Franklin, NC Camping at Its Best
Private River Access | Pet-Friendly | Gated Entrance
Why Camp at Winding Stair Campground?
🏞️ Private river access steps away from your site
🐾 Pet-friendly for your four-legged friends
🌌 Stargazing at 3,380 feet elevation
🥾 Easy access to hiking and waterfalls
🔒 Secure, gated entrance
Looking for unforgettable Franklin NC camping? Nestled at the headwaters of the Nantahala River, just 15 minutes from downtown Franklin, Winding Stair Campground offers a peaceful escape into nature’s beauty. Whether you’re seeking starlit nights, riverside mornings, or rustic glamping, you’ll find your happy place here.
Tent Camping in Franklin, NC
🔥 Sleep under the stars and breathe in the mountain air.
✅ Secluded, shaded sites surrounded by forest
✅ Fire pits & picnic tables at every site
✅ Access to Appalachian Trail & Nantahala River
✅ Pet-friendly camping
Available Tent Sites
Glass House
Tents only, above river. Glass greenhouse offers warmth, light, water, power, and shelter. Close to bathhouse. (max 6 people)
Johnsonville
Tents only, riverfront. Near Pavilion which has power and seasonal water. (max 4 adults, 3 children)
Brass Camp
Tents only, private and peaceful. Steps from the bathhouse with power and water. (max 4 adults and 2 children)
Group Lane
Tents, RV, Car/Hammock camping. Spacious site with 4 RV hookups, water access, picnic tables under string lights. (max 16 people)
Luxury Glamping Near Nantahala Forest
✨ Nature, but make it luxurious.
✅ Powered & water hookup sites
✅ Spacious furnished glamping tents
✅ Full apartment rental options
✅ Real beds, linens, and cozy amenities
Available Glamping Sites
River House
Rustic riverfront shelter with 4 full beds, privacy curtains, wood stove, screen walls. Onsite port-a-potty. Extra tent space. (max 4 adults/5 kids)
Fern Gully
Riverfront secluded canvas tent on platform with king bed, cots/hammocks, lights, fan, space heater.Tent space available. (max 6 adults/4 children)
Hey Barn
Only site directly on farm (no dogs). King-size bed, cots, hammocks. Small kitchenette. Port-a-potty on-site. (max 2 adults/2 children)
Bunk Room
2nd floor of bath house. 4 twin beds. Fan, space heater, power, water. Kitchen space in Camp Store directly beside. (max 4 adults/3 children)
Apartment
Cozy studio with a king bed, twin bunk beds, full bathroom, Wi-Fi, and TV. (max 4 adults/2 children)
Franklin NC Campground Amenities
Unwind in our peaceful community spaces — discover more here.
Meet Your Hosts
Robyn – Booking Manager
Heath – Property & Livestock Manager
Stacy & Greg – On-Site Owners
Our small team is here to help make your stay unforgettable. While we’re not always onsite, we’re always nearby if you need assistance!
Plan Your Mountain Escape Today
Discover why so many call Winding Stair Campground their happy place. Find your adventure — or your peace — right here in Franklin, NC.
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