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Experience the Magic of Winding Stair Campground
Nestled at 3,380 feet elevation beside the headwaters of the Nantahala River and bordering the Nantahala National Forest, Winding Stair Campground is your gateway to unspoiled wilderness, stunning mountain views, and total relaxation. Whether you’re here to sleep under a sky full of stars, wake up to the sounds of the forest, or cozy up in a luxury glamping site, we offer the perfect retreat for every type of camper.
Just a 15-minute scenic drive from downtown Franklin, NC, our small, private, eco-friendly campground is a secluded paradise—close enough for convenience, yet remote enough to disconnect, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature.
A little something for everyone…
Tent Camping
🔥 Sleep Under the Stars, Breathe in the Mountain Air
For those who love traditional camping, our wooded, spacious tent sites provide everything you need for a peaceful, back-to-nature experience. Each site is designed to offer privacy, tranquility, and breathtaking mountain scenery, making it the perfect place to relax by the campfire and enjoy the simple beauty of the great outdoors.
🛶 What You’ll Love About Our Tent Campsites:
✅ Secluded, shaded sites surrounded by forest
✅ Fire pits & picnic tables at every site for the ultimate camping setup
✅ Access to miles of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail
✅ Nearby Nantahala River for fishing, wading, and relaxing by the water
✅ Pet-friendly—bring your four-legged adventure buddy!
Whether you’re solo camping, road-tripping with friends, or bringing the whole family, Winding Stair Campground offers a peaceful retreat where you can truly disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature.
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Glass House (max 6 people) – unique, power, water
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Johnsonville (max 4 people) – on the river, budget friendly
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Brass Camp (max 4 people) – budget friendly, private, near bathhouse
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Group Lane (up to 16 people) – for a large tent group, hook-ups for small trailers
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Glamping
✨ Nature, But Make It Luxurious
Want to experience the beauty of the mountains without giving up modern comforts? Our glamping options bring you the best of both worlds—immersing you in nature’s serenity while providing the cozy amenities that make your stay unforgettable.
🏡 Choose from a range of glamping accommodations:
🌿 Powered & Water Hookup Sites – For campers who want a little extra convenience
🌙 Luxury Glamping Tents – Spacious, fully furnished tents with comfortable beds, soft linens, and rustic charm
🏡 Full Apartment Rental – Perfect for those who want all the comforts of home while still waking up to breathtaking mountain views
🌟 Why You’ll Love Our Glamping Experience:
✅ Stay warm & cozy in a beautifully furnished space
✅ Relax in a real bed with plush pillows & soft blankets
✅ Enjoy stunning views with a morning coffee in hand
✅ Access all campground amenities while keeping your experience effortless
✅ Perfect for couples, families, and first-time campers
✅ Secluded short-term rentals and vacation rentals in the NC mountains.
Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or a solo escape, our glamping options let you soak in nature’s beauty without sacrificing comfort.
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River House (max 8 people) – private, riverside site, 4 full-size mattress (pillows, sheets, blankets provided), port-a potty rental available as an add-on
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Fern Gully (max 6 people with tent) – private, on the river, insulated canvas tent, king-size bed (bed linens provided)
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Hey Barn (max 6 people with tent) – on the farm, kitchenette, king-size bed (bed linens provided) port-a potty rental available as an add-on
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Apartment (max 4 people) – kitchen, private bath, King bed and twin bunkbeds, towels and linens provided
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Bunk Room (max 4 people) – simple room, 4 twin beds (bed linens provided, above bathhouse
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All sites have access to our Community Areas.
- Winding Stair Campground and Farm is run by a small team. While we’re not always on site, we are there regularly and can offer camper assistance if needed. We are all here to ensure you have a great trip!
- Robyn, the booking manager
- Heath, the property/livestock manager
- Stacy and Greg, the company owners
The peacefulness of the mountains and calming of the river has dubbed our farm as “the happy place” by many who have stayed here. We are excited to extend this opportunity to you and hope you and your group find the same joy that we find daily in this special part of the world.
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