Standing Indian Campground

Star4.61
530 reviews
OFF FOREST DEVELOPMENT RD 67, FRANKLIN, NC, 28734, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

3,880 ft

Price

$26 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Forests in North Carolina site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Standing Indian Campground
$26.00 - $52.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates include $26.00 for Standard Nonelectric sites and $52.00 during peak season. Group sites cost $100.00 per night. A non-electric double...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
828-524-6441
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 530 reviews

179 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowershikingstaff

Some mention

signal

"User reviews highlight a well-maintained campground with clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and ample recreational activities. Loop 5 is frequently praised for its privacy and natural beauty, while other loops offer varying levels of shade and openness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

OFF FOREST DEVELOPMENT RD 67, FRANKLIN, NC, 28734, USA

Standing Indian Campground

OFF FOREST DEVELOPMENT RD 67, FRANKLIN, NC, 28734, USA

Driving directionsFrom Franklin, North Carolina, take U.S. Highway 64 west approximately 12 miles, passing through Winding Stair Gap. Near the bottom of the mountain from the gap, turn left on West Old Murphy Road (State Route 1448) and watch for a directional sign for the campground. Go 1.9 miles and turn right on Forest Road 67 at the Standing Indian Campground sign. This is a paved road. Go 1.7 miles and turn right into the campground.
The campground can be accessed via paved roads. The drive involves passing through Winding Stair Gap and navigating well-maintained routes such as West Old Murphy Road and Forest Road 67. Seasonal closures or specific adverse terrain conditions are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Franklin (12 miles, ~20 minutes), Hayesville (~25 miles, variable time due to driving conditions)
Nearby supplies
The campground store provides limited camping supplies. Further options for groceries and fuel are available in Franklin (~12 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Standing Indian Campground

Here in the high country, summer feels like a secret the mountains keep to themselves. Even as July blazes elsewhere, mornings at Standing Indian greet you with crisp 50-degree air that calls for coffee by the campfire, while afternoon temperatures rarely climb beyond a perfect 70 degrees. Mountain mists roll through the valleys like ancient spirits, and afternoon rains arrive with clockwork precision, washing the forest clean and filling the air with the scent of earth and evergreen. When winter arrives, occasional snowfall transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though the campground's true magic lies in its year-round ability to offer refuge from the heat of the lowlands.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool summer mornings (~50°F), hiking, swimming and wildflowers make summer very pleasant.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Popular for leaf-viewing; mountain foliage and clear air are highlights in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower displays and cool temps are highlighted in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside April 1–Oct 31; winter season not served.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 01, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from April 01 to October 31 annually. Peak season spans April 01 to October 31.

About Standing Indian Campground

Nestled deep within the Nantahala National Forest, Standing Indian Campground beckons adventurers with its four distinct camping loops that wind through ancient mountain terrain. Whether you arrive with an RV or pitch a tent beneath towering evergreens, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where modern comforts meet wilderness wonder. Each site comes thoughtfully appointed with campfire rings for evening storytelling, grills for mountaintop meals, and lantern posts that cast a warm glow as dusk settles over the peaks. Fresh mountain water flows from spigots throughout the grounds, while clean flush toilets and hot showers ensure comfort after days spent exploring miles of hiking trails, playing in the crystal-clear Nantahala River, or pursuing game through misty hollows.
Standing Indian Campground offers a range of camping options including primitive sites, group camping areas, and standard non-electric sites. Tent camping is available, and some sites are suitable for RVs but lack hookups.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Unknown.
Check-out
Unknown.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of recreational activities are available, including hiking on famous trails like the Appalachian Trail, fishing on the Nantahala River, hunting in surrounding areas, and seasonal wildflower viewing. Swimming, tubing, and biking are also popular.
HikingThe Standing Indian Basin is a premier hiking destination, offering numerous trails including access to the Appalachian Trail. Trails are described as well-maintained, and popular hikes include Pickens Nose, Laurel Falls, Mooney Falls, and Albert's Mountain.
FishingFishing is permitted with a license, with trout fishing being particularly popular in the Nantahala River. However, some user reviews noted poor fishing quality due to overfishing.
SwimmingSwimming is available in cold, clear river waters, which are also suitable for tubing. User reviews describe the experience as refreshing, mentioning areas such as crystal-clear swimming holes and creek access.
BikingThe campground offers biking opportunities on trails and roads nearby. User reviews highlight biking as a peaceful activity within the area.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a common activity, with user reviews mentioning hummingbirds, bears, and other critters frequently spotted within the campground.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include bears and occasional sightings of rattlesnakes. "During our 12-day stay the end of August, there were daily encounters with bears by campers" (User Review).

Weather at Standing Indian Campground

Reviews

4.6
530 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Standing Indian Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a well-maintained campground with clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and ample recreational activities. Loop 5 is frequently praised for its privacy and natural beauty, while other loops offer varying levels of shade and openness.
Review Summaries
Based on 530 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, friendly staff, scenic hiking trails, secluded campsites in loop 5, and refreshing swimming areas are commonly praised.
Based on 530 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned noisy generators, green firewood, muddy campsites due to lack of gravel, difficulty reserving riverside campsites, and the absence of electricity or cell service.
Based on 530 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash or checks for payment as credit cards are not accepted. Consider staying in loop 5 for privacy, and prepare for rainy conditions by bringing waterproof gear. One user noted, 'Drive a mile...
Show more
Based on 530 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are highlighted for blooming wildflowers and cool temperatures. Fall is popular for leaf-viewing. Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 530 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quiet, peaceful, and well maintained.' 2. 'Bathrooms are clean and well cared for.' 3. 'Loop 5 offers secluded camping surrounded by trees.' 4. 'You can hear the rushing creek water from your...
Show more
Based on 530 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #49 is noted as being right on the river, offering scenic views. Loop 5 provides 'secluded camping' with natural barriers for privacy, while sites in loop 1 are described as 'feeling like you...
Show more
Based on 530 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user mentioned using a mostly paved site near restroom facilities suitable for disabled campers but noted frustration when facilities were unexpectedly closed.
Based on 530 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, with several reviews mentioning opportunities for dogs to exercise and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Based on 530 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Standing Indian Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in North Carolina

Campgrounds
National Forests in North Carolina
Standing Indian Campground