Back Country Camp#5

- Tennessee 37882

For many Tennesseans, the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a constant invitation to adventure. While frontcountry campgrounds offer comfort and amenities, a deeper, more immersive experience awaits those willing to venture into the backcountry. For horse-camping enthusiasts in particular, designated backcountry horse camps provide a unique opportunity to explore the park's extensive trail system directly from their campsite. Back Country Camp #5, located in the heart of this iconic park near Townsend, TN, offers a rugged, primitive camping experience designed for those who prioritize unspoiled nature and immediate trail access.

Back Country Camp #5 is a testament to the raw beauty and challenging terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a site where the focus is entirely on the natural environment and the thrill of horseback riding through miles of trails. While reviews note specific challenges, such as navigating trailers and the condition of some trails, the consensus among those who appreciate its style is that the trails themselves are "excellent!" and the overall experience is one of "woods camping in a tranquil setting." This camp caters to experienced equestrians and backpackers who are prepared for a less amenity-rich stay and are eager to truly immerse themselves in the wilderness of the national park.

Back Country Camp #5 is situated in the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically accessible from the Townsend, TN side. Its general address, Tennessee 37882, places it near the popular Cades Cove area, a major draw for visitors to the park. More specifically, it's known as "Campsite #5 – Rich Mountain," located approximately "100 yards from intersection with Indian Grave Gap Trail" off the Rich Mountain Trail.

Accessing Back Country Camp #5 is a key consideration for potential campers, especially those with horse trailers. While it is within the national park, the journey is distinct from driving to a frontcountry campground. Campers would typically drive to a designated trailhead or access point near Cades Cove, then proceed on trails to reach the backcountry site. Reviewers explicitly mention that "Turning around your trailer is very difficult and would be almost impossible if you didn’t have all 3 campsites reserved," and that "You can get a trailer longer than 24’ in there but it’s not easy." This strongly indicates that vehicle access to the immediate campsite is restricted and primarily intended for smaller rigs or that a significant portion of the journey is on horseback or foot after leaving a designated parking area.

The beauty of this location, despite accessibility challenges, is its direct immersion in the park's wilderness. Being a backcountry site, it offers immediate access to the Rich Mountain Trail and connecting trails, allowing riders and hikers to begin their explorations without needing to trailer or drive to separate trailheads. This provides an authentic and deep dive into the Smokies' untouched natural beauty, far from the more congested areas of the park.

As a designated "backcountry camp" within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Back Country Camp #5 operates under a philosophy of minimal impact and self-sufficiency. The services offered are basic, designed to facilitate a wilderness experience while adhering to Leave No Trace principles and park regulations. These services are intended for backpackers and horse campers who are prepared for primitive conditions:

• Designated Campsites: The camp has a specific "Capacity: 4" (people), and can potentially accommodate a "couple tents," indicating small, designated areas for setting up camp. The mention of having "all 3 campsites reserved" implies there might be a small cluster of sites, potentially allowing groups to reserve them for more maneuvering room.
• Hitching Posts or Horse Stalls: Essential for horse campers, the site would include facilities to tie up horses, as horses are not allowed to be tied directly to trees in the backcountry.
• Tent Pads: Likely present to help minimize impact and provide a level sleeping surface.
• Picnic Table & Fire Ring/Grill: Basic amenities for preparing food and having a campfire (where permitted by park regulations).
• Water Source: "Available from a small spring down the narrow valley from the site, or from Hesse Creek a few hundred yd. down Rich Mountain Trail." Campers must be prepared to filter or treat all water from natural sources.
• Bear Cables: Essential for safely storing food and scented items away from bears, a critical safety feature in bear country.
• Primitive Toilets: While not explicitly mentioned for Camp #5, backcountry sites typically have a pit toilet or require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal (burying waste 100 feet from water, trails, and campsites).
• Low Impact: The site is described as having "little impact," indicating a focus on maintaining its pristine natural state.
• Permit System: All backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservation, ensuring controlled use and safety. There is a fee per person, per night for backcountry camping.

Campers should be fully self-sufficient, carrying all necessary supplies, including drinking water, and preparing for a true wilderness experience without modern conveniences like flush toilets, showers, or electricity.

