Standing Indian Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically reopens in April when seasonal forest roads are accessible. Sites are available by reservation or first-come, first-served during the operating season.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Standing Indian Campground is a premier destination in the Nantahala National Forest, located at 3,880 feet elevation in a basin surrounded by peaks exceeding 5,000 feet. The campground sits at the headwaters of the scenic Nantahala River, surrounded by lush evergreen forests and rhododendrons, with several natural trout streams running through the property. The campground features 85 sites distributed across five loops, offering a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options. All sites include fire rings, grills, lantern posts, and picnic tables. The facility provides flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, and a dump station. A group camping area called Kimsey Creek is also available. The campground does not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups and only accepts cash or check payment. Standing Indian Basin is renowned as a premier hiking destination, providing direct access to the Appalachian Trail and numerous other trails in the area. The Nantahala River offers excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and trout fishing. The campground is located within a 20-minute drive of Franklin, North Carolina, making it an ideal base camp for exploring this scenic and historic section of the national forest.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
- KIMSEY CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND 0.4mi
- Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Camp 2.0mi
- Sandy Bottoms Rec. Area 8.2mi
- Tate Branch Campground 8.6mi
- Winesprings Horse Camp 8.2mi
- Tallulah River Campground 10mi
- Low Gap Campground 10mi
- NANTAHALA LAKE DISPERSED CAMPING SITE - LAKE ACCESS 10.0mi
- Appletree Group Campground 12mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $52 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (828) 524-6441 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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