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Winding Stair Campground

Hosted by Stacy · Franklin, North Carolina
8 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 15 acres
99%
·
188 reviews
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Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Full RV hookups
Electrical, water, and sewage hookups are available at select sites.
Winding Stair Campground sits at an elevation of 3,380 feet, next to the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is surrounded by national forest and undeveloped private land trusts. The stunning mountain views in a remote tucked-away setting make our farm a perfect getaway! Just a 15-minute scenic drive from Franklin in North Carolina, easily accessible off Hwy 64, our campground offers a chance to enjoy nature without being far away from the public amenities of a small but well-equipped town. A few features about our property: - Working farm: Campers are welcome to meet our Icelandic sheep and take a self-guided tour of our farm, along designated pathways. - Security: The campground and farm are fenced in on three sides with the river being the fourth boundary. Personal code to the entrance gate will be given at check in. - Bath House: The restored bathhouse is split into boys’ and girls’ sides. Each side has 2 private showers, 4 flushing toilets, sinks, hot water, and gas heat. - Community Pavilion: The Pavilion is a large 40x30 ft. open sided structure overlooking the Nantahala River. It has an ample fireplace, running water sink, counter space, couches, and table with benches. - Pack Room: Where the adventure begins! A cozy hub where all guests get local information, view maps, and grab some local seasonal groceries. Also available to all campers are washing sinks with hot water, toaster oven and microwave. - Communication: Or rather, lack thereof! There's no cell service on the property so it's a great time to get away from it all. There is limited Wi-Fi available near the Pack Room and an emergency landline available. - Charging: Traveling in an electric vehicle? Recharge for free at our dedicated EV 50amp outlet when you stay at any of our sites. First come, first served. Want to know more about the history of the property? Visit the 'Our Story' section on our website. Learn more about this land:

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Tent-only sites

3 sites
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Brass Camp

100%
(46)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
This budget-friendly, primitive tent site was named for the brass instruments practiced by family members at this spot over the years. Its remote location offers solitude while still very convenient to the nearby bathhouse. The moss bed covering this site offers campers a bit of cushion while sleeping to the sounds from the river below. The site includes a Breeo fire pit with grill outpost along with two Adirondack chairs and a picnic table. No power or water at the site, but both are available at the bathhouse. Firewood bundles are available for purchase at the camp store. All guests have access to communal spaces like river front access (catch and release fishing within borders), and the pavilion which includes an outdoor fireplace with couches, a large grill and tables.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
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Johnsonville

99%
(39)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Our friends, Anne and Bill Johnson made this site famous with their welcoming nature and endless cooler of wine when they camped here. This popular budget-friendly, primitive site is on the road to the River House, so it's not the most private site on the campground, but it is directly on the River and very convenient to the Pavilion. Power and water (warmer months) are also available at the pavilion. The site includes a Breeo fire pit with grill outpost along with 2 Adirondack chairs and a picnic table. Firewood bundles available for purchase at the camp store. This site is great to combine with the River House if you are hosting a larger group, or multiple families. Catch and release with barbless hooks is allowed within the campground borders of the Nantahala River.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
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Glass House

98%
(20)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Perhaps our most unique site at the campground, the Glass House, is where our farm got its start. Before 2021, we started all of our produce in this glass propagation house. Now that most of our vegetable production has moved to the Valley Farm, this site has been opened for camping. The old potting-up station is now a food prep station/ bar with lights and power strip. Water is available year round from two potable water hose pipes. There are lights, fans, counters and a wood stove inside the glasshouse (sinks in warmer months too). The old glasshouse is not watertight, but you can set up your tent inside in the cooler months. Set up only outside in the summer months (too hot inside). The site includes a Breeo fire pit with a grill outpost, along with 4 Adirondack chairs. Firewood bundles are available for purchase at the camp store. Still close to the bathhouse, but with a private driveway, you can hear the river directly below this site.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table

