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  7. Backcountry Campsite 01

Backcountry Campsite 01

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Backcountry Campsite 01 About

For those in Tennessee seeking an authentic outdoor escape, Backcountry Campsite 01 offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Located in Tallassee, TN, this campsite provides a true backcountry experience while remaining accessible for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned backpackers to families looking to introduce their younger members to the joys of primitive camping. It’s a place where the sounds of the creek and the rustle of leaves replace the everyday noise, inviting you to disconnect and rejuvenate.

This campsite stands out for its balance of remote feel and relative ease of access, making it a highly desirable destination for Tennessee locals. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer wilderness adventure, Backcountry Campsite 01 provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the stunning landscapes that define our state.

The experience at Backcountry Campsite 01 is designed to be self-sufficient, encouraging campers to embrace the Leave No Trace principles that are vital for preserving our natural spaces. It's a chance to truly connect with nature, test your outdoor skills, and create lasting memories in a beautiful, untouched environment.

The reviews from fellow Tennessee adventurers highlight the campsite's positive attributes, particularly its level ground and suitability for hammock camping, which are often sought-after features for comfortable backcountry stays. The presence of a reliable water source, though requiring filtration or boiling, adds to the authentic wilderness experience.

As you consider your next outdoor adventure in Tennessee, Backcountry Campsite 01 in Tallassee offers a compelling option for those who appreciate the tranquility and challenge of primitive camping, all within a reasonable distance for local access.

Location and Accessibility

Backcountry Campsite 01 is nestled on Cooper Rd Trail, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA. While it offers a secluded backcountry feel, its accessibility is one of its notable advantages, particularly for those new to primitive camping or venturing out with younger companions. The hike into the campsite is described as an easy mile, making it manageable even with heavy packs for many individuals.

To reach the trailhead, visitors will need to park their vehicles in a designated parking area located just past a ranger station on the left. It's important to note that there is no parking directly at the trailhead itself, requiring an additional half-mile walk each way on a gravel road from the parking area to the trailhead. For groups with heavier gear, a common strategy is to drive to the trailhead to drop off bags and one person, then return to the designated parking area. This minor extra step ensures a more comfortable start to your backcountry journey.

The trail itself is a wide access road, featuring only a few minor inclines. This generally flat and clear path contributes significantly to its accessibility. A point to be aware of are two water crossings that do not have bridges. One of these crossings can be "tricky" after heavy rain, so planning your trip with an eye on the weather forecast is always a good idea. Despite these crossings, the trail is considered easy enough for a 5-6 year old, making it a viable option for young families looking to experience backcountry camping together. The overall accessibility of Backcountry Campsite 01 makes it an inviting entry point into the world of primitive camping for many Tennessee residents.

Services Offered

As a backcountry campsite, Backcountry Campsite 01 provides essential amenities for a comfortable primitive camping experience. It’s designed to allow campers to truly immerse themselves in nature, requiring a certain level of self-sufficiency.

  • Level Campsites: The site offers nice, level areas for setting up tents, providing a comfortable and stable sleeping surface.
  • Creek Water Access: A nearby creek provides a convenient water source. It is crucial to remember that this water must be filtered or boiled before drinking to ensure safety.
  • Hammock Camping Opportunities: With plenty of trees available, the campsite is well-suited for hammock camping, a popular choice for many backpackers due to its comfort and low impact.
  • Fire Rings: The campsite is equipped with three designated fire rings, allowing for safe and contained campfires. Remember to follow all fire safety regulations and only burn dead, downed wood found on site.
  • Bear Cables: Two sets of bear cables are provided. These are essential for safely hanging food and other odorous items away from bears and other wildlife, adhering to proper backcountry food storage guidelines.

Features / Highlights

Backcountry Campsite 01 offers several features that make it a compelling choice for a Tennessee outdoor adventure:

  • Beginner-Friendly Backcountry Experience: Its relatively easy 1-mile hike-in distance and manageable trail conditions make it an excellent choice for individuals or families new to backcountry camping.
  • Shaded Areas: The campsite boasts ample shade, providing respite from the sun and helping to keep the area cooler during warmer months.
  • Multiple Camping Areas: With three distinct areas within the campsite, groups can spread out and enjoy a sense of privacy even when other campers are present. This allows for a more secluded experience.
  • Proximity to Creek: The nearby creek isn't just a water source; it's also described as "just big enough for rinsing and getting feet wet," offering a refreshing spot to cool off or clean up after a day of hiking.
  • Wildlife Observation: While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the natural, secluded setting of a backcountry campsite in Tennessee often provides opportunities for observing local fauna in their natural habitat.
  • Photographic Opportunities: The serene creek and surrounding woodland offer picturesque settings for nature photography enthusiasts.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a designated backcountry campsite within a public natural area, Backcountry Campsite 01 typically does not offer commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense, such as discounts or package deals. Access to such sites is generally regulated by park or forest service fees, if any, and permits may be required.

