Backcountry Campsite #36

- Waynesville, NC 28785

North Carolina's majestic mountains offer some of the most rewarding experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to the solitude and challenge of backcountry camping. For adventurers seeking a truly immersive wilderness experience within the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #36, located near Waynesville, NC, presents a compelling opportunity. This designated primitive campsite provides a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and essential provisions for a safe and memorable overnight stay.

Unlike conventional drive-up campgrounds, Campsite #36 requires a hike to reach, ensuring a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection with the natural environment. It's a spot where the sounds of the bustling world fade away, replaced by the rush of Big Creek and the whispers of the forest. Despite its primitive nature, the site is equipped with crucial features like fire rings and bear cables, demonstrating the park's commitment to both visitor safety and wildlife preservation.

For North Carolinians eager to push their boundaries, embrace the quietude of the wilderness, and potentially even encounter unique natural phenomena, Backcountry Campsite #36 offers an unparalleled escape. It’s a place to truly disconnect, relying on your own skills and the beauty of the Appalachians to create an unforgettable adventure right in your home state. As one camper recounted, the spiritual and auditory experiences at this site can be profoundly unique, adding another layer of intrigue to this remarkable wilderness haven.

Backcountry Campsite #36 is situated within the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its general address noted as Waynesville, NC 28785, USA. This places it on the North Carolina side of the park, making it accessible from the Big Creek area. It is crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is a primitive backcountry site, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching it requires a hike.

The primary access point for Campsite #36 is via the Big Creek Trail, which begins at the Big Creek parking area. Campers typically hike along this beautiful trail to reach the site. The trail itself is described as an "absolutely beautiful trail along Big Creek," offering scenic views and a pleasant journey. While the exact distance to Campsite #36 from the trailhead isn't explicitly stated in the reviews provided, other nearby campsites (like #37) are noted as an "easy 5 miles," suggesting a similar moderate hike for #36.

The location along Big Creek means a consistent and "tasty/clean water source" is available for filtration and purification, a vital aspect for backcountry campers. Its placement within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ensures a pristine, protected wilderness environment, far removed from urban light and noise pollution. This deep immersion in nature is a significant draw, offering genuine solitude despite the site's popularity, especially on holiday weekends. Due to potential parking issues on busy days, arriving early at the trailhead is advisable. For North Carolinians, this site provides a tangible connection to one of the nation's most cherished natural treasures, allowing for an authentic wilderness experience right in their backyard.

As a primitive backcountry campsite within a National Park, Backcountry Campsite #36 offers essential, minimalist services designed to facilitate safe and responsible wilderness camping while adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Campsite: The site provides a clearly defined area for pitching tents. While described as "not the most level of sites," it offers a designated space for campers to set up their temporary homes, helping to minimize environmental impact.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available at the campsite, allowing campers to safely build fires for warmth and cooking, provided they adhere to park regulations regarding fire bans or restrictions.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage Cables: Crucially, the site is equipped with cables (to "hang your gear from") specifically designed to hoist food bags and packs away from bears and other wildlife. This is an indispensable safety feature in bear country, protecting both campers and animals.
• Water Access (Natural Source): The proximity to Big Creek provides a natural water source. Campers are responsible for bringing their own water filters or purification tablets/systems to treat the water before consumption. The water is noted by a reviewer as "tasty/clean," indicating its quality when properly filtered.
• Waste Management (Pack It In, Pack It Out): As with all backcountry sites in the National Park, campers are required to pack out all trash and waste. This includes human waste, for which campers are typically expected to dig catholes or use portable waste systems, adhering to park guidelines.
• Livestock Site (Specific Feature): The review explicitly mentions that Campsite #36 is a "Livestock campsite." This indicates that it is also designated for horse riders, offering space for both human and equine visitors to rest. While horse manure smell was noted in the general area, it reportedly "didn't reach our campsite."

It is important for campers to be fully self-sufficient and prepared with all necessary gear, food, and knowledge of backcountry ethics before attempting a stay at this primitive site.

Backcountry Campsite #36 offers several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its unique appeal for a wilderness camping experience.