RV/tent sites

1 site
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Group Lane

100%
(29)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 16 · Vehicles under 20 ft
TENTS - RV (less than 20ft) - CAR CAMPING - HAMMOCK CAMPING. This large, single site has 4 double-sided RV hook-ups (220v & 110v) plus potable water, along a road in the middle of the campground. It's a great site for a large group of friends or several families. Mix it up, this site can accommodate tents, small RV's, camping in your car, and hammocks. This one rental rate includes the entire site. Group Lane has its own gathering area with three picnic tables, an XL Breeo fire pit and extra long prep table - all under string lights. The site is centrally located between the bathhouse and above the river access. Firewood bundles available for purchase at the camp store.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
Water hookup

Lodging

4 sites
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River House

100%
(43)
Cabin · Sleeps 8 · 4 beds
FOUR FULL-SIZE mattresses inside the RIVER HOUSE. Can accommodate additional TENTS on-site. Combine with Johnsonville for larger groups. Tucked in the corner of the farm, this custom built, one and a half story bunkhouse is right on the Nantahala River. The River House is our interpretation of the southern sleeping porch, with a full height screened wall facing the river so you can hear its bubbling sounds from all four beds. Downstairs has two full size beds with privacy curtains, hooks, storage nooks at each bed, and a wood burning stove. Upstairs is a half-height loft split into two 6ft x 6ft areas (each side containing a full-size mattress). Bed linens are provided- sheets, pillows, blankets. The site includes a Breeo fire pit with grill outpost along with Adirondack chairs and a picnic table. No power or water at the site, but both are available at the bathhouse. Firewood bundles available for purchase at the camp store. This site has a port-a-potty. Note: Wood stove does not fully heat the structure in cold temperatures.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
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Fern Gully

100%
(13)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 6 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
PLATFORM CANVAS TENT This is a secluded site surrounded by ferns and native plants on the bank of the Nantahala River. There is a 14 x 16 platform with a canvas tent, king-size bed and sitting area. Bed linens are provided - sheets, pillows, and blanket. Power on site. Heated bathhouse with showers located across camp. A port-a-potty is provided near this site as a convenience. This site includes a Breeo fire pit with grill outpost along with Adirondack chairs and a picnic table. No potable water at the site, but water is available at the bathhouse or camp store. Firewood bundles are available for purchase at the camp store. Private stone walkway directly into the river. Parking is only available at the top of this site, but it's a short walk to the tent.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
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Bunk Room

100%
(6)
Bungalow · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 4 beds · 1 toilet
FOUR TWIN BEDS Nestled in the heart of the peaceful, private campground on Winding Stair Farm, this cozy room offers a simple yet comfortable retreat for guests looking to connect with nature. The room features rustic wooden accents and minimalistic décor, giving it a charming, cabin-like feel. A heated, shared bath house is just a few steps away, equipped with basic amenities. Perfect for family/group members who do not want to sleep in a tent, this no-frills room offers a peaceful, back-to-nature escape while still providing all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Outside, the campground offers communal spaces, like the pavilion and river access creating a true sense of tranquility, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and enjoy the simplicity of nature. Campers are also invited to visit the animals on the farm side. Located directly above the Bathhouse, the Bunk Room has 4 twin beds and a small outside deck. The space is well insulated with ceiling fans for the summer and a small space heater for cooler months. There is power, including outlets and USB chargers at each bed, and water is just below in the bathhouse. Sheets, pillows and a light quilt are included for each bed. Though this site does not have running water, around the corner at our camp store, all campers have access to a commercial kitchen sink, microwave, electric kettle, toaster oven and Keurig. Campers are also invited to use the communal fire place and cooking space at the Pavilion. Catch and release fishing is allowed in the river within the campground borders only. At an elevation of 3,3000 feet, Winding Stair Campground borders the Nantahala National Forest and is just minutes from the back county trails at Standing Indian and multiple Appalachian Trail access points. Hiking trails of all levels are abundant in this area. With nine campsites spread over 15 acres, Winding Stair Campground offers camping at various levels of comfort. Winding Stair Campground is about 25 mins from downtown Franklin, NC and Hayesville, NC. The campground sits behind a gate. A code will be sent to you prior to your stay.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
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Apartment