Back Country Camp #5 offers distinct features that appeal to those seeking an authentic and challenging wilderness adventure, particularly for equestrians:

• Direct Trail Access: Its prime highlight is the immediate access to the "excellent!" horse trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically the Rich Mountain Trail. This allows for seamless transitions from camp to extensive riding or hiking.
• True Wilderness Immersion: As a backcountry site, it provides a deep "woods camping in a tranquil setting" experience, far removed from the sounds and lights of developed areas. This appeals to those who seek solitude and a raw connection with nature.
• Bear Cables: The provision of bear cables is a crucial safety feature, allowing campers to securely hang their food and scented items away from wildlife, particularly bears.
• Level Tent Sites: The site is noted for having "Dry and Level Tent Sites," which contributes to a more comfortable night's sleep in a primitive setting.
• Historical Context: The site is the "former site for the Rich Mountain Shelter, the foundation of which is still there," offering a subtle nod to the area's history and previous use by hikers.
• Natural Windbreak: The presence of a "large fallen tree to provide wind break for tarps" demonstrates natural features that enhance the camping experience.
• Abundant Water (from natural sources): While needing treatment, the availability of "Ample Water" from a spring or nearby creek is a vital resource for backcountry campers.
• Low Impact: The emphasis on "Low Impact" camping ensures that the natural beauty of the site is preserved for future visitors.

These features underscore its suitability for experienced campers who are prepared for primitive conditions and prioritize direct access to challenging trails and deep wilderness immersion.

As a backcountry campsite within a U.S. National Park, Anthony Creek Horse Camp (Back Country Camp #5) does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Pricing and availability are governed by the National Park Service. However, the inherent value proposition and how to "access" this experience include:

• Affordable Wilderness Access: The fee for backcountry camping is generally low ($8 per person, per night, with a maximum of $40 per person), making it an economical way to experience the pristine wilderness of a national park.
• Reservation System: All backcountry camping requires a permit and advance reservation (up to 30 days in advance). This ensures a dedicated spot and helps manage visitor impact.
• Group Capacity: While the stated capacity is 4 people, the mention of "all 3 campsites reserved" suggests that for larger groups (up to 8 people per campsite is a common backcountry rule, with special permits for up to 12 at some sites in the park), reserving multiple sites might be the strategy.
• Educational Value: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides extensive resources and information for backcountry safety, bear awareness, and Leave No Trace principles, which are invaluable for campers.

To reserve a spot, individuals must obtain a backcountry permit through Recreation.gov or by calling the Backcountry Reservation Office at (865) 436-1297. It is strongly advised to book well in advance, especially for specific dates, as these sites are limited.

For reservations and specific information regarding Back Country Camp #5 (Rich Mountain) within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the following official channels should be used:

• Address: Anthony Creek Trail, Townsend, TN 37882, USA (General location for access point)
• Backcountry Information Office Phone: (865) 436-1297 (For trip planning assistance, open daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time)
• Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov - for booking permits)
• Online Reservations: Recreation.gov (Search for "Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Camping")

Remember that direct calls to the park office are primarily for information, and reservations are made online or via the Recreation.gov phone number. Always confirm rules and conditions, especially regarding permits, bear safety, and trailer accessibility before planning your trip.

For Tennesseans, Back Country Camp #5 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a profoundly suitable experience, particularly for those who are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and equestrians. Unlike developed campgrounds, this site provides an authentic, rugged immersion into the wilderness that many locals deeply value in their state's natural treasures. The immediate and direct access to "excellent!" horse trails from the campsite is a huge draw for local riders. This means less time commuting and more time on horseback, exploring the vast network of trails that crisscross the park.

The primitive nature of the camp, with its emphasis on self-sufficiency and adhering to strict park regulations (like using bear cables and designated fire rings), appeals to Tennesseans who are comfortable with backcountry camping. It offers a genuine "woods camping in a tranquil setting," allowing for a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This is not a place for those seeking luxury, but for those who find luxury in solitude, the sounds of nature, and the challenge of navigating the wilderness.

Furthermore, the subtle challenges, such as navigating larger trailers or the "dry creek bed" nature of some trails, are often seen by experienced local campers not as deterrents, but as part of the adventure. It speaks to a level of preparedness and skill that many Tennesseans who regularly explore their state's wild places possess. For those who seek to push their limits, connect deeply with their horses and the environment, and truly unplug amidst the unparalleled beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Back Country Camp #5 is an ideal and highly rewarding destination.

Back Country Camp#5

Tennessee 37882, USA