Amenities
All guests have full access to all amenities and communal areas on the campground.
Bathhouse
Our campground with showers bath house has separate men’s and women’s sides. Each side has heaters, 3 sinks, 4 flushing toilets, 2 showers with private changing areas, and hot water. The bathhouse is shared with all other campers. We provide shampoo and soap. Bring your own towels!
We provide an NC-made, biodegradable soap and shampoo, called Fillaree, that is river-safe and made from all-natural ingredients.
Campstore & Kitchen
Forget something? For your convenience, a small camp store is located above the bathhouse and includes firewood, ice, local meats, ice cream, toothbrushes, stickers, sweatshirts, and more. We also have maps and guidebooks to borrow during your stay.
Here, campers also have access to a commercial kitchen sink, microwave, electric kettle, toaster oven, and Keurig. This is where our Wi-Fi is broadcast from, and so has the best signal across the campground.
Water
All water taps on the property have drinkable water, which is tested regularly. We ask that you bring refillable water containers, rather than single-use water bottles. We have some to borrow in the campstore; feel free to fill them at the sink there!
Recycling & Trash & Compost
Between the mens’ and womens’ sides of the bathhouse, and at the Pavilion, are our recycling and trash bins. We ask campers to please sort their recycling (plastics #1 and #2, glass, aluminum, and paper). There are also bins for trash at these two locations. Do not leave trash or food out unattended; it will attract animals.
Our family friendly camping includes composting on the farm side, across from the sheep shed. Compostable products include: paper, fruit, vegetables, eggshells, coffee grinds, and fireplace ashes. Please, no dairy, meat, or other non-organic materials. Please make sure to bury your compost using the pitchfork so animals are not attracted to the fresh scraps.
Private
Winding Stair Campground is located behind a gate with coded access. A code will be sent to you prior to your stay.
Communication
There is no cell service at the property. Open Wi-Fi is available at most communal areas. The best signal is at the campstore. We have an emergency landline near the campground entrance. If you wish to use Wi-Fi calling during your stay, make sure to turn it on while still in cell-service.
Communal Pavilion
Centrally located between the bath house and the river, the Pavilion was the first structure we built on the campground. A large covered area with a contained fireplace, this is the perfect place to prepare for the day with a hearty breakfast, or rest after a hike with a barbecue on the grill. Also free to use are propane burners, a sink with hot and cold water, food prep tables, and a large seating area.
Lay out on the grass in front of the Pavilion, and marvel at our dark, starry skies!
EV Charger
Near the entrance, just past the welcome sign, is a two-sided RV hook-up electrical panel with 110/220v connections. This is reserved for electric vehicle charging. You must have your own cable and adapter.
River Access
We are located near the headwaters of the Nantahala River. There is a large communal stretch accessible to all campers, with steps down to the water, to reduce riverbank erosion. The perfect spot for a wade, particularly welcome during the summer months!
Our property boundaries are marked, both up- and down-river. The opposite bank is private property, and not accessible to our guests.
Fishing is catch and release only, with barbless hooks, and again, only within our property bounds. Consider adding a day’s angling with Fish Tales in downtown Franklin!
Farm
Visitors are welcome to take a stroll on the farm side. No dogs are allowed on the farm, as we have free-ranging poultry and livestock. Please stay on the lane, and do not enter any paddocks. Meet our chickens, ducks, turkeys, guineas, and Icelandic sheep! Our grist mill is not open to visitors at this time, but we run demos during our Spring and Fall Farm Tours, and on Open Campground Day each June. You CAN find some of our MILLED products for sale in the Campstore
