Highlights

•  Standing Indian Campground is a top-rated frontcountry campground near Franklin NC 
•  Small General Store (Ice machine) 
•  Pay Phone (no cell service) 
•  New hot showers (2010), but campground offers no electric hook-ups
•  Group Picnic Shelters 
•  Handicap Accessible Sites
•  Water faucets throughout campground
•  85 total sites (some are double sites) on 5 loops 
•  Elevation of 3,880 Ft. 
•  Fantastic fly fishing opportunities for Wild Trout in the Nantahala River Headwaters (main river in campground). 
•  Suitable for all ages, especially friendly area for kids and seniors 
•  Patrolled closely by wildlife management and campground 'hosts'
•  Nearby Hiking, Swimming, Horseback Riding, Bike Riding (roads only), Fishing 

The Local Scoop

Standing Indian Campground is family friendly with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you, your group or your kids occupied. Bring your bikes, hiking boots and fishing poles to take advantage of what the area has to offer. This is generally a very safe campground for your kids. I spent my childhood summers here. I would recommend campsite #'s 13, 36 & 37(double site) and 49 if staying on one of the lower, paved loops.  Stay on Loop #5 (the only gravel loop) if you're in a tent for a more private experience. Be sure to over prepare for you trip and make sure you have plenty of firewood, food, first aid (especially if you have young ones running around) and any other supplies that you think you might need. The campground has a very small store on property, but is sometimes very limited in supply.  
Be prepared for anything, you are camping. Be sure to pack all of your recreational gear for all the activities you plan on doing while here.  There are minimums on "Weekend Stays" of 2 nights and a "Holiday Weekend Stay" minimum of 3 nights.  Contact the campground for more info on reserving a campsite and regulations @ (828)524-6441 or Reserve On-line. 

Hiking Recommendation:
We would like to recommend the Kimsey Creek Trail for a nice and easy hike along Kimsey Creek.  Go up as far as you like and simple turn around for the return hike. 

I would also like to mention that like other recreational areas around our area and country, the bear population has surged over the past couple of years.  Having said that, Black Bears are no stranger to Standing Indian Campground.  They will come into your camp if you leave ANY food or ANYTHING that resembles food including and not limited to:  Coolers, trash bags, plates, table scraps, personal hygiend items (toothpaste, cologne, perfume, deodorant, etc.) , etc.  You MUST either pack those items away into a vehicle or in your camper, OR use the backcountry camping trick of suspending your items in a bear proof container from a limb approx. 12-15 feet off of the ground using a sturdy rope.  If you do not take these measures seriously you WILL have a bear in your camp overnight.  It's certain.  If you take these precautions seriously you should be just fine.  Do not let this warning scare you and your family from experiencing this gorgeous area.  It is well worth your time!

The Local Directions

From Franklin take Hwy-64 W towards Murphy, NC for 12 miles, passing through 'Winding Stair Gap'.
At just before the 12th mile you should see a brown sign for "Wallace Gap", "Appalachian Trail" & "Standing Indian Campground" with arrows pointing you towards 'West Old Murphy Road' (SR 1448) on your left.  Turn here.
Stay on West Old Murphy Rd. for 2 miles. You'll pass a Nantahala National Forest Sign for the campground saying "500 Ft Ahead", and at 2 miles you'll be at FR (Forest Road) #67 on your right (indicated by a small, skinny Brown sign at the beginning of the road). Continue 1.8 miles on FR 67 until you come to a fork in the road. Take the right fork into the campground.

Back to top

Coordinates

35.078486,-83.529536

Access

Easy via U.S. Hwy-64 (West of Franklin)/
Old Murphy Road/Forest Road #67

Nearest City

Franklin

City

Franklin

County

Macon County

Distance From

Franklin, 15.8 miles