Backcountry Camp 51

For experienced hikers and intrepid wilderness enthusiasts across North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly immerse oneself in nature. Among its many designated backcountry campsites is Backcountry Camp 51, a location known for its unique characteristics and the authentic challenges it presents. Unlike developed campgrounds with amenities, Backcountry Camp 51 is a primitive site designed for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience as part of a multi-day hiking adventure.

This campsite is not for the faint of heart or for those accustomed to the conveniences of car camping. It’s a true backcountry site, meaning you hike in with all your gear and hike out. Reviews from past campers highlight some of its distinctive features. For instance, the terrain at Camp 51 is notably sloped, making it challenging to find perfectly level spots for traditional tent camping. As one camper noted, "The campsite is on a slope and tent sites that are level, not rocky or rooty, and not under a 'widow maker' tree are almost nonexistent." This characteristic has led some experienced users to strongly recommend "hammocking rather than tenting" to achieve a more comfortable night's rest.

While the ground might be challenging for tents, the overall area is often described as "lovely," contributing to a greater "variety in hiking plans." This camp serves a specific purpose for long-distance hikers, offering a designated overnight stop within the vast expanse of the national park. It's a testament to the rugged beauty of the Smokies and the rewarding nature of a truly primitive camping experience for those who are well-prepared and understand its unique demands. It's important for North Carolina locals considering this site to go into it with a full understanding of these conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Backcountry Camp 51 is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically along the Deeplow Gap Trail, near Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. This location signifies its status as a true wilderness site, accessible only by foot after a significant hike. For North Carolina residents planning a backcountry excursion, understanding its remote nature is paramount.

Accessing Backcountry Camp 51 requires careful planning and a good understanding of the park's trail system. Hikers typically begin their journey from various trailheads within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with routes leading to Deeplow Gap Trail. Popular access points might involve starting from areas closer to Bryson City, though the specific trail chosen will depend on your planned itinerary and hiking distance. It is crucial to consult official Great Smoky Mountains National Park maps and trail guides before attempting to reach this campsite.

The accessibility of this site is inherently tied to its remote, backcountry nature. There are no roads leading directly to it, and no amenities are available within the vicinity. This is what defines a true wilderness camping experience. For North Carolinians who relish the challenge of a strenuous hike followed by a night under the stars in an untouched environment, this location is ideal. However, it requires self-sufficiency and a high level of preparedness. Being in Bryson City's general area also means that once you exit the backcountry, you're near a charming mountain town offering supplies, dining, and other conveniences, providing a comfortable transition back to civilization after your wilderness adventure.

Services Offered:

• Designated backcountry campsite: Offers a legal and permitted place to camp overnight in the wilderness.
• Limited, primitive tent sites: Small clearings are available for tent setup, though terrain is often sloped.
• Proximity to hiking trails: Located directly on or near established hiking paths within the national park.
• Bear-resistant food storage: May include cable systems for hanging food or metal lockers, though availability should be confirmed with park rangers. (Note: While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, this is standard for GRSM backcountry sites).

Features / Highlights:

• True wilderness experience: Provides an authentic, primitive camping opportunity deep within the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Seclusion and tranquility: Offers an escape from crowded frontcountry campgrounds, allowing for a deep connection with nature.
• Part of diverse hiking itineraries: Serves as a strategic overnight stop for multi-day backpacking trips, offering flexibility in route planning.
• Challenging terrain: The sloped ground can be a highlight for experienced campers seeking a less manicured experience and provides a learning opportunity for adapting to natural landscapes.
• Ideal for hammock camping: Strongly recommended by past users due to the sloped terrain and presence of trees suitable for hanging hammocks.
• Opportunity for self-reliance: Requires campers to carry in all necessities, enhancing the sense of accomplishment and wilderness skill development.
• Potential for wildlife viewing: Being deep in the backcountry increases chances of observing native wildlife in their natural habitat.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 51 does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Camping here requires a permit issued by the National Park Service, and the associated fees are standardized across all backcountry sites. The "cost of a permit at the Great Smoky Mountains" is a fixed fee per person per night, intended to help maintain the backcountry facilities and manage the impact of visitors.

Therefore, instead of discounts or seasonal deals, the "offer" here is the consistent opportunity to experience:

• Standardized Permit Fees: The cost is consistent and transparent, ensuring fair access for all permit holders. While one reviewer expressed that the cost felt disproportionate to the site's condition ("For the cost of a permit at the Great Smoky Mountains, this is a joke. Too expensive for what you get."), it's important to understand that these fees contribute to the broader park maintenance and safety efforts across the entire backcountry system, not just an individual site's amenities.
• Availability through the National Park Service Reservation System: The primary "promotion" is the ability to reserve this specific, sought-after backcountry spot, which can be limited. Securing a permit ensures a legal and planned wilderness experience.
• Access to the National Park Backcountry: The "offer" is essentially the gateway to hundreds of miles of trails and the pristine wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains, which the permit system helps to preserve.

Campers interested in Backcountry Camp 51 should visit the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or recreation.gov to understand the current permit fees, reservation process, and any specific regulations. There are no "specials" beyond the consistent fee structure designed to support the park's conservation and visitor management efforts.

Contact Information:

Backcountry Camp 51

Address: Deeplow Gap Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

(Note: This is a wilderness campsite. Direct phone contact for the specific campsite is not available. For inquiries regarding permits, regulations, or trail conditions, contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office or visit the official park website. Park Phone: (865) 436-1200 - general information, then ask for backcountry office or visit their online resources.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolina's robust community of experienced hikers and wilderness campers, Backcountry Camp 51 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park represents a significant and suitable challenge. While it clearly differs from traditional, amenity-rich campgrounds, its very nature makes it appealing to a specific local demographic.

Firstly, its location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, easily accessible from various parts of Western North Carolina, positions it as an ideal local wilderness destination. For those who train regularly on North Carolina's trails, this offers a natural progression to more remote and demanding environments without extensive travel. It allows for multi-day expeditions right in their backyard, fostering a deeper connection with their home state's iconic natural landscapes.

Secondly, the "challenging" aspects, such as the sloped terrain and the need for self-sufficiency, are precisely what seasoned North Carolina backpackers often seek. It's an opportunity to test skills, adapt to genuine wilderness conditions, and prove resilience. For locals who are active in hiking clubs or regularly tackle difficult trails, Camp 51 provides a rewarding objective. The recommendation for "hammocking rather than tenting" also speaks to a growing trend among backpackers, and a site that implicitly encourages this alternative offers a unique draw for those with the right gear.

Lastly, its role in providing "more variety in hiking plans" is crucial for locals who frequently explore the Great Smoky Mountains. As an established point on the backcountry trail system, it allows for the creation of diverse loop hikes and thru-hikes, preventing monotony and opening up new exploration opportunities within a familiar park. While acknowledging the primitive nature and the cost of the permit, for North Carolinians who prioritize authentic wilderness immersion, self-reliance, and challenging themselves in one of the East Coast's most stunning natural areas, Backcountry Camp 51 is a suitable and rewarding destination that contributes significantly to their outdoor adventures. It's a place for those who truly embrace the wild.