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Water spigot and trash receptacles located conveniently throughout campground

Standing Indian Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates April 1 through October 30. Sites are available first-come, first-served or by reservation through Recreation.gov. Payment is cash or check only.

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

Standing Indian Campground is a well-developed Forest Service campground in the Standing Indian Basin of the Nantahala National Forest. Located at 3,880 feet elevation at the headwaters of the scenic Nantahala River, the campground is surrounded by 5,000-foot peaks and crossed by several natural streams. The setting features lush forests of evergreen trees and rhododendrons. The campground offers 85+ individual sites across five loops, plus three group camping areas. Sites are equipped with fire ring grills, lantern posts, and picnic tables, with flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water nearby. A dump station is available. Sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov or are available first-come, first-served. Note that payment is cash or check only; credit cards are not accepted. The Standing Indian Basin is a premier hiking destination with direct access to the Appalachian Trail and numerous other trails. The nearby Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, and trout fishing. A 14-day camping limit applies, and pets are allowed on leash.

Directions

From Franklin, NC, take US Highway 64 west approximately 12 miles through Winding Stair Gap. Near the bottom of the mountain, turn left on West Old Murphy Road (SR 1448) and go 1.9 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 67 at the Standing Indian Campground sign and go 1.7 miles to the campground entrance.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $52 - $100

Vehicle

Max RV Length 50ft
Max Trailer Length 50ft
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Water spigot and trash receptacles located conveniently throughout campground
Trail junction, Park Creek Trail and Kimsey Creek Trail
STANDING INDIAN CAMPGROUND River
Restrooms
Amphitheater
STANDING INDIAN CAMPGROUND photo
Lower Ridge Trail entrance
Park Creek/Kimsey Creek trail entrance
Camp store at entrance to campground
Double campsite, two picnic tables
Hiking trail around campground
Lower River Trail
Pavilion in parking area
Nantahala River, view from bridge entering campground
Single campsite
Park Creek Trail photo

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