Backcountry Camp 23

For Tennessee locals with a passion for the great outdoors and a desire to truly disconnect, Backcountry Camp 23 offers an unparalleled wilderness experience deep within the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unlike developed campgrounds, this site provides an authentic backpacking adventure, immersing you in the raw beauty of one of America's most cherished national treasures. If you're looking to escape the crowds and find solitude amidst nature's grandeur, this secluded gem is a prime destination.

Nestled along the Goshen Prong Trail, Backcountry Camp 23 is renowned for its immediate access to fast-running water, a crucial amenity for any backcountry excursion. As one experienced camper noted, "This was a pretty cool campsite with all the water nearby." Another raved, "Site 23 is wonderful! There is access to fast running water just feet from the camp." This direct water source is invaluable for hydration, cooking, and simply enjoying the soothing sounds of the stream. While some might anticipate a stream teeming with trout, as one review clarified, the focus here is truly on the immersive natural setting rather than a guaranteed fishing haul. The privacy offered by the spread-out tent sites is also a significant draw, allowing campers to feel truly alone with nature, even within a designated camp area. For those who embrace the challenge of a strenuous hike for the reward of untouched beauty, Backcountry Camp 23 is an ideal choice.

Backcountry Camp 23 is situated on the Goshen Prong Trail, within the sprawling and magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA. It's crucial to understand that this is a backcountry campsite, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Camp 23 requires a dedicated hike, making it a destination for experienced backpackers and those prepared for a genuine wilderness trek.

The journey to Backcountry Camp 23 typically begins from trailheads accessible by car within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Goshen Prong Trail is one of several routes that lead to this specific camp. Hikers often park at designated trailhead parking lots, such as those off Little River Road, and then embark on their backpacking adventure. It's important to note that the hike to the site involves significant elevation changes. As one reviewer mentioned, "Hike back out was all uphill which took about an hour and a half longer than the hike down." This highlights the strenuous nature of the return journey, emphasizing the need for proper physical conditioning and preparedness.

Before attempting to reach Backcountry Camp 23, visitors must obtain a backcountry permit, as this is a requirement for all overnight stays in the park's backcountry. Information on permits, trail conditions, and detailed maps can be found on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park official website or by contacting the park's visitor centers. Due to its remote nature, there are no amenities like paved roads, visitor centers, or gift shops directly at the campsite itself. Accessibility is purely on foot, offering a true escape into the heart of the Smokies.

As a primitive backcountry campsite, Backcountry Camp 23 does not offer the extensive services found at developed campgrounds. The philosophy of backcountry camping is to provide a minimalist experience, allowing nature to be the primary provider and requiring campers to be self-sufficient. However, the site does offer essential provisions for safe and responsible wilderness camping:

• Designated Tent Sites: The camp features clearly marked tent sites, some suited for large groups and others offering more privacy for smaller parties. This helps concentrate impact and protect the surrounding environment.
• Fire Rings: Each designated tent site is equipped with a fire ring, allowing campers to safely build campfires for warmth, cooking, and atmosphere, provided fire restrictions are not in place.
• Bear Cables (Food Storage): Crucial for safety in bear country, the site provides bear cables or poles for hanging food and scented items away from bears. This is a non-negotiable safety measure to protect both campers and wildlife.
• Water Access: As highlighted by reviews, there is immediate access to "fast running water just feet from the camp." This is a natural water source (stream) that must be filtered or treated before consumption to ensure safety.
• Backcountry Permit System: While not a direct service at the site, the park's permit system is a critical "service" that manages capacity, maintains safety records for visitors, and funds trail maintenance.

It's important to reiterate that there are no restrooms, showers, potable water spigots, picnic tables beyond the basic fire rings, or trash disposal facilities. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything they pack in, including all trash.

Backcountry Camp 23, despite its primitive nature, boasts several features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive wilderness experience in the Great Smoky Mountains.

