Backcountry Campsite #35

For those of us in Tennessee who truly appreciate the rugged beauty and serene isolation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #35 near Cosby offers an authentic wilderness experience. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with endless amenities; instead, it's a primitive backcountry site designed for backpackers and hikers seeking a genuine escape into nature. If you're looking to disconnect, immerse yourself in the forest, and fall asleep to the sounds of a babbling creek, this hidden gem is definitely worth considering for your next adventure.

Located within the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #35 provides a unique opportunity to experience the park's untouched beauty away from the more crowded front-country areas. It's a testament to the park's commitment to preserving its wilderness, offering designated spots for responsible camping while minimizing environmental impact. The allure of this campsite lies in its simplicity and its strategic location, making it an ideal overnight stop for longer treks or a fantastic destination for a short, invigorating one-night backpacking trip. The experience here is about self-reliance, respect for nature, and the quiet satisfaction of earning your views and your peaceful night under the stars.

Visitors to Backcountry Campsite #35 can expect a true immersion in the Smoky Mountains ecosystem. With designated tent sites, the presence of fire rings, and a reliable water source, it provides the essential comforts for a primitive outing. The surrounding woods, teeming with local flora and fauna, offer a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and exploration. It’s a chance to truly connect with the natural world, witness incredible wildlife (from a safe distance, of course!), and enjoy the unparalleled tranquility that only a backcountry experience can provide. For North Carolinians eager to explore the eastern reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains, this campsite is a prime destination.

Backcountry Campsite #35 is nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its nearest point of general reference being Cosby, TN 37722, USA. It's important to understand that as a backcountry campsite, you cannot drive directly to it. Access requires hiking in, making it exclusively for backpackers and those prepared for a wilderness trek.

The most common and accessible route to Campsite #35 is via the Cosby Campground Trailhead, located near the Cosby entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trailhead is easily reachable by vehicle, with ample parking available. From the Cosby Campground Trailhead, the hike to Campsite #35 is approximately 1.5 hours, making it a relatively easy and manageable trek for most hikers, even those new to backpacking. The trail itself features little elevation gain, contributing to its accessibility and making it suitable for a quick "easy in and out" overnight trip or as a strategic stop on a longer multi-day hike. The trail leading to the campsite, such as the Lower Mt Cammerer Trail, traverses beautiful forested areas, offering a scenic journey to your wilderness lodging.

While the campsite feels wonderfully remote, its accessibility from a popular trailhead makes it a practical option for locals in Tennessee looking for a backcountry experience without an arduous multi-day journey just to reach the site. Visitors should always consult park maps and trail conditions before departing, as weather and seasonal changes can affect trail accessibility. No public transportation directly serves the trailheads within the national park, so personal vehicle transport is necessary to reach the starting point of your hike.

• Designated Campsites: Backcountry Campsite #35 offers 5 designated individual campsites (A, B, C, D, E). Campsite A is often noted as having the most flat spots, with C being the next best. Campsites D & E are specifically designated as horseback sites, indicating suitability for those traveling with horses, though reservations are still required through the park's system.
• Fire Rings: Each solid campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing for safe and contained campfires. Check park regulations for fire bans or restrictions, especially during dry periods.
• Bear Bag Hanging Cables/Poles: Essential for safety in bear country, the campsites are equipped with bear bag hangs or cables, providing a secure method to store food and scented items away from wildlife.
• Natural Water Source: A small creek runs through the campsite, providing a reliable water source. It is crucial to filter, boil, or chemically treat all water collected from this creek before consumption, as it is untreated wilderness water.
• Primitive Toileting: As a backcountry site, there are no flush toilets or privies. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, digging a "cat hole" at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• No Trash Service: All trash must be packed out. There are no trash receptacles at backcountry sites.
• Permit and Reservation System: Access to Backcountry Campsite #35 requires a valid backcountry permit and reservation, obtained through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's online reservation system. This ensures proper management of use and minimizes impact.

• Authentic Wilderness Experience: The primary highlight of Backcountry Campsite #35 is its offering of a true primitive camping experience. Away from roads and amenities, it provides a deep immersion into the solitude and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness.
• Easy Access from Cosby: For a backcountry site, its relatively short and easy hike (approximately 1.5 hours from Cosby Campground Trailhead with little elevation gain) makes it an excellent option for first-time backpackers or those looking for a quick, accessible overnight trip.
• Multiple Designated Sites: With 5 distinct campsites, including options for horse campers, the site offers flexibility and helps manage visitor impact, ensuring a more organized and enjoyable experience.
• Reliable Water Source: The presence of a small creek directly within the campsite is a significant advantage, providing a consistent water supply for filtering and purification, a crucial element for any backcountry outing.
• Bear Safety Infrastructure: The inclusion of bear bag hangs or cables underscores the park's commitment to safety and responsible wildlife management, giving campers peace of mind regarding food storage.
• Scenic Forest Surroundings: While it may not offer expansive mountain vistas directly from the tents, the beauty of the surrounding old-growth forests, diverse flora, and the tranquil sounds of nature are a highlight in themselves. It’s a perfect spot for peaceful contemplation.
• Gateway to Deeper Exploration: Campsite #35 serves as an excellent base for further exploration into the vast network of trails within the Great Smoky Mountains, including onward journeys to the Lower Mt Cammerer Trail and connections to the Appalachian Trail for more ambitious hikes.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #35 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 information regarding Backcountry Campsite #35, 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

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297

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 backcountry information office, 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 residents of Tennessee, Backcountry Campsite #35 offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park right in our own backyard. Its suitability for locals lies in its unique blend of accessibility and authentic backcountry immersion. For those living in East Tennessee, the relatively short and gentle hike from the Cosby Campground Trailhead makes it an ideal choice for a spontaneous overnight escape or an introduction to backpacking without the daunting commitment of multi-day treks. This allows busy individuals or families (with proper preparation and experience) to quickly decompress and reconnect with nature.

Furthermore, for seasoned Tennessee hikers, Campsite #35 serves as a strategic and well-equipped base camp for exploring the extensive trail network accessible from the Cosby area, including the Lower Mt Cammerer Trail and connections to the Appalachian Trail. It offers a reliable water source and designated bear-safe food storage, essential amenities for longer journeys. By utilizing this backcountry site, locals are not just enjoying a night outdoors; they are engaging in responsible wilderness recreation, supporting the park's conservation efforts, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the ecological treasures within our state. It provides a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle, a chance to witness the raw beauty of the Smokies, and an opportunity to foster a lifelong connection with Tennessee's natural heritage, making it a truly invaluable local asset for any outdoor enthusiast.