How much does camping cost at Standing Indian Campground?

Camping fees at Standing Indian Campground range from $26-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Standing Indian Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Standing Indian Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Standing Indian Campground before I book?

Yes! Standing Indian Campground has 18 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Standing Indian Campground?

Standing Indian Campground is open April 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Standing Indian Campground?

Yes, Standing Indian Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Standing Indian Campground have?

Standing Indian Campground has 70 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Standing Indian Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Standing Indian Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Standing Indian Campground?

Standing Indian Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Standing Indian Campground?

Popular activities at Standing Indian Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Standing Indian Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Standing Indian Campground?

Fire policies at Standing Indian Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.59

530 reviews

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

Top 20% in NCFall

Great Hiking

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds North Carolina#1 Summer Camping North Carolina#1 Best Campgrounds North Carolina#1 +17 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,880 ft

Price

$26 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Forests in North Carolina Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,880 ft

Price

$26 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Forests in North Carolina Official Website

Get Directions

Standing Indian Campground

$26.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $100.00; double site: $52.00; standard: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Group Site Fee$100.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-524-6441

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Standing Indian Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

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

Standing Indian Campground

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

Nearby places

Franklin (12 miles, ~20 minutes), Hayesville (~25 miles, variable time due to driving conditions)

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.

Weather at Standing Indian Campground

Current alerts(5)

Cash or Check only. Credit cards are not acceptable.
Click here to learn more about the National Forests in North Carolina
For any questions about the campground please call the Store: 828-369-0442
No electric, water or sewer hookups available

Best Time to Camp at Standing Indian Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest payoff: brilliant hardwood and rhododendron color at this 3,880 ft vantage point, with crisp daytime temperatures typically in the mid-40s to low-60s°F and chilly nights. Hiking, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak as the understory and ridge lines turn, and trout fishing remains excellent in the cool, oxygen-rich headwaters. Expect higher demand on weekends in October—reserve early—but otherwise crowds are moderate compared with lower-elevation leaf-pee Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in NC

Fall is the standout season with peak leaf color and many reviewers calling out October views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 31. 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

Standing Indian Campground sits at 3,880 feet in the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin, North Carolina, operated by the National Forest Service. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with full amenities including showers and a dump station. Hikers access trails into the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, and anglers fish cold headwater streams for trout.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest payoff: brilliant hardwood and rhododendron color at this 3,880 ft vantage point, with crisp daytime temperatures typically in the mid-40s to low-60s°F and chilly nights. Hiking, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak as the understory and ridge lines turn, and trout fishing remains excellent in the cool, oxygen-rich headwaters. Expect higher demand on weekends in October—reserve early—but otherwise crowds are moderate compared with lower-elevation leaf-pee Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3880 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested bowl where northern and southern Appalachian ecosystems overlap. Rhododendrons thrive in the understory beneath hardwoods and evergreens, and peaks rising to 5,000 feet frame the horizon. Mountain streams cut through the property, creating swimming holes popular with campers during warmer months. Loop 5 has dense tree cover and feels more secluded, while other loops are more open with variable shade. Wildlife sightings include black bears, wild turkeys, and songbirds. The terrain here shows its age. Water has carved the landscape over millions of years, leaving rock outcrops and drainage patterns that turn muddy after rain. The campground's elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in summer, and mist often rolls through in the mornings.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodge-style accommodations available within the campground, but primitive camping, group camping areas like Kimsey Creek, and standard non-electric campsites are offered.

Programs & ActivitiesInformation on cultural or educational programs is not available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site can accommodate varying numbers of guests based on configurations.

Groups

Group sites such as Kimsey Creek offer shared pit toilets and are suitable for multiple RVs or tents. Reviews frequently praise the spaciousness and separation provided by natural barriers like creeks.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov. On-site payment options are limited to cash/check.

AccessibilitySome sites are mostly paved and located near restroom facilities, which may be suitable for campers with disabilities. However, user reviews highlight that accessibility could be impacted if facilities are closed without prior notification.

Site SizeCampsites are generally large and well-spaced, providing ample privacy. Several reviews noted that tent pads are spacious enough for multiple tents.

PrivacyUser reviews indicate varying levels of privacy, with loop 5 being described as 'secluded' and 'surrounded by trees,' while other loops are more open or less shaded.

Total Campsites70 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors suggest avoiding sites like #30 due to lack of trees/shade. Loop 5 is recommended for tent camping with privacy and proximity to nature. Sites near the river are prone to flash floods.

Best CampsitesLoop 5 gets the most praise for privacy and tree cover. Site #49 sits close to the river, which matters if you fish or want water access. Loop 1 has more shade than the middle loops, though site spacing varies throughout the campground.

Need help booking Standing Indian Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No electric, water or sewer hookups available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available, but users have mentioned that they are often full and not emptied regularly. Recycling bins are reportedly limited to aluminum and cans, with unclear labeling causing contamination.

Cell CoverageUser reviews consistently note the absence of cell phone service within the campground. One user stated, 'You will get no cell service at your campsite,' while another found service a mile and a half away at the Rock Gap Trailhead parking area.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Standing Indian Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.6

530 reviews

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want maintained amenities at elevation with direct access to Southern Nantahala trails and mountain trout fishing.

Skip if

You need reliable cell signal or want to avoid generator noise in a busy campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.6

(33)

Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground

National Forests in North Carolina

Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground sits at 3,530 feet in the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin, offering equestrians and tent campers a quiet, no-frills base camp. The 33 reviews average 4.9 stars, praising clean vault toilets, fire rings with provided logs, and direct trail access. Sites cost $6 per night with self-check-in, but there's no potable water on-site.