Backcountry Camp 63

- Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713

For North Carolina's avid hikers, wilderness enthusiasts, and those truly seeking to disconnect, Backcountry Camp 63 on the Noland Creek Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with amenities like full hookups or bathhouses; instead, it provides a raw, authentic backcountry camping experience, where the sounds of the Noland Creek and the majesty of the surrounding forest are your primary companions.

Backcountry Camp 63 is one of several designated campsites along the historic Noland Creek Trail, a wide, old roadbed that winds alongside the beautiful Noland Creek. It’s a place where you embrace self-sufficiency, carry in what you need, and carry out everything you bring, leaving no trace behind. This type of camping is perfect for North Carolinians who crave true solitude, a deep connection with nature, and the challenge of a rewarding hike.

Visitors describe the Noland Creek Trail as an easy-to-moderate hike, suitable for families and ideal for those who enjoy the sounds of a rushing mountain stream. While specific reviews for Camp 63 are sparse (reflecting its backcountry nature), hikers who have passed through or stayed nearby praise the overall beauty of Noland Creek and its surrounding rhododendron-filled forests. If you're ready to trade the comforts of a developed campground for the profound quiet and pristine beauty of the Smokies' interior, Backcountry Camp 63 could be your next unforgettable adventure.

Backcountry Camp 63 is located along the Noland Creek Trail, near Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. It is situated deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means accessibility is primarily on foot (or horseback, as the trail is shared). This is a crucial distinction from drive-in campgrounds, as reaching Backcountry Camp 63 requires planning and a commitment to backpacking.

The trailhead for Noland Creek Trail is conveniently located just a few miles outside Bryson City, NC. To get there from downtown Bryson City, you typically take Everett Street across the railroad tracks and continue west, following signs for Lakeview Drive, often colloquially known as "The Road to Nowhere." The trailhead is usually found at a large parking area on the left, just before a bridge over Noland Creek on Lakeview Drive. If you reach the Road to Nowhere tunnel, you have gone too far.

Once at the trailhead, Backcountry Camp 63 is approximately 5.2 to 5.5 miles upstream along the Noland Creek Trail. The trail itself is an old roadbed, generally wide and well-maintained, with a "gentle grade," making it an "easy to moderate" hike. You'll pass under the Lakeview Drive bridge and cross Noland Creek multiple times via well-maintained bridges. Along the way, you'll encounter historical remnants of old farmsteads, adding a layer of historical interest to your journey. Some sections of the trail may become rougher or muddier, especially after rain, and involve "wet crossings" over the creek, so appropriate footwear is essential.

It's important to note that cell phone signal is often limited or non-existent in this backcountry area, encouraging a true unplugged experience. Access to this part of the park is convenient from Bryson City, making it a viable backpacking destination for North Carolina residents who are prepared for a wilderness trek rather than a roadside stop.

Backcountry Camp 63, as a designated site within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, operates under strict wilderness camping principles. Unlike developed campgrounds, it offers very limited services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and minimal impact. It's crucial for campers to understand these limitations and prepare accordingly.

• Designated Campsite: Backcountry Camp 63 is a recognized and maintained campsite by the National Park Service (NPS). This means it's a legal and appropriate place to camp overnight in the backcountry.
• Bear Cable/Food Storage: Backcountry sites, including Camp 63, are equipped with bear cables or food storage poles. These are essential for hanging food, trash, and scented items to protect them from bears and other wildlife. This is a critical safety feature.
• Picnic Table (Possible): While not universally guaranteed at all backcountry sites, some larger ones, like Camp 64 nearby, are noted to have picnic tables. It's advisable to be prepared to set up camp without one, but it may be a pleasant surprise.
• Access to Water Source (Noland Creek): The campsite is located near Noland Creek, which serves as a water source. However, all water from the creek must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as it is not potable.
• Primitive Toilets (Potential): Some backcountry sites may have a very basic, primitive pit toilet, but this is not guaranteed for every site, and campers should be prepared for Leave No Trace waste disposal.
• No Developed Facilities: There are no flush toilets, showers, electricity, Wi-Fi, or trash receptacles at Backcountry Camp 63. All waste, including human waste (properly buried) and trash, must be packed out.
• Permit Required: An essential "service" is the requirement to obtain a backcountry camping permit and make a reservation through the National Park Service in advance. This ensures proper management of visitor impact and safety. There is a fee for these permits.

Camping at Backcountry Camp 63 is about embracing a minimalist approach and relying on your own gear and skills for a true wilderness experience. Preparedness is key.