It is always advisable for interested campers to check with the relevant managing authority for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Cherokee National Forest (as Tallassee is near both) regarding any permit requirements, reservation systems, or potential changes in access or regulations. While there might not be "promotions," the value of a pristine, accessible backcountry experience in the heart of Tennessee's natural beauty is an offer in itself that appeals to many locals.

Any "specials" would typically come in the form of seasonal access, such as when certain roads or trails open up after winter closures, providing unique opportunities to visit during less crowded periods or to experience the changing seasons. Always refer to official park or forest service websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, permits, and any operational updates that might affect your visit.

Contact Information

To plan your trip to Backcountry Campsite 01 and ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding permits, regulations, and any potential closures, it is recommended to contact the relevant park or forest service directly.

Address: Cooper Rd Trail, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA

As Backcountry Campsite 01 is located in a broader natural area, it falls under the jurisdiction of federal or state park/forest services. For the most accurate and current contact details, including phone numbers for ranger stations or visitor centers that can provide information specific to backcountry camping in the Tallassee area, it is recommended to search for the official websites of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the Cherokee National Forest, as these are the primary public lands in the vicinity. These official sources will provide essential details for safe and responsible backcountry travel and camping.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Backcountry Campsite 01 is an exceptional destination for locals across Tennessee, offering a perfect blend of wilderness immersion and accessible adventure. For those living in the state, this campsite provides an ideal opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle without venturing too far from home. Its location in Tallassee, Tennessee, places it within a reasonable driving distance for many residents, making weekend getaways or even single-night trips feasible and convenient.

The campsite's friendly and inviting nature is a significant draw. The "easy mile hike in" ensures that it’s not an intimidating challenge, even for those who might be new to carrying their gear into the wilderness. This makes it an excellent training ground for aspiring backpackers or a gentle introduction to primitive camping for families with children. As one reviewer noted, the trail is "easy enough for a 5-6yr old (based on experience) so this is a good young family or beginner backcountry experience." This inclusivity is a huge asset for local communities looking for outdoor activities that cater to various skill levels.

Furthermore, the presence of multiple, level camping areas allows groups to spread out, fostering a sense of privacy and tranquility that is often sought in backcountry settings. The availability of bear cables addresses a crucial safety concern, allowing campers to securely store food and deter wildlife encounters, which is paramount for a worry-free experience. The natural water source from the creek, while requiring filtration, adds to the authenticity of the backcountry experience, teaching valuable wilderness skills.

Backcountry Campsite 01 serves as a fantastic local resource for unplugging from technology and reconnecting with nature. It’s a place where you can enjoy simple pleasures like building a campfire in a designated fire ring, listening to the sounds of the creek, or simply relaxing in a hammock amidst the trees. For Tennesseans, it offers a tangible and accessible taste of the wild, promoting mental and physical well-being through outdoor activity. It’s not just a campsite; it’s a nearby gateway to genuine outdoor adventure and a reminder of the incredible natural beauty that Tennessee has to offer, right on our doorstep.

Customer Reviews

4.0
14 reviews
G
Gary McGill
Oct 11, 2019

Nice level campsite only about an easy mile hike in. Creek provides water (filter or boil before drinking). Plenty of trees for hammock camping. 3 fire rings and 2 sets of bear cables.

J
J Ford
Jul 22, 2018

Easy to access backcountry campsite. When you arrive, you'll need to leave your vehicles in the parking area just past the ranger station on the left; there is no place to park at the trail head on the far end of the campground - from the parking to the trailhead adds another 1/2 mile each way on a gravel road. If you have heavy packs, you may want to drive to the trialhead and drop bags off with one person and then go park unless you want the extra hiking. Hike is entirely on a wide access road, has a few minor inclines, two water crossings with no bridges - one of which can be tricky if there has been rain, and easy enough for a 5-6yr old (based on experience) so this is a good young family or beginner backcountry experience. Site has lots of shade, 3 different areas so you can spread out from other groups and has a nearby creek - just big enough for rinsing and getting feet wet.

R
R. Scott Thomas
Mar 20, 2015

Great site that is easy access for most family members regardless of age. The site is available and not trampled too badley. Water is accessible but must be treated. Dead fall firewood has is usually well picked over so bring a bow saw or hatchet for busting up the larger stuff everyone else passed up.

E
Ernesto Camilo Zuleta Suarez
Aug 14, 2022

Nice backcountry campground in the SMNP. It is close to the Foothills Parkway, so it could be a little noisy. A lot of birds. I heard coyotes and owls at night. It is less than 1 mile from Abrams Creek Campground.

M
Mike Lucas
Apr 01, 2018

Love this site. Also a close small spring near site if water is needed. Bring a filter.