Standing Indian Campground in Franklin, NC is a Forest Service campground in the Nantahala National Forest, part of our guide to campgrounds in Franklin, NC. This guide covers how the campground is laid out, when it operates, how to get there and what the Forest Service lists nearby, so you can plan the trip before you book. If you searched for Standing Indian Campground Franklin NC or the Standing Indian Campground NC page on the Forest Service site, the official sources are linked throughout and listed at the end.
For the campground’s contact details and map, see the Standing Indian Campground listing, phone and map. The sections below focus on planning.
Overview of Standing Indian Campground in Franklin, NC
The Standing Indian Campground near Franklin, NC is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Nantahala National Forest, under the Nantahala Ranger District. The Forest Service describes it as having five loops. Recreation.gov places the campground at 3,880 feet in elevation and describes the surrounding area as ringed by 5,000-foot peaks, with several natural trout streams nearby.
It sits in the Standing Indian Basin, on Forest Service Road 67, according to the Forest Service trail pages for the area. Recreation.gov states it is within 20 minutes of Franklin.
Sites and facilities
The Forest Service says sites are available either first come, first served or by reservation. Each site has a fire ring with grill, a lantern post and a picnic table. The Forest Service description says sites are close to drinking water, flush toilets and showers, but the facility list on the same page says restrooms and potable water are not available at this site. The two statements disagree, so confirm with the ranger district before relying on either. The page also says a campground store sells firewood. Recreation.gov lists a dump station nearby.
The Forest Service also identifies double sites, listed by number as 10/11, 17/18, 36/37, 44/45, 55/56 and 62/63. A group camping area called Kimsey Creek is located in the campground, according to the Forest Service; its capacity and booking terms are not given on that page, so check the reservation listing for details.
Recreation.gov lists no electric, water or sewer hookups at the campground, so it suits tent camping and self-contained rigs rather than full-hookup RV stays. If you need hookups, see the nearby options below.
- Five loops (Forest Service)
- First come, first served or reservable sites
- Fire ring with grill, lantern post and picnic table at each site
- Drinking water, flush toilets and showers (Forest Service description; its facility list says restrooms and potable water are not available, so confirm before you go)
- Double sites: 10/11, 17/18, 36/37, 44/45, 55/56, 62/63 (Forest Service)
- Campground store with firewood (Forest Service)
- No electric, water or sewer hookups (Recreation.gov)
- Kimsey Creek group camping area in the campground (Forest Service)
Recreation.gov’s description mentions four loops, while the Forest Service lists five. Confirm the current layout with the ranger district before you go.
Season and reservations
The Forest Service lists the operating season as April 1 to October 30. Camping is limited to 14 days. The Forest Service lists check-in at 2 p.m., check-out at 1 p.m. and quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Reservable sites are booked through Recreation.gov. Rates are set by the Forest Service and can change, so check the current rates on the official pages when you book.
Questions about the campground go to the Nantahala Ranger District; its contact details are on the Forest Service page linked below and in the directory listing.
Getting there: Standing Indian Campground, Franklin, NC
Both the Forest Service and Recreation.gov give the same route from Franklin. Take U.S. Highway 64 west for about 12 miles, passing through Winding Stair Gap. Turn left onto West Old Murphy Road (State Route 1448) and continue 1.9 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 67 and follow it for 1.7 miles to the campground entrance.
Because the last stretch is a Forest Service road, check the Forest Service page for any access notices before you leave.
Things to do nearby
The Forest Service lists hiking, backpacking, day hikes, Appalachian Trail access, trout fishing in several natural streams, wildlife and scenery viewing, and picnicking at Standing Indian. Recreation.gov also lists whitewater rafting and kayaking, hunting and hiking in its activity list.
- Appalachian Trail access. The Forest Service describes the Standing Indian Basin as having several trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail. See the Forest Service campground page.
- Lower Trail Ridge. The Forest Service lists it as 4.2 miles one way, rated most difficult, connecting to the Appalachian Trail at mile marker 87.4 and, 600 feet further, to the summit of Standing Indian Mountain. See the Lower Trail Ridge page.
- Albert Mountain Fire Tower. The Forest Service describes a 55-foot steel tower in the Standing Indian Basin at mile 99.7 of the Appalachian Trail, reached by a 0.5-mile one-way walk rated moderate. Vehicle access on the road to the trailhead is closed seasonally from December 31 to April 1, and there is no potable water or restrooms there. See the Albert Mountain Fire Tower page.
Fishing requires a license, per Recreation.gov. Trail conditions, mileages and closures change, so check each official page before heading out.
Rules to know
- Parking in grass is prohibited.
- Pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
- Golf carts are not allowed.
- Horses are not permitted in the campground or on hiking trails.
- Camping is limited to a 14-day stay.
- Recreation.gov asks visitors not to move firewood, to prevent the spread of pests.
These come from the Forest Service and Recreation.gov pages. For current fire restrictions, wildlife notices or closures, check the Forest Service directly rather than relying on this page.
Nearby campgrounds
If Standing Indian does not fit your trip, these directory listings are in the same part of western North Carolina.
- The Great Outdoors RV Resort, also in Franklin; our listing describes it as a full-service park with full hookups.
- Van Hook Glade, a tent camping listing in Highlands.
- Sun Retreats Nantahala, a riverside resort near Bryson City with RV sites, cabins and cottages, per our listing.
See all options in campgrounds in Franklin, NC.
FAQ
When is Standing Indian Campground open?
The Forest Service lists April 1 to October 30.
Are there hookups?
No. Recreation.gov lists no electric, water or sewer hookups, and also lists a dump station nearby.
Are there showers?
The Forest Service description says sites are close to drinking water, flush toilets and showers, but its facility list says restrooms and potable water are not available at this site. Confirm with the ranger district before you go.
How long can I stay?
Camping is limited to 14 days, per the Forest Service.
Can I bring a horse or a pet to Standing Indian Campground in Franklin, NC?
Pets are allowed on a leash. Horses are not permitted in the campground or on hiking trails, per the Forest Service.
Is there a group site?
The Forest Service lists a group camping area named Kimsey Creek in the campground. It does not give capacity on that page, so confirm group size and booking with the ranger district or Recreation.gov.
Details such as dates, availability and access can change. Confirm before you go with the Forest Service or Recreation.gov, and find phone and map details in the Standing Indian Campground listing.
