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Backcountry Camp 54

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Backcountry Camp 54 Overview

Rating

Address Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

Website https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/index.cfm?BCPermitTypeID=1

Hours

Backcountry Camp 54 Location & Map

North CarolinaSwain CountyBryson CityDeep Creek Trail

Backcountry Camp 54 About

Are you a North Carolina adventurer looking to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the heart of nature? Look no further than Backcountry Camp 54, a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque Deep Creek Trail in Bryson City. This primitive campsite offers an authentic wilderness experience, perfect for those who appreciate the tranquility and challenge of backcountry camping in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Backcountry Camp 54 isn't your typical drive-up campground. It's designed for the intrepid explorer, requiring a hike in to reach its secluded embrace. This ensures a peaceful and uncrowded environment, allowing you to fully appreciate the sounds of nature and the beauty of the surrounding forest. If you're seeking a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle, where the stars shine brighter and the air is crisp, Backcountry Camp 54 provides that unparalleled opportunity right here in our own backyard.

Location and Accessibility

Backcountry Camp 54 is strategically located on the Deep Creek Trail in Bryson City, North Carolina. The address, for those planning their adventure, is Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. As a backcountry site within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accessibility requires a bit of effort and preparation, which is precisely what makes it so appealing to wilderness enthusiasts.

To reach Backcountry Camp 54, campers must hike in from the Deep Creek campground. This journey itself is part of the experience, winding through lush forest and alongside the beautiful Deep Creek. It's important to note that, according to past visitor experiences, the trail leading directly into the site, particularly the last quarter-mile, can be quite overgrown. This necessitates careful navigation and an awareness of your surroundings, especially regarding natural elements like ticks. Planning your hike with appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear and long pants, is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable and safe journey to your secluded campsite.

While the location offers immense natural beauty and solitude, it's crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is a true backcountry experience. There are no paved roads leading directly to the site, and all supplies, including water beyond what can be filtered from the creek, must be carried in. This commitment to a more rugged form of camping is precisely what draws many North Carolinians to Backcountry Camp 54, offering a profound sense of accomplishment and immersion in the wild.

Services Offered

  • Primitive Campsites: Backcountry Camp 54 offers designated, primitive camping spots. These are not developed sites with amenities like picnic tables or fire rings.
  • Water Access: While there isn't potable water on-site, the creek is easily accessible for water collection, which must be filtered or treated before consumption.
  • Secluded Experience: The primary "service" offered is an undisturbed and genuine wilderness camping experience, away from crowds.
  • Natural Surroundings: Enjoy direct access to the natural beauty of the Deep Creek area and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Features / Highlights

  • Authentic Backcountry Experience: This camp is ideal for those seeking a truly rustic and undeveloped camping environment, offering a deep connection with nature.
  • Proximity to Deep Creek: The stunning Deep Creek is a major highlight, providing easy access for water, scenic views, and the soothing sounds of flowing water.
  • Designated Tent Spots: Despite its primitive nature, the site offers at least two distinct spots suitable for tents – one for a 3-person tent and another for a 1-2 person tent.
  • Hiking Access: Directly located on the Deep Creek Trail, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding hiking trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being deep in the backcountry, campers have a higher chance of observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a primitive backcountry campsite within a national park, Backcountry Camp 54 does not typically offer traditional promotions or special offers in the same way a commercial campground might. Permits are required for backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and these are obtained through the park's official reservation system. The "offer" here lies in the unique opportunity to experience an unadulterated wilderness escape at a very reasonable permit fee, allowing access to one of North Carolina's most cherished natural treasures. The value is found in the solitude, the pristine environment, and the personal challenge and reward of a true backcountry adventure.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on permit fees and any potential reservation-related specifics, it is always recommended to consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or contact their visitor services directly. Any "special offer" would be a rare and publicly announced initiative by the National Park Service itself, focusing on conservation or access, rather than promotional discounts.

Contact Information

As a backcountry campsite without an on-site office or direct phone line, the primary method for inquiries and reservations for Backcountry Camp 54 is through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official channels. Please refer to the following for contact and address details:

Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

For general inquiries about backcountry camping, permits, trail conditions, or specific questions about Backcountry Camp 54, it is best to contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park directly. Their official website provides comprehensive information, and they typically have a main visitor information line. While a specific phone number for "Backcountry Camp 54" doesn't exist, you can reach out to the park's general information number or backcountry permit office. Historically, this information has been available through the National Park Service website for the Great Smoky Mountains. Always check the official park website for the most current contact details and reservation procedures before planning your trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolinians, Backcountry Camp 54 offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of our state's natural heritage. Unlike more developed campgrounds, this site provides a genuine escape into the wilderness, fostering a deeper connection with the environment that is increasingly rare to find. It's perfect for those seeking solitude, a personal challenge, and the chance to witness the Great Smoky Mountains in their most pristine form. The relative proximity to many parts of North Carolina makes it an accessible yet profoundly rewarding adventure right in our own backyard.

This campsite is particularly suitable for local residents who are seasoned hikers and campers, or those aspiring to become so, as it demands self-sufficiency and respect for nature. The effort required to hike in means you're sharing the space with like-minded individuals who appreciate leaving no trace and preserving the environment. Backcountry Camp 54 isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to embrace the tranquility of the forest, listen to the creek, and marvel at the night sky unmarred by city lights. It’s an authentic North Carolina wilderness experience, offering a refreshing contrast to our daily lives and reminding us of the incredible natural resources we have right here at home.

Customer Reviews

4.0
1 reviews
K
Kelly Caufield
Jun 25, 2021

We hiked in from Deep Creek campground to stay here June 17th 2021. The trail is pretty overgrown the last fourth of a mile or so that leads into this site, so be sure to check yourself/gear for ticks. The creek is gorgeous and easy to cross/fill up on water. There’s one spot for a 3 person tent, and one for a 1-2 person tent. The other potential spot was overgrown and someone left a dirty diaper behind…also noticed wipes or TP scattered around the site and hanging in the bushes. There was a jar of something I found near our tent too. Don’t come to the back country (or into nature period) if you don’t plan on packing out your trash or taking the park rules seriously.