Great Outdoors RV Resort

Franklin, North Carolina


54 RV Sites

5.01 reviews
Great Outdoors RV Resort in Franklin, North Carolina, delivers a full-service mountain camping experience in Macon County's gem-rich valley where the Little Tennessee River flows through the southern Blue Ridge in the heart of North Carolina's most celebrated semi-precious stone mining region. Franklin's international reputation for ruby, sapphire, and garnet mining—the area's corundum deposits have produced fine gem-quality stones for over a century—combines with the surrounding Nantahala National Forest's outstanding hiking, fishing, and white-water recreation to create a destination of exceptional appeal for both outdoor recreation enthusiasts and the gem hunting visitors who make annual pilgrimages to the ruby mines of the Franklin area. The resort's comprehensive facility serves extended-stay mountain visitors: full hookup RV sites with big-rig-friendly configurations, cabin rentals, an outdoor pool, fitness center, recreation center, dining, general store, pet washing station, dog park, laundry, firewood, propane fills, dump station, and Wi-Fi provide the complete infrastructure for comfortable multi-week stays in the southern Blue Ridge. The cabins accommodate guests who prefer enclosed mountain lodging, and the dining facility reduces the cooking responsibility that extended stays can make burdensome for guests who want to spend maximum daylight hours on trails, rivers, and mining sluices. The pet-friendly atmosphere and dedicated pet washing station acknowledge the hiking dogs that Nantahala Forest visitors reliably bring. Franklin's gem mining operations include both surface mine sites where guests flume-pan concentrates for rubies and garnets and the more serious collecting opportunities at locations like the Sheffield Mine and Mason Branch where semi-precious stones of genuine quality occasionally reward patient sifters. The Little Tennessee River corridor through Macon County provides excellent trout fishing in state and national forest-managed streams, and the Cullasaja River Gorge—a dramatic slot canyon accessible via US-64 west of Franklin—features Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Lower Cullasaja Falls in a waterfall concentration that makes the gorge road one of the most photogenic scenic drives in the southern Appalachians. The Nantahala National Forest encompasses most of the landscape surrounding Franklin, providing trail access to the Appalachian Trail, the Bartram Trail, and the Wayah Bald fire tower that offers one of the finest panoramic views in the southern Appalachians from its 5,342-foot summit above a wave of Blue Ridge ridgelines extending in every direction. The Nantahala Outdoor Center at the Nantahala River Gorge, approximately 35 miles west, is one of the most celebrated whitewater instruction and outfitter facilities in the eastern United States and provides commercial rafting on the Nantahala River's consistent Class II-III rapids in a deep gorge that stays shaded and cool throughout the summer months. Great Outdoors RV Resort operates year-round in Franklin's mountain climate, with the gem mining season from spring through fall driving the most tourism-specific demand and the summer months delivering the cool Blue Ridge temperatures that make Franklin a favored escape for South Carolina and Georgia lowland visitors seeking relief from coastal plain heat. Fall foliage across the Macon County ridges peaks in mid-October and drives the most competitive accommodation demand of the year, and the resort's year-round operations and big-rig capability make it a functional choice for the full spectrum of southern Blue Ridge visitors in every season.

What does this place offer

  • Bathrooms
  • Big Rig Friendly
  • Cabins
  • Dining
  • Dog Park
  • Dump Station
  • Firewood
  • Fitness Center
  • Full Hookup
  • General Store

Select your site to book online


5.0
Overall rating

1 reviews
D
DavidBedford, Virginia
April 2025
I have been full time for 4 years and have stayed at many, many parks. I loved this park as much as any. Beautiful pool, new large community fire pit, clean well organized bath/showers, well designed dog wash, trash/LP/wood pickup/delivery services. Helpful, friendly staff.

