Backcountry Camp 24

Hello, fellow Tennesseans! Are you yearning to truly disconnect and immerse yourselves in the raw, untamed beauty of our magnificent Great Smoky Mountains? While many think of campgrounds as having paved roads and amenities, there’s a special kind of experience waiting for those willing to venture deeper: backcountry camping. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Backcountry Camp 24, a prime example of an authentic wilderness escape located right here in Gatlinburg, TN. If you're an experienced hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking to trade the buzz of everyday life for the tranquil hum of the forest and the roar of a river, then Camp 24 offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the heart of the Smokies. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's an adventure into the wild that promises solitude and unforgettable natural beauty.

Backcountry Camp 24 is nestled deep within the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, representing a true primitive camping experience. It’s designed for those who embrace self-sufficiency and cherish the solitude that only a remote campsite can offer. Unlike developed campgrounds, you won't find bathhouses or convenience stores here. Instead, you'll discover the rugged charm of nature, with essential provisions for safe wilderness camping. This site is known for its serene setting alongside the Little River, providing the soothing sound of rushing water that many campers find incredibly peaceful.

Based on firsthand accounts from those who have ventured to Camp 24, it offers several distinct sites within its designated area, providing options for finding the perfect spot. While it requires a steady uphill hike to reach, the reward is a tranquil environment where deer might wander through your camp, and the natural world becomes your primary companion. It’s a place where the ground, though prone to some mud after rain, is generally solid and level in key areas, suitable for pitching tents or even hanging hammocks among the trees. This camp truly embodies the spirit of backcountry adventure, inviting experienced campers to embrace the challenges and rewards of a genuine wilderness stay.

Backcountry Camp 24 is strategically located off the Little River Trail in Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA, placing it deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is not a roadside campground. Accessibility to Camp 24 requires a significant and sustained effort, making it suitable for experienced hikers and backpackers rather than casual car campers.

To reach Camp 24, adventurers must embark on a "steady uphill hike all the way in" along the Little River Trail. This means packing light and being prepared for a strenuous trek. The trail itself follows the scenic Little River, offering beautiful views and sounds of rushing water throughout the journey. While the hike in is uphill, this translates to an "easy hike back out," a welcome prospect after a refreshing night in the wilderness.

The trailhead for Little River Trail is accessible from the Gatlinburg area, specifically from the Elkmont section of the park. From downtown Gatlinburg, visitors would typically take US-441 South (Parkway) into the national park, then turn onto Little River Road, which leads to the Elkmont area. From there, the Little River Trailhead marks the beginning of the hike to Camp 24. It’s important to note that backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and these must be obtained in advance. Due to its remote nature, there are no direct vehicle access points to the campsite itself. The journey to Backcountry Camp 24 is an integral part of the experience, offering a true immersion into the untouched beauty and solitude of the Tennessee wilderness.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 24 offers only essential, fundamental services designed to support primitive wilderness camping. Unlike developed campgrounds, you won't find amenities like flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, or direct water hookups. The services provided are geared towards safety and minimal impact on the natural environment.

• Designated Campsites: The camp features a few established, relatively level sites within its boundaries for pitching tents. These sites are intended to minimize human impact on the surrounding wilderness.
• Bear Cables: Crucially important for safety in bear country, bear cables are provided at the campsite. These are elevated cables or poles used for hanging food and scented items out of reach of bears and other wildlife. Campers are responsible for bringing their own bags to hang their food.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are present at the campsites, allowing for controlled campfires. However, campers should be prepared for potentially limited availability of good, dry firewood in the immediate vicinity, as noted by past visitors. It is always advisable to practice Leave No Trace principles regarding firewood.
• Access to Natural Water Source: The camp is located approximately a 50-foot walk from the Little River. While the river provides a natural water source, it is imperative for campers to filter, boil, or chemically treat all water from natural sources before consumption to ensure safety.
• Backcountry Permit System: While not a direct "service" at the campsite, the National Park Service manages a permit system for all backcountry camping. Obtaining a permit is a mandatory service and provides important information and safety guidelines.

Campers visiting Backcountry Camp 24 must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all necessary gear, food, water purification methods, and waste disposal supplies (pack it in, pack it out). The beauty of this camp lies in its raw, undeveloped nature and the pure wilderness experience it offers.

Backcountry Camp 24, while primitive, offers a set of unique features and highlights that appeal specifically to those seeking an authentic wilderness experience in the Great Smoky Mountains. These are the elements that truly define its character and make it a memorable destination.