• Serene Location Along Big Creek: The campsite's position "right next to the water" of Big Creek is a major highlight. The continuous sound of the rushing creek provides a calming and immersive natural soundtrack, fostering a deep sense of tranquility and connection to the environment.
• Accessibility via Beautiful Trail: The journey to the campsite itself is a feature. The "absolutely beautiful trail along Big Creek" enhances the overall experience, turning the hike into a scenic adventure.
• Designated Bear Safety Measures: The presence of "cables to hang your gear from to get away from wandering bears and such" is a critical highlight. This essential safety infrastructure provides peace of mind for campers in bear country, allowing for responsible food storage.
• Fire Rings for Campfires: The availability of fire rings allows campers to enjoy the quintessential experience of a campfire, providing warmth, a place to cook, and a focal point for evening relaxation.
• Good Water Source: The "tasty/clean water source" from Big Creek, accessible with a water filter, is a vital and highly appreciated feature for backcountry campers.
• Livestock Friendly: Being designated as a "Livestock campsite" makes it unique, catering to horse riders who use the trail. This adds a unique element to the community of trail users, though one reviewer noted not seeing riders stay overnight, only rest.
• Unique Auditory and Spiritual Experiences: One highly compelling, albeit subjective, highlight described by a camper was hearing "voices and music that had emotional feelings with it" and attributing it potentially to an "energetic vortex." While not a guaranteed feature, it speaks to the profound and sometimes mystical connection people feel to this wild, natural space.
• Relatively Manageable Hike-In: For a backcountry site, the hike to Campsite #36 (likely similar to the nearby Campsite 37's "easy 5 miles") makes it more accessible to a broader range of experienced hikers.

As a designated primitive backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #36 does not operate with commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a business would. Its access is regulated by the National Park Service.

• Required Permit/Reservation Fee: The primary "cost" associated with using Campsite #36 is the necessary backcountry permit and/or reservation fee, which is a standardized charge set by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This fee supports the park's operations, trail maintenance, and the management of backcountry resources.
• Seasonal Accessibility: While not a promotion, the availability of the campsite can be seasonal, influenced by weather, trail conditions, or wildlife management. It is crucial to check the official National Park Service website or recreation.gov for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for current operating status, reservation windows, and any closures.

The true "offer" of Campsite #36 lies in the invaluable experience it provides: the opportunity for deep immersion in pristine wilderness, a sense of solitude, and the unique challenges and rewards of self-sufficient backcountry camping. Prospective campers should visit the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or recreation.gov to understand the booking process and any associated fees.

As a specific primitive backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #36 does not have a direct phone number or dedicated staff at the site itself. All inquiries, reservations, and information regarding backcountry camping in this area of the park are handled through the National Park Service.

• Address (General Area): Waynesville, NC 28785, USA (This address refers to the general vicinity and the nearest town for logistical planning, not a direct office at the campsite).
• National Park Service Contact (for Backcountry Information): The phone number provided in the prompt, (865) 436-1297, is the main general information line for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is the correct number to call for questions about backcountry permits, regulations, trail conditions, and safety in the park.
• Booking/Permit Platform: Reservations for backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are typically made through recreation.gov. This is the official platform to check availability and secure your overnight permit.

Before any backcountry trip, it is highly recommended to consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website and speak with park rangers if you have specific questions about conditions or regulations.

For North Carolinians, Backcountry Campsite #36 near Waynesville offers an outstanding opportunity to experience the raw, unadulterated beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its suitability for locals stems from its blend of accessible challenge, profound natural immersion, and unique features, all within the bounds of their home state.

Firstly, while it is a backcountry site, its location along the "beautiful trail along Big Creek" makes the hike in a rewarding part of the experience rather than a daunting obstacle. For locals looking to graduate from car camping or simply seeking a deeper connection with nature, this site provides an ideal stepping stone into multi-day backpacking. It allows North Carolinians to truly explore the interior of their cherished national park.

Secondly, the essential provisions like fire rings and crucial bear cables offer a degree of preparedness and safety that enhances the primitive experience, providing peace of mind. The presence of a clean water source, albeit one requiring filtration, simplifies logistics for campers. The tranquility offered by the rushing creek and the general solitude, even when the site is "full," are unparalleled for those seeking respite from daily life.

Finally, the unique and sometimes spiritual experiences reported by campers underscore the special energy of this particular spot within the Smokies. For North Carolinians, this campsite is not just a place to sleep; it’s an invitation to engage with the wilderness on a deeper level, to test their resilience, and to create unforgettable memories forged in the heart of one of America's most beloved national parks. It is a local treasure for those who truly embrace the wild side of the Old North State.

Backcountry Campsite #36

Waynesville, NC 28785, USA