Location

321 Thumpers Trail, Franklin, NC 28734, USA


Things to know

Check-in:

Check-out:

Rules

General Policies: - We appreciate you observing our resort rules so everyone will have a safe, pleasant, and memorable camping experience. - Rates & policies are subject to change without notice. - Please know, we expect that you read, understand, and adhere to all our policies as well as any applicable local, state or federal laws. Quiet Hours: - Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM daily. Please be respectful of your neighbors at all times. - Generators are not allowed at any time. Check-In Time for RV's: - Our check-in time for RV sites is between 1:00 pm. and 4:00 pm daily. - For your safety and that of our staff we do not allow check-ins after 5:00 p.m. (See our No-Show Policy below). - If you are unable to arrive during our normal business hours, please contact the office prior to the close of business for further instructions. - Check-ins between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm are subject to a $25.00 fee. - While each park attempts to accommodate your exact spot request, the on-site manager has the ultimate decision for spot placement. Check-Out Time for RV sites and Lodging: - Depart the site or lodging by 11:00 am - Check with our reservation desk before 10 am on your day of departure or earlier if you would like to extend. We do not guarantee the same site. Reservations: - Your reservation fee includes RezGuard. RezGuard is our new “reservation protection” product. - If your reservation includes multiple sites, RezGuard must be purchased for each additional site, your initial site is included in the reservation fee. - Simply add one (1) RezGuard product per additional site if applicable. - All reservations are non-refundable and gift certificates will be issued for cancellations. Gift certificates are valid for one (1) year from the date of issue. - All changes and cancellations must be in writing to [email protected] with Cancel or Change in the subject. Phone calls will not be accepted. - Reservations made with gift certificates are non-refundable. - You may change your dates of stay for a reservation made with a gift certificate one (1) time for a $25.00 fee. No other changes are allowed. - No-shows will result in the forfeiture of the entire reservation fee. - We do not accept cash. All purchases will be added to your account. Accounts will be settled and charged to the credit card on file on the day of departure. A receipt will be sent to the email address on file. - Our reservation system automatically assigns sites on the day of arrival. We do not guarantee specific site numbers. We only guarantee a site type. If you have reserved a premium site and you are moved, it will be to another premium site with similar amenities. - By booking a reservation at The Great Outdoors RV Resort, you acknowledge that there are no refunds for any reason and that in lieu of a security deposit, we may charge your card for damages incurred during your stay. You further acknowledge that you have read and understood our resort policies located here: Great Outdoors RV Resort General Policies. Length of Stay: - Most holiday weekends require a 3-night stay. regular weekends require a 2-night stay. - The maximum length of stay from April 1 - November 1 is 14 nights unless a monthly stay has been authorized by management. Deposits/Payments: - All reservations require payment in full and are non-refundable. Monthly sites require a minimum $400.00 deposit. Refund Policy: - No Refunds. - Gift certificates will not be issued for early departure, ejection from our campground, voluntary site moves, or any other reason after arrival. No-Show Policy: - Check-in daily is between the hours of 1 pm and 4 pm. - Our office closes promptly at 5 pm and we do not allow anyone to enter the campground un-escorted. - If you have not changed your arrival date with the office prior to the day of arrival, you will be considered a no-show and forfeit the entire reservation fee. Speed Limit: - The speed limit is 7.5 mph on all roads in the campground. - We strictly enforce the speed limit for the safety of our guests, staff, and animal life. Occupancy: - RV site camping fees include 2 persons, with a maximum of 6 people per RV site. Additional guests are $10.00 each per night for the duration of the stay. - Lodging accommodations have different occupancy maximums. Contact our office for further details. Visitors: - Campers are responsible for their visitors. - All visitors must register at the office and pay the $10.00 visitor fee and obtain a car pass. - All-day visitors must vacate the campground by 10:00 pm. - For insurance reasons, the safety and security of our guests and staff, and all visitors whether day or overnight must be registered with the office. Vehicles: - One vehicle and one RV is allowed on RV sites. One vehicle is allowed per lodging site. - No vehicle can protrude into the flow of traffic. - Extra vehicles are subject to a $10 fee per night for the duration of the stay. - All vehicles must have a valid state license plate and obtain a parking pass from the main office at check-in. - Be prepared to show proof of insurance at any time. - Golf carts, ATVs, off-road motorcycles, or other motorized recreational vehicles are prohibited unless you receive approval from management. RV's and Campers: - Only RVIA-certified RVs are allowed