100%
(2)
Vacation rental · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 3 beds · 1 toilet
KING BED STUDIO with TWIN BUNKBEDS in side room. Once the campground store and resupply stop for thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, this space was remodeled in 2014. Now you can stay in this cozy 3 bed, 1 bath studio apartment. This space offers all the joy of being at a campsite with none of the camping! Located just inside the main gate, the Apartment sits below the main house (where the owners live) with a separate entrance and porch. There is an organized kitchen with gas stove, oven, sink, microwave and under counter fridge (no freezer). This studio space also has a sitting area, desk and king sized bed. There is a full bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet (w/bidet). A separate room has a set of twin bunkbeds. The front porch has a dining table and 4 chairs along with 3 rocking chairs. Adjacent to the porch and overlooking the campground there is a Breeo firepit with grill outpost and 4 Adirondack chairs. There is Wi-Fi and a TV in the Apartment.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table

Reviews

99% Recommend217 ratings · 188 reviews
Recommends
· July 2026
With kids ·
Bunk Room
Wow. This place is too good to be true and I almost want to keep it a secret. The campground is in a gorgeous setting along the Nantahala River and near the Appalachian Trail, and it's got every amenity you might want- a beautiful pavilion with camping stove, fireplace, dish washing station, and dining area overlooking a meadow with rabbits and guinea fowl walking around and a beautiful stretch of the Nantahala, which you can wade in and cool-off on a hot day. The bunk house was a cute one-room spot with nooks for each bed, reading lamps, and convenient to the bathhouse (above it, but we didn't have any noise issues) and camp store that's got firewood, ice cream, food, snacks, and more. Hot water, drinking water, and tons of comforts for camping or glamping. It's also got the working farm on the property, which was a hit for the kids, along with the mill. Greg was a phenomenal host- took the kids to feed the geese, donkey, and sheep, brought a guitar to the pavilion for us all to hang out and jam, regaled us with great stories, and he also helped us do a very nice one-way ~2.5 mile hike on the AT by during me back from the terminus in his truck so I could drop off my car at the end and then driving my family and I to the starting point of the hike (which isn't too far from the campground.) Went above and beyond and the whole place and experience were magical. We also met Heath, one of the farmers, and he was super kind. Highly recommended and we plan to come back!
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Adam K.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2026
Brass Camp July 2026
Tent ·
Brass Camp
I loved camping at the Brass Camp. Peaceful location in close proximity to the Bath House and Camp Store. Even on the high ground you can still hear the sounds of the Nantahala River. Be sure to spend some time walking around the Farm visiting all the animals.
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James P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Enjoyed our time!
With pets ·
Bunk Room
The kids and our Dog had a blast. Everything is thought through, ample of charging plug points very clean facilities and bath house with hot water. I would definitely recommend this beautiful property. The Pavillion next to the river is a nice gathering spot with shared facilities and store as well with amenities. Stacy was a great host. I wish her the best.👌 👍 Thanks
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Ruzveh M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Book it! Highly recommended
Tent · With pets ·
Brass Camp
Highly recommended! This place is well kept, clean, spaced out to seem private, and absolutely beautiful!!!
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Travis & Adelle G.
6 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Johnsonville
We had such a relaxing stay at this campground. The creek running alongside the campsites was definitely the highlight — peaceful to listen to during the day and at night, and a perfect spot to sit and unwind. The campground had plenty of amenities that made the trip comfortable, including clean bathhouses, well-maintained sites, and convenient extras that made tent camping much easier.
D
Domini S.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Amazing time, as always!!
Tent · With pets ·
Brass Camp
My fiancé and I have been coming to this campsite for years. Each time is better than the last! This was our 3rd or 4th time camping here, and we cannot recommend it more. The weather was beautiful, and all of the staff on the land were so kind. We will be back in the fall, as usual!
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Caroline M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
With pets ·
Fern Gully
Its an absolutely beautiful and well kept campground. Everyone was very friendly amd accommodating. The burn ban was a bummer but still allowed fires in the Pavillion at the fire place. Will definetly be back!
