Backcountry Camp 58

- Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713

For North Carolinians yearning for an authentic wilderness adventure where privacy and the raw beauty of nature take center stage, Backcountry Camp 58 on the Deep Creek Trail near Bryson City, NC, is an exceptional destination. This isn't a bustling car campground with rows of RVs; rather, it's a designated backcountry site within the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically designed for hikers and backpackers seeking solitude and a genuine escape from the everyday.

Bryson City, nestled at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, serves as a charming and convenient gateway for countless outdoor pursuits. Within this iconic park, backcountry camps like Camp 58 offer a crucial opportunity for overnight stays deep within the wilderness, adhering strictly to "Leave No Trace" principles. These sites allow visitors to immerse themselves fully in the natural environment, fostering a deeper connection with the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and tranquil sounds of the Smokies, far from the distractions of modern life.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Backcountry Camp 58, drawing upon available public information, including valuable insights from those who have experienced it firsthand. We will explore its precise location and accessibility via the Deep Creek Trail, detail the essential services likely offered, and highlight its key features, particularly its generous space. Our goal is to equip prospective campers from North Carolina with all the necessary information to confidently plan a rewarding and responsible backcountry trip to this serene location, understanding that a primitive setting requires thorough preparation and a strong appreciation for nature's simplicity.

The essence of Backcountry Camp 58 lies in its commitment to providing an unspoiled and uncrowded wilderness experience. It promises ample space, privacy, and direct access to the renowned Deep Creek Trail, making it an ideal choice for groups or individuals who prioritize tranquility and self-reliance in the heart of North Carolina's premier national park.

Backcountry Camp 58 is located on the Deep Creek Trail, near Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. This places it directly within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering unparalleled access to one of the most visited and ecologically diverse national parks in the United States. Bryson City, a charming mountain town, serves as the nearest hub for supplies, parking, and information before embarking on your backcountry journey.

As a designated "backcountry camp," accessibility to Camp 58 is exclusively by foot. Campers must hike along the Deep Creek Trail to reach this site. The Deep Creek area itself is a popular starting point for hikers, known for its scenic waterfalls (like Juney Whank, Indian Creek, and Tom Branch Falls), and its network of trails suitable for hiking, tubing, and even some biking. This means the journey to Camp 58 is an integral part of the adventure, allowing for scenic views and exploration even before reaching the campsite.

According to information from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 58 is known as "Nicks Nest Branch" and sits at an elevation of 2360 feet. It is located further along the Deep Creek Trail from other sites like Camp 57 and Camp 59, suggesting a progressively more remote experience as you hike further in. The trail itself follows Deep Creek for much of its length, crossing it multiple times, and while generally considered moderately challenging, it offers beautiful woodlands and is a popular route for backpackers.

The remoteness implied by its backcountry status means there is no vehicle access directly to the campsite. Visitors will need to park at the Deep Creek trailhead and carry all their gear. This commitment to hiking in ensures a more authentic wilderness experience, appealing to those who prefer solitude over convenience. For North Carolinians looking for a truly immersive and hike-in camping adventure within a pristine national park, the location and accessibility of Backcountry Camp 58 make it an excellent choice.

As a primitive backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 58 offers a very limited set of services. The emphasis here is on self-sufficiency and adhering strictly to "Leave No Trace" principles, meaning campers must be prepared to bring in everything they need and pack out everything they bring. Modern amenities commonly found in developed campgrounds are absent.

Based on the nature of backcountry sites and the provided review ("Plenty of room for up to 3-4 tents."), the following "services" are explicitly or implicitly available:

• Designated Campsite Area: The primary "service" is a designated, permitted space for overnight camping. While not explicitly stated for Camp 58, other backcountry sites in the Smokies, and the nature of "campsite," typically imply a cleared, relatively flat area suitable for pitching tents. The review confirms "Plenty of room for up to 3-4 tents," indicating a spacious individual site.
• Fire Pit (Likely): While not directly mentioned for Camp 58, most backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including nearby Camp 57, typically feature a designated fire ring. This allows for contained campfires, a crucial service for cooking, warmth, and ambiance in the wilderness, provided that fire restrictions are not in place and local regulations are followed. Campers should only use dead and downed wood collected from the ground within the park.
• Access to Natural Water Source: Backcountry camps are almost always located near a natural water source, such as a creek or spring. Deep Creek runs along the trail to Camp 58, indicating a water source. However, this water is untreated and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. There are no spigots or potable water pumps.

What is explicitly not offered or should not be expected at Backcountry Camp 58:

• No Potable (Treated) Water.
• No Developed Restrooms: Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, burying it in a cathole at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• No Showers or Bathrooms: There are no facilities for personal hygiene beyond what campers bring themselves.
• No Picnic Tables or Bear Boxes: Campers are responsible for their own food preparation surfaces and must use bear-resistant food storage (e.g., bear canisters or proper bear bag hanging techniques) to protect their food and scented items from wildlife.
• No Electricity or Wi-Fi: The camp is completely off-grid, requiring campers to manage their own power needs for devices.
• No Trash Receptacles: All trash must be packed out by the camper, leaving no trace.
• No On-Site Staff: There are no park rangers or campground hosts stationed directly at the backcountry site.

In essence, the "services" at Backcountry Camp 58 are limited to a designated space within the wilderness, appealing to those who are fully prepared for a self-sufficient outdoor experience.