in our campground for insurance reasons. This includes but is not limited to motorhomes, truck campers, 5th wheels, and travel trailers. - For insurance reasons we cannot accommodate "tiny homes", DIY units, converted vans/buses, or park model RVs. - We do not allow motorcycle/horse trailers with living quarters. - Camping is limited to self-contained (holding tanks, toilet & shower) RVIA-certified RVs only. - Tents, pop-ups, tiny homes, park models, etc. are not permitted. Sewer Hook-Up: - Sewer hoses and connections must be in good repair and tightly fitted. Replacements and sewer donuts are available in our store. Wastewater/Leaks: - Discharging wastewater on the ground is illegal. - Leaks of waste or fresh water must be corrected immediately. - Violators are subject to a fine and possible ejection from the campground. Fire Pits/Rings & Picnic Tables: - Please do not move fire pits or picnic tables without permission from a staff member. - Do not burn or leave trash in pits/rings. - Please do not leave a fire unattended at any time. - Please do not put barbecues or camp stoves on picnic tables. Damages will be charged to the credit card on file. Firewood: - We do not allow outside firewood to be brought into our campground. - We support North Carolina and Macon County efforts to limit the spread of invasive species and diseases. - We offer kiln-dried hardwood for sale, delivered right to your site. Pets: - We love pets, but they must be walked on a leash of 6' or less in length (no retractable leads) and in your control at all times. - Pets are not allowed to disturb other campers. - Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to walk pets. - Aggressive animals of any breed will not be tolerated. - There is a limit of 2 pets per site and are not to be left unattended at any time. - We no longer allow pens, crates, fencing, or tie-outs/stakes of any type. - Pets are not allowed in the camp store, registration office, or any campground building, or cabin. - Please do not wash/dry pet bedding in any of our laundry facilities in consideration of our guests and staff with severe allergies. - A fine of $250.00 will be assessed for the violation and you will be ejected from the park. Bath, Shower, and Laundry Facilities: - We take pride in our facilities and ask that you be respectful and clean up after yourself. - Out of respect for other guests and our cleaning staff please do not leave laundry unattended. - Unattended laundry may be removed at any time. - Management and staff are not responsible for unattended laundry. - Please do not wash/dry flammable items or pet items. A fine of $250.00 will be assessed for the violation and you will be ejected from the park. Pool: - Pool is open from 10 am to 8 pm beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day. - All persons under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult. - Be advised there are NO pool lifeguards on duty and all persons “swim at their own risk”. - No children in diapers are permitted to use the pool due to sanitary concerns. - No alcohol, glass containers, or food are allowed on the pool deck or in the pool at any time. - No diving, horseplay, or running/jumping in or around the pool area is permitted. - Smoking is prohibited in the pool area. - Pets are not allowed in the pool, deck, or within the confines of the pool fence. - IF THUNDER IS HEARD, ALL GUESTS MUST VACATE THE POOL AND DECK. THE POOL AREA WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL THE THREAT OF LIGHTNING HAS PASSED. Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol & Drugs: - Smoking of any kind is not allowed in any campground building or indoor facility. Please extinguish smoking materials completely before discarding them. - Alcohol is allowed in discrete containers on your site only and consumed responsibly. - Illicit drugs are not tolerated anywhere on our property. We reserve the right to eject any guest or visitor causing a disturbance for any reason, without recourse or refund. Drones: - Drone use is not permitted anywhere on the property including the airspace above the park. Fireworks, Firearms, and Explosives: - These items are not permitted under any circumstances. Emergency: - Dial 911 - Our address for emergency purposes is 115 Thumpers Trail, Franklin, NC 27834. Provide your site number to the dispatcher.

Cancellation Policy

Check-in is between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm EST. We are unable to accommodate any check-ins after 5PM. Due to insurance all guests must be escorted to their site. All reservations are non-refundable. Gift certificates will be issued for cancellations. You may cancel or change your reservation by 1:00 pm EST on the day of arrival. A gift certificate equal to the amount of your deposit, less applicable taxes, and fees will be issued. (See exclusions below) Gift certificates are valid for one (1) year from date of issue and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations for reservations made with a gift certificate will result in the forfeiture of all funds. - No shows will result in forfeiture of the entire reservation fee. - Reservations made within 24 hours of check-in do not qualify for a gift certificate if cancelled. - Reservations made with gift certificates are non-refundable and non-transferable. - Cancellations for reservations made with a gift certificate will result in the forfeiture of all funds.