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Brandon H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Great campsite!
Tent ·
Johnsonville
This is a great camping site. All the amenities are kept extremely clean and the store is nice too. The campground is in a beautiful area and everyone made us feel extremely welcome, especially Greg! We were able to see some newborn lambs and other cute animals on the farm as well! Can’t wait to go back!
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Hunter C.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
Brass Camp
Such a beautiful campground with great amenities! Loved being able to see all the farm animals and have the camp store in case we needed something. The bathhouse is maybe a minute walk from the site, but is uphill on the way back (not a killer though lol). The showers were a huge plus, warm water and great pressure! My only complaint is the ground at the site was very hard to get the tent pegs into. I’m still new to camping, so maybe there’s an easier way I’m not privy to. I’d still come back though and I’d highly recommend Winding Stair Campground!!
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Priscilla D.
7 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Camping with animals!
Tent · With pets ·
Brass Camp
Very nice little spot and peaceful. Perfect for weekend getaway.
M
Morgan K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Great campground
Tent · With pets ·
Glass House
I camped two nights at the Glass House. I loved the spot, and there was plenty of room to set all my things. I pretty much had the campground to myself as it's still early in the season. I looked at all the different sites, and you can't go wrong with any of them. Great bath house, and the whole area including the farm was very neat and tidy. Highly recommend!
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Cathi G.
20 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Johnsonville
Our family loved our two night stay at winding Stair Campground/Farm. Outside of the beautiful weather and privacy, the owner's of the property have put so much thought into every little detail. The farm and grist mill are awesome to experience and explore. Especially, if you have kids. Camping right by the Nantahala River was also plus! We were able to relax and fish on the river all day. We will definitely book another stay. Thanks for having us!
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Heys W.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
Glass House
My son and I stayed for two nights at the Glasshouse. The entire campground is beautiful and peaceful. Bathrooms are clean and well appointed and we had a wonderful time enjoying the river and nature that surrounds. One of the best camping spots I’ve been to and highly recommend it to anyone staying in the area.
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Ann C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Brass Camp
Great time, super clean facility, would recommend
A
Alex S.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Glamping
Tent · With pets ·
Glass House
The glass house is great. We enjoyed the wood stove and star gazing from inside. The site is relatively private and well maintained. The bathrooms are very clean and the showers are hot. It’s the perfect site for glamping.
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Emory P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Brass Camp
We loved everything about our stay at Winding Stair Farm! The farm was beautiful, bathrooms clean and well stocked, and the camp store was so handy for essentials. We enjoyed walking by the river and visiting the farm animals every evening. Such a peaceful place and we cannot wait to stay again. Couldn’t recommended more!
S
Sarah B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Mountain Farm with Great Camping
Tent · With pets ·
Brass Camp
We camped at Brass Camp it is above Johnsonville and the Glass House site. Nice plot to camp 3500 elevation, it’s level, had moss growing to cushion the ground. We had a 12ft 4 season tent with a 12ft rain fly we used as a porch and it fight just right with a lot of land left in front. You are next to a local road but traffic is pretty sparse. The Farm is really something , and is a working farm it has all the noises from the roaster to the donkey and ducks, it was pleasant to sit and listen. Amenities are very taken care of, bathhouse was great with hot showers and toilets , the Camp store was great with the kitchen sink area to wash up the dishes and potable water to refill your tanks. Stacey was great with our order for a pallet of wood making sure it was taken care of and onsite, I would have liked to take Greg up on visiting the farm and taking a look at the Mill they have onsite but stormy weather and snow held us back. We will return!
J
Jason W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Group Lane
Wonderful host, excellent views, nice bath facilities. I plan to return…
C
