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KIMSEY CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND

Open

Open for the season April 1 through November 30. Reservation only for groups of 10-25 people. No restrooms or potable water available at the group sites; groups should be self-sufficient.

Nantahala National Forest

Old Fort Picnic Area -- closed Aug. 28-30, 2026

The Old Fort Picnic Area will be closed starting today through the weekend for paving. The area will reopen for parking Monday, August 31. The parking lot, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene, is being repaved as part of a larger project to restore and improve the picnic area. Due to the…

Nantahala National Forest

Commissary Ridge Dispersed Camping Area Temporarily Closed

Due to an increase in bear activity in the dispersed camping area at Commissary Ridge on the Pisgah National Forest near Mt. Mitchell State Park the camping area will be temporarily closed. This measure is to help provide visitor safety and minimize bear encounters.

Nantahala National Forest

Croatan Ranger District Office Relocation

Beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, the current Croatan Ranger District Office building will permanently close as North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) begins its US 70 widening project. Until construction of the new Croatan Ranger District is complete, visitor services will operate…

About

Kimsey Creek Group Campground offers a secluded group camping experience at the headwaters of the scenic Nantahala River in western North Carolina. Located within Standing Indian Campground at 3,880 feet elevation, the area features three group sites nestled among lush evergreen forests and rhododendrons where Kimsey Creek crosses the campground before joining the Nantahala River. The campground provides excellent access to outdoor recreation including native trout fishing in Kimsey Creek and the Nantahala River, which is also popular for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Numerous hiking trails lead to surrounding mountain peaks from the campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this rich Southern Appalachian ecosystem. This is a primitive group area without restrooms or potable water on-site. Groups should come prepared to be self-sufficient. The main Standing Indian Campground nearby offers additional facilities including flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a camp store where firewood is available for purchase.

Directions

From Franklin, NC, take US 64 West for 9 miles, turn left on Old US 64 and follow signs to Standing Indian Campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Email sm.fs.nantahalard@usda.gov
Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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