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Winding Stair Campground

99%
·
139 reviews
· Franklin, Macon, North Carolina
15 acres hosted by Robyn A.
5 lodging sites · 1 RV/tent site · 3 tent sites
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Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Robyn is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
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 check-in, 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:
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Mountainous
Farm

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Tent sites

3 sites

Brass Camp (Tent site)

100% (31)
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.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
$43
/ night
for NaN guests

Johnsonville (Riverside Tent Site)

98% (25)
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
from
$62
/ night
for NaN guests

Glass House (Unique Structure)

96% (14)
Tent site · Sleeps 6
TENTS ONLY 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 grill outpost along with 4 Adirondack chairs. Firewood bundles 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
from
$81
/ night
for NaN guests

RV/tent sites

1 site

Group Lane

100% (23)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 10 · Vehicles under 20 ft
TENTS - RV (less than 20ft) - CAR CAMPING - HAMMOCK CAMPING. *(Due to recent restoration work, Group Lane temporarily has a portion of the site closed off. The current price and number of campers permitted reflect this.) 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
from
$92
/ night
for NaN guests

Lodging

5 sites

River House (Private)

100% (38)
Cabin · Sleeps 8
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
from
$145
/ night
for NaN guests

Fern Gully (Riverside Canvas Tent)

100% (10)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 6
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. 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 platform and fire ring area.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
$138
/ night
for NaN guests

Hay Barn (On the Farm)

94% (8)
Barn · Sleeps 4
KING SIZED BED inside, can set-up TENTS in front of Barn. Previously a place to store our winter hay, you can now stay in our Hay Barn! The Hay Barn has slatted walls (plenty of ventilation) with privacy curtains. Sliding doors lead directly to your own deck overlooking the farm, grist mill and mountains in the distance. All with the mountains as a backdrop. Inside is a four poster king size bed (linens included - sheets, pillows, and blanket), ceiling fan, table, chairs, and two hanging hammock chairs. NEW TO HAY BARN! Kitchenette with sink and running water, toaster oven/airfryer, mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, and electric water kettle. The site includes a Breeo fire pit with grill outpost. Power and water at this site. Firewood bundles available for purchase at the camp store. Guests have access to the heated bath house and showers. Filaree soap provided. This is the only site directly on the farm. Sorry, no dogs allowed.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
No picnic table
from
$125
/ night
for NaN guests

Bunk Room - simple room/4 twin beds

100% (2)
Bungalow · Sleeps 4
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
Picnic table
from
$71
/ night
for NaN guests

Apartment

Vacation rental · Sleeps 4
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
from
$138
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

99% Recommend159 ratings · 139 reviews

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 Robyn A.

Joined in October 2021
Response rate: 100%

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