The sound of the Nantahala River running alongside the campsites is one of the first things visitors notice at Standing Indian Campground, a Forest Service facility set at roughly 4,000 feet in Nantahala National Forest. The campground spreads across five loops, each with a distinct character. Loops 1 through 3 mix open and wooded sites that accommodate larger rigs, Loop 4 runs more heavily wooded with tighter spacing suited to tents and smaller vehicles, and Loop 5 sits on the quieter end of the spectrum on weeknights. No electrical or water hookups are available at individual sites, but each loop has community water faucets and a bathhouse with flush toilets and push-button showers.
Cleanliness comes up repeatedly across reviews. "The bathrooms and showers were spotless," notes Louis B., who camped with a site roughly 30 feet from the river. That proximity to water is a consistent draw. Kids tube the river on hot summer days, and the creek running alongside the group sites at Kimsey Creek Group Campground adds another option for groups wanting a more secluded setup with their own facilities nearby.
The Appalachian Trail crosses directly through the campground, and additional trails branch out from there. The blue trail to the summit of Standing Indian Mountain is accessible from the area, though at least one reviewer found it overgrown in summer. A small camp store on-site sells firewood by the golf cart load, which reviewers note is more than most one-night campers need.
Weekday visits tend to run quieter. Weekends in peak season fill all loops, and Davida M. observed that "you could hear generators running in the distance and lots of dogs barking" on Friday and Saturday nights. Cell service is essentially nonexistent here, and the nearest stores and restaurants require a drive. The access road includes a steep grade and at least one tight hairpin turn, which gives pause to anyone towing a large fifth wheel or long trailer despite the listed 50-foot RV maximum. Navigation from the south using standard map apps has also sent some campers down the wrong road. Enter from the north and follow printed directions. Reservations are available and recommended for summer weekends; the campground runs April 1 through October 30.
Description
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.
Fee Info
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsStanding Indian Campground is located in North Carolina near Otto
Directions
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.
Address
OFF FOREST DEVELOPMENT RD 67
Franklin, NC 28734
Coordinates
35.0786111 N
83.5319444 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 29 min from Gainesville, GA
- 2 hrs 29 min from Knoxville, TN




