• Direct Water Access: A paramount feature, with "fast running water just feet from the camp." This provides easy access for filtering drinking water, cooking, and cooling off tired feet in the refreshing stream.
• Privacy: Unlike many crowded developed campgrounds, the "tent sites are nicely spread out for those that like a little privacy when backpacking," allowing campers to truly feel immersed in nature without being on top of other groups.
• Variety of Site Sizes: The camp offers both larger sites suitable for "large groups with multiple tent sites close together" and "several sites better suited for a couple or small family hiking," catering to different group needs.
• Proximity to Goshen Prong Trail: Being directly on the Goshen Prong Trail means immediate access to scenic hiking opportunities, including continued exploration of the park's diverse ecosystems.
• Secluded Wilderness Experience: This is a prime highlight. The remoteness of Camp 23 ensures a true escape from urban noise and light pollution, offering unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and connecting with nature.
• Bear Safety Measures: The presence of "bear cables" underscores the park's commitment to safety and responsible wildlife management, providing peace of mind for campers in bear territory.
• Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the pristine forests and rugged terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the camp offers breathtaking natural scenery, from lush vegetation to the sounds of the wilderness.
• Opportunities for Wading and Soaking: Reviewers mention a "fork about 1/2 mile from camp good for wading, soaking tired feet, or fishing," adding a recreational element to the stay.

As a designated backcountry campsite within a national park, Backcountry Camp 23 does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. National park fees and backcountry permit fees are typically standardized and set by the National Park Service to cover operational costs, trail maintenance, and conservation efforts. There are no seasonal discounts, loyalty programs, or group rate promotions for individual backcountry sites like you might find at a private campground or hotel.

However, it is worth noting that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does offer various passes that can affect the overall cost of visiting the park, though these do not directly reduce the backcountry permit fee for overnight stays. For instance, the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass provides access to federal lands and waters for a year. While this pass covers entrance fees at many national parks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have an entrance fee. The pass would not reduce the required backcountry permit fee, which is a separate charge for overnight use of designated backcountry campsites. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on permit fees and any park-wide passes or regulations that might apply, it is essential to consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or contact park rangers directly. Always plan and reserve your backcountry permit well in advance, especially during peak hiking seasons.

For all inquiries regarding Backcountry Camp 23, including information on obtaining backcountry permits, trail conditions, safety guidelines, and general park regulations, you should contact the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor services. They are the authoritative source for all information related to backcountry camping within the park.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park General Information: (865) 436-1200
• Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1200 (This is the same general park number)
• Address for general park vicinity (not the campsite itself, as it's backcountry): Goshen Prong Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA. Note: This address refers to the trail system, not a physical office or visitor center for the camp.

It is highly recommended to visit the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on backcountry camping, permit reservations (which are often required well in advance), and crucial safety guidelines before planning your trip to Backcountry Camp 23. Park rangers can also provide invaluable advice on current trail conditions and weather forecasts, which are critical for a safe backcountry experience.

For Tennessee locals, Backcountry Camp 23 offers an invaluable opportunity to engage with the natural heritage of their state in its purest form. While it demands a certain level of preparedness and a willingness to hike, the rewards are immense, making it perfectly suited for residents seeking a genuine wilderness escape.

Firstly, its location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park means locals have convenient access to a world-class natural wonder right in their backyard. This isn't just any campground; it's an immersive experience within one of the most biodiverse and stunning national parks in the country. For those who live in Tennessee, the proximity allows for weekend trips or longer backpacking excursions without the extensive travel often required to reach such pristine environments.

Secondly, the primitive nature of Camp 23 offers a true respite from the everyday. In a world increasingly saturated with digital distractions, this campsite forces a disconnection that many locals crave. The absence of modern amenities and the necessity of self-reliance foster a deeper appreciation for nature and build valuable outdoor skills. The privacy offered by the spread-out tent sites, combined with the sounds of the nearby stream, creates a uniquely tranquil setting that is hard to find in more developed areas.

Finally, for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the challenge of the journey to and from Camp 23 is part of its appeal. It provides a rewarding physical test and a sense of accomplishment. The presence of essential backcountry amenities like fire rings and bear cables demonstrates the park's commitment to safety and environmental preservation, allowing locals to enjoy the wilderness responsibly. For Tennessee residents yearning for an authentic, challenging, and profoundly peaceful backcountry adventure, Backcountry Camp 23 is not just a campsite; it's an invitation to experience the wild heart of the Smoky Mountains.