Standing Indian Campground

Area Status: Open
Standing Indian Campground, Dutchman Birches

Standing Indian Campground is a camper's delight, whether you're camping in an RV or in a tent. The campground is surrounded by 5,000-foot peaks and crossed by several natural trout streams. It is the focal point of numerous hiking trails and has easy access to the Appalachain Trail. The campground can be a pleasant stopover on your trip or a place to spend several days to explore this scenic and historic section of the Nantahala National Forest. All this within a scenic, 20-minute drive to Frankliln, N.C. The campground has 5 loops with sites available first come, first serve or by reservation. Fire ring grills, lantern posts, and picnic tables are provided at each site, with close proximity to drinking water, flush toilets and showers. A group camping area, Kimsey Creek, is located in Standing Indian Campground.

Check out the brochure.

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Check in time: 2pm Check out time: 1pm Quiet hours: 10pm-6am 
Reservations: There are 33 campsites available for reservation by contacting Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov. The sites available for reservation are: 12-18, 29-42, and 55-71.  First Come-First Serve Sites: 1-11, 19-28, 43, 46-54, and 72-84        Nanatahala Ranger District is not able to make or change reservations. Reservations can only be made by contacting Recreation.gov. 
Area Amenities: Accessible: Campground Store with limited supplies. No ATM
Fees: Single Site: $20 per night, Double Site: $40 per night Double sites are: 10/11, 17/18, 36/37, 44/45, 55/56, and 62/63
Open Season: April 1 - October 30
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: Camping is limited to a 14 day stay. Parking in grass is prohibited. Pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after.  No golf carts allowed.  Horses are not permitted in the campground or on hiking trails. Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground and access to horse trails is available 2 miles away on FS 67. Firewood may be purchases at the campground store and delivered to your site.  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.
Closest Towns: Franklin, NC
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Accessible flush toilets and showers
Passes: Discounts are available to America the Beautiful Access and Senior Pass holders.  You can purchase passes online at USGS Store.
Operated By: MJK Enterprises Concessionaire

General Information

Directions:

Standing Indian Campground physical address: 2037 Standing Indian Campground Rd  Franklin, NC 28734

From 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

Latitude 35° 4' 43.0000" N   Longitude -83° 31' 54.9998" W


General Notes:

Nantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6441


Parking:

Additional Parking is available for $2 fee per day. 


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Hemlocks and rhododendrons create privacy between the 84 sites that line five loops. In the summer, the cool mountain air pervades, creating a perfect environment for tent and RV camping.

RV Camping

RV Camping.  RV length is 50 ft maximum. No electric hookups. Dump station located within a mile.  Hosts on site.  Accessible.

No. of Sites 78
Pavement Type for Parking Paved
Reservation Info Reserve at www.recreation.gov.
Hookup - Water none
Hookup - Sewer none
Size Restrictions Varies from 25 to 50 feet
Dump Stations Dump station within a mile
Fire Information Fire rings at each site
Hookups - Electric none
Vehicle Clearance 13 ft
Difficulty Level: Easy

Group Camping

A group camping area, Kimsey Creek, is located in Standing Indian Campground

3 Sites available, 25 people per site. $75 per night.  Make reservations on www.recreation.gov

River and Stream Fishing

Kimsey Creek crosses the campground and runs into the Nantahala River, a popular place for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The creek offers trout fishing and chances for wading.

Standing Indian Basin is a popular fishing area, which requires an in-state or out-of-state North Carolina fishing license that can be purchased online at: North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission.

Permit required?: Y

Day Hiking

Located at a 3,880 elevation and on the headwaters of the Nantahala River, Standing Indian serves as a hub where hiking rails connect to the nearby Appalachian Trail.  The Appalachian Trial awesome views from Albert Mountain and along the Long Branch Trail Loop. Kimsey Creek Trail is another great hike.

Backpacking

Big Game Hunting

Small Game Hunting

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Scenery

The Appalachian Trail offers awesome views from Albert Mountain and along the Long Branch Trail Loop.

Picnicking

Nearby is the Standing Indian Picnic Area, which offers picnic shelters that may be reserved by calling the campground office: 828-369-0442

Reservation info: To reserve a picnic shelter, call the campground office at 828-369-0442.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
35.077336

  Longitude : 
-83.529654

  Elevation : 
3880 ft