Standing Indian Campground

Origin of the Name Standing Indian

Standing Indian Campground is named for the nearby Standing Indian Mountain. It comes from an old Cherokee legend, about a brave Indian who was standing on the mountain as a lookout. As the story goes, a village child had been kidnapped by a monster and the warrior was watching for its possible return. In answer to the villagers' prayers to kill the monster, the great spirit sent a powerful storm, which turned both mountaintop and warrior into stone. The standing Indian is still there guarding the surrounding valleys.

About Standing Indian Campground

The campground is bisected by Kimsey Creek and the Nantahala River, and Standing Indian Basin is a popular fishing area. The majestic setting is illuminated by spectacular flora. Beautiful rhododendrons are plentiful throughout the campground. The campground is situated in a picturesque region considered one of the best hiking destinations in the southwest mountains. It is one of the few places anywhere that you can actually take a loop hike, a portion of which is the Appalachian Trail. The elevation is 3,880 feet. The nearest town is Franklin, North Carolina.

Amenities and Services

• Accessible group shelters
• Accessible handicapped site
• Amphitheater
• Campground host
• Campground store
• Convenience store
• Drinking water
  • There is potable drinking water in each loop at common faucets.
• Firewood
• Fishing
  • Standing Indian Basin is a popular trout fishing area that requires an in-state or out-of-state North Carolina fishing license.
• Flush toilets
• Group fire ring
• Group picnic shelters
• Hiking
• Hiking trails
• Hot showers
  • There are hot showers in loops 4 and 5.
• Hunting
• Ice machine
• Parking
• Paved parking spurs
• Pay telephone
• Photography
• Picnic area
• Picnic table
• Restroom
• Site pads
• Tent pad

Hookups

There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at the campground. There is a dump station.

Hiking Trails

• Lower Ridge Trail
• Kimsey Trail
• Park Creek Trail
• Park Ridge Trail
• Long Branch
• Blackwell Gap Loop

Campground Statistics

• This outdoor campground in North Carolina features 81 total sites.
• Camping rate is $14 per night.
• The campground is open April 1st through December 1st for camping.
  • Day-use area is open April 3rd to November 30th at a rate of $2 per car.
• Maximum stay period is 30 days.

Directions

From Franklin, North Carolina

In Franklin, NC, at the intersection of US Routes 23/441/64, take US Route 64 west for 12 miles to Wallace Gap/campground sign (Old Murphy Road. Old 64). Turn left onto Old Murphy Road and proceed 1.9 miles to the sign for the campground. (Forest Route 67) Turn right onto Route 67 and drive 1.8 miles to the "Y" intersection. Bear right into campground.

From Hayesville, North Carolina

From Hayesville take US Route 64 east towards Franklin. Head over the pass to Wallace Gap/campground sign. (Old Murphy Road) Turn left onto Old Murphy Road and proceed 1.9 miles to the campground sign. (Forest Route 67) Turn right onto Route 67 and drive 1.8 miles to the "Y" intersection. Turn right into campground.

Address and Contact Information

Standing Indian Campground (NC)

Off Forest Development Road 67

Franklin, NC 28734

Information: (828) 524-6441

Visiting the Campground

Standing Indian is a very popular family campground that offers spectacular hiking and fishing opportunities. Some trails connect to the famous Appalachian Trail, and this scenic region is considered among the greatest hiking destinations in the southwest mountains. Standing Indian is a beautiful Appalachian campsite with exceptional scenery and many wonderful hiking trails. It’s always wise to be prepared before you embark on any hike so make sure to pick up some free Appalachian trail maps before you enter the wild.