Standing Indian Campground

Campground · North Carolina · 81 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Nantahala National Forest (NF) · Open Access

81
Bookable sites
50 ft
Max rig length
up to 25
People per site
3,382 ft
Elevation
River at campground
Photo: USDA Volunteer · Recreation.gov

Overview

Whether traveling with an RV or tent, Standing Indian Campground is a prime place to stop for a night or spend several days in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest. The campground's many amenities provide a comfortable home base for exploring this fun and historic section of the forest. Standing Indian is located within a 20-minute drive of Franklin, North Carolina.

Recreation

The Standing Indian Basin is a premier hiking destination. The campground provides access to numerous trails, including the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which journeys from Georgia to Maine.

Visitors who wish to get their feet wet can experience the Nantahala River, well-known for whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing (fishing license required).

Big and small game hunting is available in the surrounding area.

Facilities

The campground has four loops with sites available first-come, first-served or by reservation. Sites are equipped with campfire rings, grills, lantern posts and picnic tables, and are in close proximity to drinking water, flush toilets and showers. A dump station is nearby. The campground also has a group camping area, Kimsey Creek.

Natural Features

The campground is surrounded by 5,000' peaks and crossed by several natural streams. It sits at an elevation of 3,880 feet at the headwaters of the scenic Nantahala River, amidst lush forests of evergreen trees and rhododendrons.

Charges & Cancellations

There is not a premium type site available but there is some nonelectric double site that is $40.00 per night.

The facts

  • Season: April 1 – October 30 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 81 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 50 ft
  • Up to 25 people per site
  • Loops: LOP1, LOP2, LOP3, LOP4, LOP5, STANDING INDIAN CAMPGROUND

Site types

  • 78 Standard Nonelectric
  • 3 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

81 campsites at Standing Indian Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
001LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
002LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
003LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
004LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
005LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
006LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
007LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
008LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
009LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
010LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft0 🐾
012LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
013LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
014LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
015LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
016LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
017LOP1Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft10 🐾
019LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
020LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
021LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
022LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
023LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
024LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
025LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
026LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
027LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
028LOP2Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
029LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
030LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
031LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
032LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
033LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
034LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
035LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
036LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft10 🐾
038LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
039LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
040LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
041LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
042LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
043LOP3Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
044LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft10 🐾
046LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
047LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
048LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
049LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
050LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
051LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
052LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
053LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
054LOP4Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
055LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft10 🐾
057LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
058LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
059LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
060LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
061LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
062LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft10 🐾
064LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
065LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
066LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
067LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
068LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
069LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
070LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft5 🐾
072LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
073LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
074LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
075LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
076LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
077LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
078LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
079LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
080LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
081LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
082LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
083LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
084LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
085LOP5Standard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft5 🐾
GPASTANDING INDIAN CAMPGROUNDGroup Standard Nonelectric———25 🐾
GPBSTANDING INDIAN CAMPGROUNDGroup Standard Nonelectric———25 🐾
GPCSTANDING INDIAN CAMPGROUNDGroup Standard Nonelectric———25 🐾

Getting there

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.

35.07861, -83.53194 · 35°4'43.0"N 83°31'55.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 52°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F525562717883868580726254
Low °F262935425057616054433328
Precip in7.16.56.76.15.35.95.15.35.75.16.17.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Group sites is correct, single sites is correct, need to add a double site to replace the premium type site and the double site cost is $40.00

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Standing Indian Campground

Can you reserve a site at Standing Indian Campground?
Yes, Standing Indian Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Standing Indian Campground have?
81 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Standing Indian Campground?
50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Standing Indian Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Standing Indian Campground.

Also listed by

Standing Indian Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Standing Indian Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • 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

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

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Standing Indian Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.