Cartoogechaye Creek Campground

For North Carolina locals seeking a truly welcoming and beautifully maintained camping experience, Cartoogechaye Creek Campground in Franklin stands out. While one isolated review mentions an unfortunate interaction, the overwhelming sentiment from numerous long-term and returning visitors paints a picture of a family-owned and operated haven where hospitality thrives. This isn't just a place to park your RV; it's a community designed to make every guest feel "at home" amidst the serene beauty of the Western North Carolina mountains.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Cartoogechaye Creek Campground a special choice for your next North Carolina adventure. We'll delve into its picturesque location in Franklin, detail the wide array of services and accommodations it provides, highlight its unique features including resident animals and a peaceful setting, and furnish you with all the essential contact information to plan your visit. Our aim is to illuminate why this campground, with its strong family values and dedication to guest satisfaction, is a cherished spot for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy the best of the Tar Heel State's outdoor offerings. Prepare to discover a truly special camping experience right here in your backyard.

Cartoogechaye Creek Campground is ideally situated at 91 No Name Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USA. This address places it within Macon County, a gem of the Western North Carolina region, known for its stunning mountain vistas, rich natural resources, and charming small towns. For North Carolina residents, Franklin is a highly accessible destination, offering a delightful escape from the faster pace of larger cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Greensboro. The journey itself often unfolds through scenic routes, preparing visitors for the tranquility that awaits.

Franklin is a vibrant mountain town, famous for its gem mining, local crafts, and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. The campground's location on "No Name Road" suggests a peaceful, tucked-away setting, ensuring a quiet and undisturbed camping experience away from the main thoroughfares. Despite its serene ambiance, it remains conveniently located, just about 8 minutes from downtown Franklin. This proximity provides easy access to essential amenities like Walmart and Ingles grocery store, as well as local restaurants, gas stations, and breweries for any forgotten items or a night out.

The accessibility of Cartoogechaye Creek Campground also extends to the wealth of outdoor opportunities in the surrounding area. The campground is within easy reach of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail, offering endless possibilities for hiking and exploring nature. Visitors can embark on various scenic drives, discover numerous stunning waterfalls (including a recommended "waterfall loop from Franklin"), and engage in activities like gem mining, rock hounding, and fishing in the nearby Cartoogechaye Creek itself, which borders the property. This blend of convenient location, access to a charming local town, and proximity to extensive outdoor adventures makes Cartoogechaye Creek Campground an ideal base for any North Carolinian looking to fully experience the beauty and excitement of their state's western region.

• RV Sites: The campground offers 40 total RV sites on 23 acres, capable of accommodating motorhomes up to 40ft. Sites include full hookups (30/50 amp service, water, sewer), pull-throughs, and back-ins. Monthly and seasonal rates are available, indicating suitability for long-term stays.

• Tent Camping: Dedicated tent camping sites are available, often consisting of a picnic table and a fire ring on a grassy area, offering a more traditional camping experience.

• Rental Units: Various rental accommodations are offered, including cabins, a 23-foot travel trailer (2001 Fleetwood) with a deck, and park models. These units are furnished, with park models offering a private bathroom, kitchen, and living space. Linens are provided for rentals.

• Bathrooms and Showers: Well-maintained and clean restrooms and showers are available for guests. Reviews praise the cleanliness and even mention good water pressure in showers.

• Laundry Facility: An on-site laundry room with two washers (one HE) and two dryers operates on an honor system, providing convenient and non-monetary operated services.

• Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campground, with good connectivity often reported, including Verizon coverage when connected to the campsite Wi-Fi. This is beneficial for staying connected or planning local excursions.

• Dump Station: A dump station is provided for RV guests.

• Picnic Area: Designated picnic areas are available for outdoor dining and relaxation.

• Fishing: Guests can enjoy fishing in the "creek that travels the backside of the property," which is described as clear, cold, and rocky.

• Pets Welcome: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing furry companions to join (specific restrictions/fees may apply, always best to confirm). There are pastures on site where families' horses roam.

• On-Site Management: The owners, Dan and Vivian, live on-site with their kids and grandkids, ensuring constant availability for assistance and creating a true family atmosphere.

• Exceptional Family Hospitality: A paramount highlight is the warm, welcoming, and helpful nature of the owners, Dan and Vivian, and their extended family. They actively engage with guests, offering advice and making everyone feel "at home," creating a truly special and personal camping experience that fosters a strong sense of community.

