Backcountry Campsite #34

For those of us in Tennessee who truly cherish the raw, untouched beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #34 near Cosby offers an exceptional wilderness experience. This isn't a drive-up campground with amenities; it's a genuine backcountry site, designed for backpackers and hikers seeking a profound connection with nature. If you're yearning for the solitude of the forest, the soothing sound of a flowing stream, and the challenge of earning your campsite through a rewarding hike, then Campsite #34 promises an unforgettable adventure in our state’s most iconic natural treasure.

Backcountry Campsite #34 stands out as a highly recommended destination for its blend of accessibility and excellent features, making it a favorite among experienced backpackers and those new to the wilderness alike. Located alongside a beautiful stream, it provides a consistent and abundant water source – a crucial element for any backcountry trip. The campsite is well-equipped with multiple flat areas for pitching tents and robust fire rings, ensuring a comfortable and safe overnight stay. Crucially, like all backcountry sites in the Smoky Mountains, it includes bear pulley systems, emphasizing the park’s commitment to safety and responsible wildlife interaction. This attention to essential details allows campers to focus on enjoying the stunning natural surroundings.

The journey to Campsite #34, often via Gabe's Mountain Trail from Cosby Campground, offers a moderate challenge with satisfying elevation gain and glimpses of scenic views, setting the stage for the peaceful reward awaiting you. It’s a testament to the park’s dedication to providing well-maintained, albeit primitive, spaces for immersion in nature. For Tennesseans looking to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the wild heart of the Appalachians, Backcountry Campsite #34 provides an ideal setting for quiet reflection, challenging hikes, and memorable nights under a canopy of stars.

Backcountry Campsite #34 is situated deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its general location identified as Cosby, TN 37722, USA. As a backcountry campsite, it is not accessible by vehicle; visitors must hike in to reach the site, making it exclusively for backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts.

The primary access point for Backcountry Campsite #34 is typically the Cosby Campground Trailhead, located near the Cosby entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trailhead is easily reachable by car, offering parking facilities for hikers. From Cosby Campground, the most common route to Campsite #34 is via Gabe's Mountain Trail. The hike is described as "somewhat short" but with "elevation gain," offering a rewarding trek without being overly arduous for experienced hikers. The journey itself provides "nice views" along the trail, serving as a scenic prelude to the campsite.

The location within the Cosby area of the park is beneficial for Tennesseans seeking to avoid the heavier crowds of the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge side. The Cosby entrance is generally less congested, allowing for quicker access to trails. While there is no public transportation directly to the trailheads in the national park, the well-maintained road network leading to the Cosby Campground Trailhead ensures convenient access by personal vehicle. Hikers should always consult official park maps and current trail conditions from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or backcountry office before embarking on their trip to Campsite #34.

• Designated Campsites: Backcountry Campsite #34 provides multiple designated areas suitable for pitching tents, helping to concentrate impact and preserve the surrounding wilderness.
• Abundant Natural Water Source: A significant feature is its location "alongside a stream," ensuring "water is plentiful." However, all water from natural sources in the backcountry must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• Fire Rings: The campsite is equipped with "an abundance of fire rings," allowing for safe and contained campfires, provided there are no park-wide fire bans in effect.
• Bear Pulley Systems: Crucially, there are "two bear pulley systems" (or bear cables/hangs) available. These are essential for securely hanging food and scented items out of reach of bears and other wildlife, ensuring both human safety and animal welfare.
• Permit Required: Like all backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains, a valid backcountry permit obtained from the Backcountry Office (or online reservation system) is mandatory for overnight stays.
• No Trash Service: Campers are required to pack out all trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles. No trash receptacles are provided at backcountry sites.
• Primitive Toileting: There are no flush toilets or privies. Campers must follow Leave No Trace guidelines for human waste disposal, burying waste in a "cat hole" at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.

• Prime Stream-side Location: The most celebrated feature of Backcountry Campsite #34 is its setting directly beside a beautiful stream. This provides not only a reliable and abundant water source but also the soothing sounds of flowing water, enhancing the peaceful wilderness ambiance.
• Ample Tent Sites and Fire Rings: Reviewers praise the "abundance of fire rings and places to pitch tents," indicating that the campsite is well-equipped for multiple groups or provides generous space for individual campers, allowing for comfortable setups and enjoyable campfires.
• Reliable Bear Safety Infrastructure: The presence of "two bear pulley systems" is a critical highlight, offering peace of mind for campers in bear country. This essential feature promotes safe food storage and minimizes human-wildlife encounters.
• Rewarding Hike with Views: The journey to the campsite via Gabe's Mountain Trail is described as "a somewhat short hike with elevation gain" and "nice views." This means the experience begins with a fulfilling trek, culminating in the reward of reaching a scenic and well-appointed backcountry site.
• True Wilderness Immersion: Campsite #34 offers an authentic primitive camping experience, allowing visitors to disconnect from modern distractions and fully immerse themselves in the natural environment of the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Accessibility from Cosby Entrance: For a backcountry site, its relative ease of access from the less-crowded Cosby Campground trailhead makes it a practical option for both experienced and novice backpackers looking for an accessible wilderness overnight.
• Excellent Overall Quality: Consistently described as an "excellent campsite" and an "awesome campsite," suggesting a high level of satisfaction among those who have stayed there, affirming its quality as a backcountry destination.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #34 operates under the National Park Service's fee structure for wilderness permits. There are generally no "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense for these types of sites, as their purpose is conservation and managed access rather than commercial tourism. The standard fee for a backcountry permit within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is $8 per person per night, with a maximum of 7 consecutive nights per trip and 14 nights per calendar year. This fee helps to support the maintenance of the trails, campsites, and other wilderness infrastructure. All reservations and payments are handled through the official National Park Service Backcountry Reservation System, which can be accessed online. It is crucial to make reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as sites can fill up quickly. Always check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or the reservation system for the most current fee information and booking availability.

For inquiries regarding Backcountry Campsite #34, including backcountry permits, reservation details, or general park information, please use the following contact details for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry office:

Address: Cosby, TN 37722, USA (Note: This is the general area for the trailhead, not a physical office at the campsite.)

Phone: (865) 436-1297 (This is the general information line for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which can direct you to the Backcountry Office.)

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297 (Same as above, typically a main park contact number.)

It's important to remember that direct contact with the campsite itself is not possible. The phone number provided connects you to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's main information line, which can assist with all inquiries related to backcountry camping permits and regulations. Always confirm reservation details and check current park alerts or advisories before embarking on your trip.

For us Tennesseans, Backcountry Campsite #34 offers a uniquely accessible and truly rewarding wilderness experience right in our own backyard. Its suitability for locals lies in its perfect balance of a challenging yet manageable hike and a pristine, well-equipped backcountry setting. For residents seeking to escape the everyday hustle without embarking on an arduous multi-day journey just to reach a campsite, the "somewhat short hike with elevation gain" from Cosby Campground to Site #34 makes it an ideal choice for an invigorating overnight adventure or even an introduction to backpacking.

The abundance of fire rings, spacious tent spots, and especially the reliable bear pulley systems showcase the care taken to make this primitive site comfortable and safe. The highlight, however, is its location by a "gorgeous creek," providing not only a vital water source (with proper purification) but also the constant, soothing soundtrack of nature. For Tennesseans, this means an authentic opportunity to disconnect, immerse ourselves in the sounds and sights of our beloved Smokies, and recharge in a truly natural environment. It's a chance to build self-reliance, appreciate conservation, and create unforgettable memories right here in our magnificent state, fostering a deeper connection to the wild heart of the Appalachian Mountains.