• True Wilderness Immersion: Backcountry Camp 63 offers an authentic wilderness camping experience deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's ideal for North Carolina locals seeking genuine solitude and an escape from developed areas, with minimal light and noise pollution.
• Riverside Serenity: Located along the Noland Creek Trail, the campsite provides access to the beautiful Noland Creek. The soothing sounds of the rushing water are a constant companion, perfect for relaxation and a natural ambiance. The creek is also known for its population of Rainbow and Brown Trout, making it an excellent spot for fly fishing enthusiasts.
• Historic Trail Exploration: The Noland Creek Trail itself is a highlight, being an old roadbed that is relatively wide and well-maintained. It passes by remnants of old farmsteads and communities like Solola Valley, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being in the backcountry increases your chances of spotting local wildlife, including deer, various bird species, and potentially even bears (emphasizing the need for proper food storage).
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky over Backcountry Camp 63 can be incredibly dark, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing.
• Challenging Yet Accessible Hiking: The trail to Camp 63 is described as easy to moderate, making it accessible to a wider range of hikers compared to more strenuous backcountry routes. It's a 5.2 to 5.5-mile hike from the trailhead, offering a rewarding journey without being overly demanding.
• Essential Bear Safety Provisions: The campsite is equipped with bear cables or poles for hanging food and scented items, a critical safety feature that allows campers to safely store their provisions away from wildlife.
• Unplugged Experience: Due to limited to no cell phone signal, Backcountry Camp 63 provides a forced digital detox, encouraging campers to fully disconnect and appreciate their natural surroundings.

Backcountry Camp 63, as a designated wilderness campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its pricing and availability are governed by the National Park Service (NPS) and are consistent across all designated backcountry sites within the park. The "value" offered is the unique, protected wilderness experience itself.

However, it's essential for North Carolina residents planning a trip to understand the required fees and reservation system:

• Permit Fee: All overnight stays in the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park require a permit and reservation. There is a fee of $8 per person, per night, with a maximum charge of $40 per person for longer trips. This fee contributes to the maintenance and management of the backcountry system.
• Reservation System: Reservations for backcountry campsites can be made up to 30 days in advance (though some sources suggest up to 5 months) through the NPS backcountry permit website. This system ensures availability and helps manage visitor impact on the fragile wilderness. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
• Parking Tag Requirement: In addition to the backcountry permit, a valid parking tag is required for any vehicle parked within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes. This is a separate fee ($5 for daily, $15 for weekly, $40 for annual) and does not guarantee a specific parking spot, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis at trailheads.
• Consistent Pricing: The pricing structure for backcountry permits is standardized by the NPS across the park, ensuring transparency and fairness. There are no seasonal discounts or loyalty programs beyond the per-person, per-night fee structure.

While there aren't "deals" to be found, the "offer" is the ability to experience a truly wild and protected landscape. North Carolina locals should plan ahead by visiting the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry camping website or calling their Backcountry Information Office to understand all requirements, fees, and to secure their necessary permits and reservations.

Campground Name: Backcountry Camp 63

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

As Backcountry Camp 63 is a wilderness campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, direct contact information for the specific campsite is not provided in the traditional sense. All reservations, permits, and general inquiries for backcountry camping are managed by the National Park Service.

For North Carolina residents planning a trip to Backcountry Camp 63, the primary contact and information sources are:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office: This office handles all questions regarding backpacking trip planning, regulations, bear safety, and permits.
• Phone: (865) 436-1297 (This is the general park information line, often routing to backcountry office during hours). Phone calls are often the preferred method of contact.
• Hours: The information office is typically open for phone calls daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time).
• Online Reservations: Permits and reservations are made online through the official National Park Service backcountry permit website (often linked from the main Great Smoky Mountains National Park website under "Backcountry Camping").

It is crucial to note that you cannot just show up and camp at Backcountry Camp 63; a reservation and permit are mandatory. Therefore, planning and contacting the NPS directly are essential steps for your adventure.

For North Carolina residents yearning for a profound and unadulterated connection with nature, Backcountry Camp 63 on the Noland Creek Trail offers an exceptionally suitable and rewarding experience. This isn't just a place to park an RV; it's an invitation to fully immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an opportunity that resonates deeply with those who appreciate true outdoor adventure.

The primary appeal for locals lies in its genuine backcountry nature. While requiring more planning and self-sufficiency than developed campgrounds, it delivers unparalleled quiet, solitude, and unspoiled natural beauty. Imagine disconnecting from the constant hum of daily life and city lights, replaced by the soothing sounds of Noland Creek and the vast, star-filled skies – a rare and precious commodity for many. This remote setting provides a profound sense of escape and rejuvenation that only a true wilderness experience can offer.

Furthermore, the Noland Creek Trail itself is a gem. Its relatively gentle grade and wide path make it accessible to a broader range of hikers, including families with older children who are ready for a backpacking adventure. For North Carolina residents passionate about hiking or fly fishing, the journey to Camp 63 is as rewarding as the destination. The trail's historical elements, coupled with the abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing and the beauty of a classic Smoky Mountain stream, add rich layers to the experience.

Embracing the "Leave No Trace" principles inherent in backcountry camping at Camp 63 encourages a deeper respect for our shared natural heritage. This commitment to preserving the environment aligns well with the values of many North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts. The required permit system, while an extra step, ensures that the wilderness remains protected and accessible for future generations to enjoy.

In essence, Backcountry Camp 63 is perfectly suited for North Carolinians who are prepared to trade conventional comforts for the raw, awe-inspiring beauty of the Smokies' interior. It’s an opportunity to test your backpacking skills, unwind in unparalleled tranquility, and forge unforgettable memories in one of our state’s most iconic natural treasures.

Backcountry Camp 63

Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA