Backcountry Campsite #29

For Tennessee locals with a passion for backpacking and a yearning for true wilderness solitude, Backcountry Campsite #29 offers an exceptional and rewarding experience deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located near Cosby, TN (37722, USA), this isn't a drive-up campground for casual weekenders; it's a primitive, designated backcountry site that demands a hike to reach, but promises an unparalleled connection with nature for those willing to make the journey. It embodies the essence of wild camping, providing a secluded haven amidst the stunning landscapes of our cherished national park.

Backcountry Campsite #29 consistently earns praise from hikers who appreciate its rugged beauty and essential amenities. One satisfied camper, after a significant trek, noted, "After a 9 mile hike this was a great campsite. Two other hikers arrived before us so they took the more obvious flat and open area. However, after some finagling my husband and son set up 4 hammocks near the stream and we enjoyed a great night in the Smokey mountains." This highlights the site's appeal after a long hike and its flexibility for different sleeping arrangements. Another reviewer vividly described its charm and location: "Beautiful backcountry campsite next to a fast-running creek. Not easy to get to -- it's 1.6 mile hike from the Maddron Bald Trail and 2.3 miles from the AT -- and the trail is steep, but it is worth it. 3 fire rings, flat campground and plenty of bear hangs. Great westward view down a valley." This emphasizes the effort required but assures potential visitors that the rewarding views, amenities, and creek-side setting are well worth the trek.

It's crucial for Tennessee residents considering Backcountry Campsite #29 to understand its nature: it is a primitive site, accessible only by foot, and requires a mandatory backcountry permit. This destination caters to experienced backpackers or those new to primitive camping who are well-prepared and understand Leave No Trace principles. This article will provide you with a factual and engaging overview of Backcountry Campsite #29, detailing its challenging but rewarding location and access, the primitive but vital services it offers, its unique features and highlights as a secluded wilderness spot, and the essential information needed to plan a safe and responsible trip. Ultimately, we aim to demonstrate why this campsite is perfectly suited for adventurous Tennessee locals seeking an authentic, off-the-grid overnight experience in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Backcountry Campsite #29 is nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cosby, TN 37722, USA. Its location is significant as it places campers in a truly remote and pristine wilderness environment, far from the bustling tourist areas of the park. However, this means accessibility is solely on foot, requiring a dedicated hike to reach.

For Tennessee locals planning a trip, the nearest gateway community is Cosby, TN. From Cosby, visitors typically access the park via the Cosby Entrance Road, which leads to the Cosby Campground and various trailheads. To reach Backcountry Campsite #29, hikers usually start from a specific trailhead. As one reviewer indicated, it is "1.6 mile hike from the Maddron Bald Trail and 2.3 miles from the AT." This suggests that hikers might access it via the Maddron Bald Trail (which can be reached from a trailhead off TN-321 near Cosby) or via a spur trail from the Appalachian Trail (AT).

The trails leading to Campsite #29 are described as "steep," indicating a challenging hike with significant elevation gain. Hikers should be prepared for strenuous conditions, uneven terrain, and potentially rocky and rooted paths. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, immersing you in the park's dense forests and providing a sense of accomplishment upon arrival.

Given its backcountry location, cell service is highly unreliable or nonexistent. Therefore, accessibility also implies self-sufficiency and careful planning, including carrying detailed maps, navigation tools, and all necessary supplies. While the starting point near Cosby, TN, is relatively accessible from major Tennessee cities like Knoxville via I-40, the true journey to Campsite #29 begins when you leave the paved road and embark on the demanding but rewarding hike into the wilderness. This remote accessibility is precisely what appeals to hikers seeking solitude and an authentic escape into the untouched beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Backcountry Campsite #29, as a primitive, designated backcountry site within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers very basic and essential services designed to support responsible wilderness camping. It is not a developed campground with extensive amenities, but rather a minimalist site providing fundamental resources for backpackers.

• Designated Tent/Hammock Space: The site provides relatively "flat campground" areas suitable for pitching tents. As one reviewer noted, there are options for "hammocks near the stream," indicating flexibility for different sleeping setups within the designated area.
• Fire Rings: The presence of "3 fire rings" is a significant service for primitive camping, allowing for safe and contained campfires (when permitted by park regulations and current fire danger levels). This is essential for warmth, cooking, and ambiance in the backcountry.
• Natural Water Source: Located "next to a fast-running creek," the campsite offers immediate access to a natural water source. However, it is absolutely critical that all water from this creek be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption by humans to prevent waterborne illnesses. Hikers are responsible for their own water treatment.
• Bear Hangs / Bear Cables: As explicitly mentioned, there are "plenty of bear hangs." These are crucial for proper food storage in bear country. Hikers must hang all food, scented items, and trash from these cables/poles (or use bear-resistant canisters if preferred) to protect their belongings from bears and to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
• Privy (Outhouse): While not explicitly mentioned in the reviews, designated backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park typically include a primitive pit toilet or privy for human waste disposal. This helps to concentrate waste and minimize environmental impact. Toilet paper is generally not supplied, and all trash must be packed out.
• Minimal Impact Design: The overall design of a designated backcountry campsite aims to concentrate impact, providing a durable surface for camping and facilities to manage waste and food storage, thus helping to preserve the surrounding wilderness.

It is crucial to understand that there is no electricity, running water from faucets, showers, Wi-Fi, cell service, or trash collection at Backcountry Campsite #29. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all necessary gear, food, and water treatment supplies, and meticulously adhering to Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything they pack in.

Backcountry Campsite #29 offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for North Carolina locals seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding primitive camping experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its appeal lies in its secluded nature and natural attributes.

• Secluded Wilderness Location: The primary highlight is its remote, backcountry setting. After a strenuous hike, campers are rewarded with a sense of true solitude and escape from civilization. This is ideal for those who value peace, quiet, and an uninterrupted connection with nature.
• Beautiful Creek-Side Setting: The campsite is located "next to a fast-running creek." The soothing sounds of flowing water, easy access for water collection (for treatment), and the picturesque ambiance of a mountain stream enhance the camping experience significantly, providing a tranquil backdrop for your stay.
• Rewarding Valley View: A significant highlight is the "Great westward view down a valley." After the challenging hike, enjoying a panoramic vista, especially at sunset or sunrise, is a truly memorable reward that epitomizes the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
• Well-Equipped for Primitive Camping: The presence of "3 fire rings" and "plenty of bear hangs" demonstrates that while primitive, the campsite is thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities for safe and comfortable backcountry camping, allowing for campfires (when permitted) and secure food storage in bear country.
• Accessibility to Major Trails: As noted in a review, the campsite is accessible from both the Maddron Bald Trail and the Appalachian Trail (AT). This makes it a strategic stop for section hikers on these routes, offering flexibility in trip planning and connecting campers to broader hiking networks.
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The "steep" trails leading to the campsite are a feature in themselves. For experienced hikers, this provides a satisfying physical challenge, culminating in the reward of a beautiful, secluded campsite. The effort invested makes the destination feel even more earned and appreciated.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Observation: Being deep within the national park, campers have excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, from various bird species and smaller mammals to potential sightings of deer or black bears (reinforcing the need for proper food storage and bear awareness).
• Hammock-Friendly Options: The ability to set up "4 hammocks near the stream" indicates flexibility for different sleeping preferences, catering to the growing number of hammock campers who enjoy a lightweight and comfortable backcountry sleep.

Backcountry Campsite #29, as a primitive, designated campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (a federally managed land), does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the traditional commercial sense. This type of facility operates under a national park fee structure designed to support the management, maintenance, and protection of the park's backcountry resources.

Therefore, North Carolina locals should not expect to find discounted rates, seasonal specials, or loyalty programs for staying at Backcountry Campsite #29. The "value" or "offer" of using this campsite is inherent in its provision of a managed, fundamental resource for wilderness camping in a protected area.

However, it is crucial for visitors to be aware of the following, which are the essential "terms" or requirements for utilizing this backcountry site:

• Backcountry Permit Requirement and Fee: Any overnight stay in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including at designated sites like #29, requires a mandatory backcountry permit. There is a fee associated with this permit (as of recent information, typically around $8 per person per night, with a maximum of $40 per trip). This fee directly contributes to the park's backcountry management, including trail maintenance, privy servicing, and wildlife management efforts.
• Advance Reservations: Permits for backcountry campsites, especially during peak hiking seasons, must be reserved in advance through the park's online backcountry reservation system (usually via Recreation.gov). This is vital to secure your spot and help the park manage usage and minimize impact.
• No Park Entrance Fee: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unique in that it does not have a mandatory entrance fee to drive through its main roads. This means that access to the trailheads leading to Campsite #29 does not incur a separate entrance charge.
• Seasonal Considerations: While the trails and campsite are technically open year-round, conditions vary dramatically by season. Winter camping requires significant experience and specialized gear due to snow, ice, and extreme cold. The "offer" is its availability during prime hiking seasons (spring through fall) when conditions are more favorable.

North Carolina locals must always consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website (NPS.gov/grsm) or Recreation.gov for the most current information on backcountry permits, fees, regulations, and real-time trail conditions before planning a trip to Backcountry Campsite #29.

Backcountry Campsite #29, as a primitive campsite deep within the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, does not have its own direct contact number in the traditional sense of a commercial business. The provided address, "Cosby, TN 37722, USA," indicates its general proximity to the Cosby area.

The primary phone number for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is (865) 436-1200 or +1 865-436-1200. This is the main general information line for the park headquarters in Gatlinburg, TN. While this number can provide broad park information, specific inquiries regarding backcountry regulations, permits, and detailed trail conditions for Campsite #29 should be directed through official park channels designed for backcountry users.

• Address: Cosby, TN 37722, USA (This broadly defines its location in the backcountry. Hikers rely on detailed topographic maps and GPS coordinates for precise navigation.)
• General Park Information Phone: (865) 436-1200 or +1 865-436-1200. You can call this number for general questions about park policies, safety, and current alerts, but they will direct you to the online reservation system for campsite bookings.

The most crucial resources for North Carolina locals planning a visit to Backcountry Campsite #29 are:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permit System (via Recreation.gov): This is the essential platform for obtaining the mandatory backcountry permit and making reservations for Backcountry Campsite #29. It provides up-to-date information on availability, fees, and site-specific rules.
• Official Great Smoky Mountains National Park Website (NPS.gov/grsm): This website is the authoritative source for comprehensive information on backcountry regulations, trail descriptions, bear safety protocols, current cautions and closures (e.g., trail damage, bear activity), and essential packing lists for a safe backcountry trip.
• Local Ranger Stations: If you are in the immediate vicinity, visiting a Ranger Station (such as the Cosby Ranger Station near the trailhead) can provide direct assistance and real-time information about trail conditions and site specifics. However, always confirm operating hours.

It is important to remember that cell service is unreliable or nonexistent in the remote backcountry. Hikers should not rely on phone communication once on the trail and should have alternative communication and navigation methods.

For Tennessee locals with a true passion for backpacking and a desire to fully immerse themselves in the wild heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Backcountry Campsite #29 offers an exceptionally suitable and deeply rewarding experience. It represents an authentic wilderness escape that stands apart from more conventional camping options.

Its suitability stems from several key factors. First, it provides a genuine backcountry experience within our cherished national park. For Tennessee residents who yearn for solitude and the challenge of reaching a remote destination by foot, Campsite #29 delivers. The significant hike to reach it, often described as "steep" but "worth it," creates a sense of accomplishment that enhances the overall experience, making the beautiful destination feel truly earned.

Secondly, the campsite's natural features are perfectly tailored for primitive camping. Its location "next to a fast-running creek" provides a serene soundtrack, convenient water access (after purification), and a picturesque setting. The "Great westward view down a valley" offers stunning panoramas, especially at sunrise or sunset, creating unforgettable moments. Furthermore, the presence of "3 fire rings" and "plenty of bear hangs" ensures that while basic, the site is equipped for safe and responsible wilderness living, adhering to critical bear-country protocols.

Finally, its accessibility from major trails like the Maddron Bald Trail and the Appalachian Trail means that for dedicated hikers, it's a strategic and rewarding stop on longer treks or an ideal destination for a challenging overnight trip. For Tennessee locals seeking to push their physical limits, hone their backcountry skills, and connect with nature on its own terms, Backcountry Campsite #29 offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly disconnect and experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's not just a place to sleep; it's an integral part of an unforgettable wilderness adventure.