Backcountry Camp 58, while primitive, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive option for North Carolinians seeking a profound wilderness experience in the Great Smoky Mountains:

• Ample Space for Tents: The most notable feature, directly highlighted by a reviewer, is that there's "Plenty of room for up to 3-4 tents." This is a significant advantage for groups of friends or families backpacking together, ensuring comfortable tent placement without feeling cramped. This generosity of space contributes greatly to the overall sense of privacy and seclusion.
• True Wilderness Seclusion: As a backcountry campsite, Camp 58 inherently offers a high degree of solitude, far from the crowds of frontcountry campgrounds. This allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural sounds and quietude of the Great Smoky Mountains, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
• Access to Deep Creek Trail: Its location on the Deep Creek Trail means immediate access to a scenic and popular hiking route. This trail is known for its beautiful waterfalls, diverse forests, and opportunities for further exploration, including connecting to other trails within the park. The journey to the camp itself is part of the highlight.
• Fire Pit Potential: While not explicitly stated for Camp 58 specifically, backcountry campsites in the Smokies, like nearby Camp 57, typically include a designated fire pit. This allows for controlled campfires (when conditions permit), adding warmth, a cooking option, and the classic ambiance of a wilderness camp under the stars.
• Immersive Natural Environment: Being deep within the national park, campers are surrounded by pristine natural beauty, including the sounds of the creek, lush forests, and the potential for wildlife sightings. This is the essence of a backcountry experience and a major draw for nature lovers.
• Ideal for Group Backcountry Adventures: The "plenty of room" feature makes Camp 58 particularly well-suited for small groups (within park limits) who want to undertake a backpacking trip together while maintaining a comfortable and spacious camping setup.

These features collectively cater to those who prioritize privacy, spaciousness, and an authentic, self-reliant wilderness adventure, making Backcountry Camp 58 a top contender for those truly looking to unplug in the heart of the Smokies.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 58 does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense, such as discounts, loyalty programs, or seasonal sales that a private campground might provide. Backcountry camping in national parks operates under a specific permit and fee system managed by the National Park Service (NPS).

Any costs associated with staying at Backcountry Camp 58 involve:

• Backcountry Permit Fee: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires permits for all backcountry overnight stays. There is a fee of $8 per person, per night, with a maximum of $40 per person per permit (for up to 8 days/7 nights). This fee is standard and is not subject to typical promotional discounts.
• Parking Tag: As of March 1, 2023, a parking tag is required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes anywhere within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These tags cost $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annually. While not a direct campground fee, it's a necessary cost for accessing the trailhead to Camp 58.

While there are no specific promotions for Backcountry Camp 58, North Carolinians who possess certain federal passes may qualify for benefits applicable to other federal recreation sites. For example, America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series (including Annual, Senior, Access, Military Passes) generally provide discounts on entrance fees at some parks, but the backcountry permit fees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are usually flat and apply per person or per group. It is essential to confirm the current permit requirements and fees directly with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or through the official Recreation.gov website.

Therefore, for North Carolina locals, the "special offer" of Backcountry Camp 58 is its inherent value as a secluded, spacious, and highly regarded primitive campsite within a world-renowned national park, accessed through a straightforward permit system. The value is in the unparalleled wilderness experience itself, not in monetary discounts.

As a backcountry campsite located within the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 58 does not have its own direct phone number or dedicated contact office. All inquiries and permit reservations for backcountry camping in the park are centrally managed by the National Park Service.

Campground Address (General Area):
Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

For detailed information, permit requirements, current trail conditions, water source updates, and to make reservations for Backcountry Camp 58, North Carolina residents should contact or utilize the official resources for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park General Information Line: (865) 436-1200
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office: (865) 436-1297 (This is the most relevant contact for specific questions about backcountry campsites, permits, regulations, and conditions.)
• Official Online Reservation System: All backcountry permits for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are reserved through Recreation.gov. This is the primary and highly recommended method for securing your spot at Backcountry Camp 58.
• Park Headquarters Address (for official correspondence, not a direct camp contact):
  107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
• Visitor Centers (Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee/Bryson City): These centers can provide in-person assistance, maps, and up-to-date information upon arrival. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located at 1194 Newfound Gap Highway, Cherokee, NC 28719.

It is strongly advised for any North Carolina local planning a trip to Backcountry Camp 58 to thoroughly research the park's backcountry regulations, obtain the necessary permits and parking tags, and make reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Checking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website and Recreation.gov are essential steps for a safe and successful wilderness trip.

For North Carolinians with a deep appreciation for untouched nature and a yearning for genuine solitude, Backcountry Camp 58 on the Deep Creek Trail near Bryson City offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching experience. This campsite is not merely a place to sleep; it’s an invitation to fully immerse oneself in the majestic wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a treasure right in our own backyard.

Its primary suitability lies in the unparalleled privacy it affords. The generous "plenty of room for up to 3-4 tents" ensures that even group campers can spread out and enjoy a sense of individual space, a rare luxury in many campgrounds. This ample room, combined with its backcountry location, guarantees a profound quietude, allowing local visitors to truly disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the forest and the soothing sounds of Deep Creek.

Furthermore, Backcountry Camp 58 serves as an ideal base for exploring the renowned Deep Creek Trail system. This means that exciting hiking adventures, leading to picturesque waterfalls and through lush forests, begin directly from your campsite. For North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts, this direct trail access maximizes time spent exploring and minimizes travel, making it an efficient and highly rewarding choice for multi-day backpacking trips.

While the primitive nature of the camp requires self-sufficiency—no modern amenities, and the need for proper water purification and bear-resistant food storage—these very aspects contribute to the authenticity and reward of the experience. For those prepared to embrace the challenges of true wilderness camping, Camp 58 offers a chance to hone essential backcountry skills and truly test one's connection to nature. It’s a place where the stars shine brighter, the air feels cleaner, and the sense of accomplishment after a day of hiking and a night under the open sky is deeply satisfying. For North Carolinians who crave a secluded, spacious, and genuinely wild camping adventure, Backcountry Camp 58 is an outstanding choice that promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Smokies.

Backcountry Camp 58

Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA