Carolina at a cool altitude of about 3700 feet.Welcome!

92%

(351)

Indigo Eagle Sanctuary

28 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Maggie Valley, NC

Indigo Eagle Sanctuary is an incredible place to experience the abundance of nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our Sanctuary features two main areas: Mountain Tops, or Creekside sites. Immerse yourself in beauty and adventure, with waterfalls, a rushing creek, fishing, and camping. Our creek properties include the Creekside Cabin, and Waterfall Haven (multiple camping site options, with their own areas by the creek). Guests have room to explore the mossy wonderland along Hornbuckle Creek, take a dip in a swimming hole, take an adventure and follow a rough trail (at your own risk) to another waterfall, accessed across the creek, or just kick back and relax. (Note to guests: Trail has not been maintained since last year. Go at your own risk.) Our mountaintop options include Eagle’s Nest and Songbird Campsites. These two sites provide breathtaking, long-range mountain views and epic sunsets. They are great for quick get-aways, with ease of access to main roads/highways. Indigo Eagle Sanctuary Sites are located within a few miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee Reservation (museum, shops, dining) and Maggie Valley, a quaint mountain town with more shops, food, and entertainment. Nearest grocery stores are Ingles in Waynesville, or Food Lion in Cherokee. The popular Asheville is about a 50minute drive from our Sanctuary. Plenty to explore here, while being able to unplug and unwind.

97%

(18)

Flowertown Charm Off Grid Treehouse

1 site · Lodging23 acres · Canton, NC

This primitive off-grid 100% sustainable treehouse located on 23 private wooded acres in WNC, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, nature lovers, and hopeless romantics + dog parents! If the long range mountain views weren’t enough already…the treehouse is powered by solar, heated with the cutest tiny wood stove, water collected right from the mountain, exhilarating outdoor shower, and the coolest homebiogas toilet with a view! Along with hand-crafted woodwork from local lumber or right from the property itself, adorable kitchenette, custom copper finishes, and plush organic linens. This treehouse makes glamping feel luxurious and romantic. The treehouse is located on 23 private acres in Canton, NC, right on the Waynesville, NC border, just west of Asheville. The elevation is 3100 and climbs to 3700 to the top of the ridge the property goes up to, and the property is all sloped. There are a few nature trails started, with plans to add more. Down the street is the Ten Acre Farm which sells produce they grow and has yummy homemade pizza & donuts on most Saturdays, and Jukebox Junction is a vintage diner also down the road. Waynesville is super close and is the quintessential Hallmark mountain town with amazing shops, restaurants, and breweries, and everything you need for your stay. Enjoy hiking? Well perfect because there are hundreds of trails nearby because the treehouse is equidistant to not 1, not 2, but 3 Blue Ridge Parkway entrances and is in the Pisgah National Forest. The highest point along the entire route of the Blue Ridge Parkway is located near us as well at Richland Balsam. In addition the treehouse is on a scenic byway which connects to another scenic byway. That makes the drive just breathtaking, going by farms and forest and runs along the Pigeon River which also offers tubing and amazing fly fishing. If that's not enough we are close to Asheville, Maggie Valley, Hendersonville, and Brevard. We suggest visiting our website www.flowertowncharmoffgrid.com/FAQ if you have questions! WINTER BOOKINGS: Our driveway may be impassible during winter weather and we recommend snow tires, snow chains, and/or 4x4 during the winter months due to ice. We do shut down the running water during the winter to prevent the pipes from freezing. We will provide guests with 5 gallon drinking jugs with a dispenser to use, and the toilet still has water to flush. But the shower, sink, tub, hose, and bidet will be shut down during these months. If you want the true off-grid experience this is it ;) We do require guests to e-sign our rental agreement that we will email to you, and request a $300 security deposit hold (not a charge) that we will release upon checkout. This is just a precaution for us letting people we don't know stay at our place and respecting it.

95%

(211)

Gateway to the Smokies

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Whittier, NC

Private campground featuring two very large campsites on our 2 acre property. The private drive and bridge that crosses over our creek has a security cable that can be locked. We are located right off of Hwy 441. 4 miles to Cherokee, 7 miles to National Park and 8 miles to Bryson City.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterfall camping near Franklin guide

Overview

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.

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.