Chris E.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Johnsonville
Winding Stair Farm is the perfect campground, bar none. Lovingly and diligently cared for, the campgrounds are beautiful and all amenities a person might need are readily accessible, but it's still easy to feel like you're "a world away."
C
Christina C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Beautiful, Cozy, and Clean!
Tent ·
Brass Camp
We absolutely LOVED Winding Stair Campground, and will definitely be back. Each camp site is totally unique, and they're spaced out enough so that you have tons of privacy and room to spread out. Doesn't feel over crowded in the slightest, even when there are other campers on the property. The view from Brass camp was stunning, and we loved watching the sunsets over the mountains. Also appreciated having our pre-purchased pallet of wood waiting for us at our site when we arrived. The walk to the bath house was so easy, and WOW what a clean, thoughtful bath house. The showers were hot and spacious, and we appreciated the lovely shampoo + soap. The camp provisions store is awesome. We were able to take advantage daily for ice, which was so convenient! Also purchased some of the local, farm fresh eggs, which were delicious for breakfast, and brought home some of the grits made directly on the farm! There's plenty of frozen meat in the freezer, complimentary coffee to enjoy on the porch, and even blankets and water jugs to borrow. They've thought of everything for ease and comfort. We loved walks to the river, and checking out all the farm animals. Plus, the fact that it's gated made us feel extra safe. Perfectly situated for day hikes or trips to surrounding towns. So much love has gone into this property, and we felt it ten fold! Thanks for an amazing stay. We'll see you next time <3
A
Anna H.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Glass House
The site was quiet with great power and working table options. Also great to have sink for dishes and clean up. This is the second visit in 3 months. I highly recommend.
A
Art L.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
With pets ·
River House
We had an outstanding visit to the River House - everything at the house & at Winding Stairs is extremely well thought out & made our stay & experience wonderful. Pictures & words don’t do it justice. Thank you to Robyn & staff!
R
Ryan K.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Johnsonville
Fantastic place where primitive meets glamping. Gorgeous views, relaxing waterfront. Bathrooms clean.
K
Katie & Jon B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
With kids ·
Bunk Room
This campground was amazing. Well maintained with beautiful views and plethora of amenities - honesty store, full bath house, recycling options, and a farm. The community pavilion provided hours of entertainment for the kiddos, and a few even braved the cold river’s swimming hole!
K
Kimberly H.
16 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Group trip ·
River House
Well appointed amenities. Everything was super clean. Absolutely beautiful place
S
Sam F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
A WONDERFUL place to stay!
Group trip ·
River House
This property is so beautiful and relaxing. The host is so accommodating, all the small details are exceptional. I highly recommend staying here!
C
Carol C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Brass Camp
This was such a nice place! Pretty sure I was the only one there other than the property owners and managers, so super quiet. I tent camped and the moss made the ground so soft. Easy to get to. I’ll definitely rebook if I’m back in the area.
R
Rosie B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Brass Camp
Robyn has created a very special place for camping. It is primitive enough, but with so many amenities for your convenience. The spots are laid out in a very private way (but comforting to know others are nearby if help is needed) The restrooms and showers are really nice and there are so many thoughtful conveniences in the pack house, including blankets to borrow for fire pit nights.! The grounds are so beautiful with the peaceful river flowing through. It is definitely a very unique space that we would love to come back to in the future. The nicest hip camp location we have ever stayed in.
M
Mary M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Wish I could keep this gem a secret
Tent · With pets ·
Johnsonville
Amazing property with numerous lodging options. Super clean bathrooms. Endless hot water (your teenagers will approve). Adorable camp store with fresh eggs. Covered pavilion with sink for washing dishes. Rained one night and we spent the evening under the pavilion cooking and hanging by the fire place. Great camping for the reluctant camper.
M
Matthew C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Glass House
Loved the glass house !! Beautiful and peaceful..
I
Indrani S.
11 months on Hipcamp

Location

Franklin, Macon, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Stacy B.

Joined in November 2021

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