• Beautiful and Quiet Setting: The campground is praised for its "very quiet and beautiful setting," nestled on 23 acres of meadow surrounded by mountains. This tranquil ambiance is perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's peace.

• On-Site Animals: A unique and charming feature is the presence of the family's horses, ducks, chickens, goats, and an occasional deer or two roaming the pastures. This adds a "homey feeling" and is a delight for guests, especially families with children, who can observe or even pet the friendly horses.

• Pristine Maintenance: The campground is consistently described as "well maintained" and "neat and tidy," reflecting the owners' dedication to keeping the property in excellent condition.

• Cartoogechaye Creek Access: The creek that runs along the backside of the property is a significant draw. It's described as cold, rocky, and clear, ideal for wading or fishing. The "evening lightning bug show" by the creek is also noted as "unreal."

• Variety of Accommodation Styles: From full hook-up RV sites and traditional tent sites to cabins, a travel trailer, and park model rentals, the campground offers diverse options to suit different preferences and comfort levels.

• Long-Term Stay Friendly: With seasonal and monthly rates available, and some guests purchasing park models to stay for extended periods (5-6 months a year), the campground is clearly designed to accommodate long-term campers, fostering a stable and friendly community.

• Excellent Base for Local Exploration: The campground's location, just 8 minutes from Franklin, provides easy access to local amenities and serves as a central hub for day trips to popular destinations like Highlands, Helen, GA, Cherokee, Cashiers, and numerous waterfalls and hiking trails in Western NC.

• Nature Observation: Beyond the farm animals, the natural environment is rich with wildlife, including various bird species like song sparrows, chipping sparrows, chickadees, and ravens, making it a haven for nature lovers.

To plan your welcoming and beautiful escape at Cartoogechaye Creek Campground in Franklin, North Carolina, please use the following contact details:

Address: 91 No Name Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Phone: (828) 342-1102

Mobile Phone: +1 828-342-1102

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations, specific site availability (especially for long-term stays or rental units), rates, and any specific policies (such as pet restrictions), it is highly recommended to contact Cartoogechaye Creek Campground directly by phone or visit their official website (easily found by searching "Cartoogechaye Creek Campground Franklin NC"). Given the family-oriented and community-driven nature of the campground, direct communication will provide the most personalized assistance and ensure a smooth booking process for your stay.

For North Carolina locals, Cartoogechaye Creek Campground in Franklin stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a variety of compelling reasons. Foremost among these is its undeniable charm as a family-owned and operated establishment, where guests are consistently made to feel like part of the family. The active presence and genuine hospitality of owners Dan and Vivian, along with their children and grandchildren, create a uniquely warm and supportive atmosphere that resonates deeply with those seeking a friendly and safe environment for their outdoor adventures. This personal touch is a significant draw for locals who value community and personalized service.

Despite one isolated negative review, the overwhelming majority of feedback highlights the campground's commitment to creating a positive experience, dispelling any notion of discriminatory practices. Instead, it emerges as a place where families, including those from North Carolina, can truly relax and enjoy themselves. The flexible accommodation options, ranging from full hook-up RV sites (including those suitable for longer stays) to tent sites and various rentals like cabins and park models, cater to a diverse range of local campers, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every preference and budget. The availability of long-term rates and park models even allows some locals to make it a seasonal home.

Furthermore, the campground's "very quiet and beautiful setting," complete with on-site horses, ducks, and occasional deer, provides an idyllic escape from the everyday. This tranquil environment, coupled with the soothing sounds of Cartoogechaye Creek, fosters genuine relaxation and a deep connection with nature that many North Carolinians cherish. The convenience of well-maintained facilities, including clean bathhouses with hot showers and a practical honor-system laundry, adds to the comfort and ease of the stay.

Finally, the strategic location just 8 minutes from downtown Franklin, combined with easy access to the vast outdoor playground of Western North Carolina, makes it an ideal base for local exploration. From hiking and waterfall chasing to gem mining and simply enjoying the charming mountain town, Cartoogechaye Creek Campground offers North Carolina locals a convenient, comfortable, and truly hospitable launching pad for creating lasting memories in their own beautiful state. It's a place where you can unwind, explore, and truly feel "at home" in the heart of the mountains.

Cartoogechaye Creek Campground

91 No Name Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USA