• True Wilderness Immersion: This is not a "glamping" site or a crowded campground. It offers a genuine backcountry experience, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment, away from the sounds and lights of developed areas.
• Riverside Serenity: A significant highlight is its proximity to the Little River, with campsites often just a 50-foot walk from the water. The "roaring river lulled us to sleep" experience is a consistent draw, providing a soothing natural soundtrack for your stay.
• Multiple Site Options: Within the designated Camp 24 area, there are "a few sites to choose from," offering flexibility to find a spot that best suits your group size or preference for privacy, with some offering "plenty of level ground."
• Bear Safety Provisions: The presence of essential bear cables ensures that campers can properly hang their food and scented items, significantly enhancing safety in bear country and promoting responsible wildlife interaction.
• Hammock-Friendly Trees: For those who prefer sleeping under the stars in a hammock, the presence of "Couple of good hammock trees" is a specific and welcome highlight.
• Natural Seating: Large logs around the fire rings provide convenient and rustic seating options, enhancing the traditional campfire experience.
• Wildlife Encounters: The opportunity for natural wildlife sightings, such as deer passing through the camp, adds to the authentic wilderness experience.
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The "steady uphill hike all the way in" to Camp 24, while strenuous, is also a highlight for experienced hikers, signifying a true achievement and leading to a more secluded camping experience. The "easy hike back out" is an added bonus.

These features collectively define Backcountry Camp 24 as a destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the raw beauty and challenging rewards of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It's important to clarify that Backcountry Camp 24, as a designated primitive campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense that a private campground or resort might. National Park Service (NPS) backcountry campsites operate on a permit and reservation system, and their fees are typically standardized.

The "offer" here is access to a pristine wilderness experience at a minimal cost, managed by the park service for conservation and public enjoyment. There are no seasonal discounts, package deals, or loyalty programs associated with these types of sites.

However, it's crucial to understand the requirements and potential costs involved:

• Backcountry Permit Fee: All overnight stays in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry, including at Camp 24, require a permit. There is usually a nominal per-person, per-night fee associated with these permits. This fee goes directly towards the maintenance of trails, campsites, and the overall management of the backcountry resource.
• Advance Reservations: While not a promotion, the opportunity to reserve a specific backcountry site like Camp 24 in advance is a valuable service provided by the NPS, especially during peak seasons when popular sites can fill up quickly. This ensures your spot for your planned wilderness adventure.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on permit fees and the reservation process for Backcountry Camp 24, visitors should consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or contact the park directly. This ensures compliance with park regulations and a smooth wilderness experience.

For detailed information regarding Backcountry Camp 24, including backcountry permits, reservations, trail conditions, and regulations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most reliable source is the National Park Service directly.

• Address: Little River Trl, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA (Note: This is the general area for the trailhead and not a physical office at the campsite).
• Phone: (865) 436-1297 (This is the general park information number for Great Smoky Mountains National Park).
• Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297

When calling, specify that you are inquiring about "backcountry camping, specifically Backcountry Camp 24," as the park handles a wide range of visitor services. For permit reservations, it's best to use the official National Park Service online backcountry reservation system, as phone reservations might have limitations.

For us Tennesseans, Backcountry Camp 24 offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly experience the heart of our state's most iconic natural treasure: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While it demands a certain level of preparedness and physical exertion, its suitability for locals lies precisely in its raw, authentic wilderness appeal and its accessibility for those seeking a genuine escape.

Firstly, its location within the Great Smoky Mountains, a relatively short drive for many across East and Middle Tennessee, makes it a prime candidate for a weekend backpacking trip or a longer wilderness immersion without requiring extensive travel out of state. We know and appreciate the beauty of our mountains, and Camp 24 allows us to delve into that beauty in its purest form, away from the more crowded tourist spots.

Secondly, for locals who are experienced hikers, backpackers, or those looking to expand their outdoor skills, Camp 24 provides the perfect proving ground. The "steady uphill hike all the way in" is a challenge that many Tennessee outdoor enthusiasts embrace, knowing that the reward is solitude and a truly unadulterated natural environment. The presence of bear cables and designated fire rings, while basic, represents the essential infrastructure for safe and responsible backcountry camping, allowing experienced campers to focus on enjoying nature.

Finally, the highlights like the "roaring river lulled us to sleep," the chance to see deer, and the presence of hammock-friendly trees speak to the deep connection with nature that many Tennesseans cherish. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of the forest, and reconnect with the wild beauty that defines our state. While the sweat bees might be a minor annoyance for some, they are a small price to pay for the profound peace and immersive experience that Backcountry Camp 24 provides. For those of us living here who truly love the outdoors, Camp 24 isn't just a campsite; it's an accessible portal to an authentic Smoky Mountain adventure right in our own backyard.