Backcountry Campsite #49

For North Carolina residents seeking a true wilderness immersion, far from the sounds of traffic and city lights, Backcountry Campsite #49 offers an exceptional escape into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located near Cherokee, this primitive campsite is a beloved spot for experienced backpackers and adventurous families who desire an authentic connection with nature. It’s not a drive-up campground; rather, it’s a destination reached by foot, promising tranquility and an unspoiled natural environment.

Backcountry Campsite #49 embodies the spirit of self-reliance and the raw beauty that defines the Appalachian region. Imagine setting up camp next to a "stream," the soothing sounds of flowing water as your backdrop. This site is designed for those who appreciate the essentials of camping – a place to pitch a tent or hang a hammock, a spot for a campfire, and the peace that only deep wilderness can provide. As one satisfied camper noted, it offers "Great campsites... right next to a stream," highlighting its prime natural features.

For North Carolinians who love to hike, explore, and truly disconnect, Backcountry Campsite #49 serves as an ideal base for adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s an opportunity to witness wildlife, explore less-traveled trails, and experience the profound quiet of a starlit night in our state’s magnificent mountains. With its thoughtful provisions for safety and comfort in a primitive setting, it's a top choice for a memorable wilderness experience.

Backcountry Campsite #49 is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, NC 28719, USA. Its address indicates it's specifically a backcountry site, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Instead, it must be reached on foot via hiking trails.

Accessibility to Campsite #49 is typically via trails originating from designated trailheads within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A key access point mentioned in reviews is an "easy hike in and out from Smokemount." Smokemont Campground and trailhead are popular starting points on the North Carolina side of the park, near Cherokee. From Smokemont, hikers can connect to various trails that lead to Campsite #49. Another access route mentioned is coming "down from the AT" (Appalachian Trail), indicating that it is also reachable for thru-hikers or those doing a section hike of the AT in this region.

Hikers planning to visit Backcountry Campsite #49 must obtain a backcountry permit from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in advance. This is a mandatory requirement for all overnight stays in the park's backcountry. The hike to the campsite, described as "easy" from Smokemont, suggests it is manageable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness, though specific distances and elevation changes will depend on the exact route taken. It is always advisable to consult detailed topographic maps and official park trail information to plan your journey accurately and safely. The relatively easy access from a major trailhead like Smokemont makes this a desirable backcountry spot for North Carolina locals looking for a genuine, yet manageable, wilderness experience.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #49 provides essential, primitive services focused on safety and basic camping needs. It offers a more rustic experience compared to developed campgrounds.

• Designated Campsites: The site offers "Great campsites (we saw 3 with fire rings)," indicating multiple designated areas within the site for pitching tents. This helps concentrate impact and maintain the wilderness character.

• Fire Rings: The presence of "fire rings" at each of the observed campsites is a valuable amenity. These allow campers to safely build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance (always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).

• Stream Access/Water Source: The campsite is located "right next to a stream," providing immediate access to a natural water source. While convenient, it is absolutely essential for all campers to filter, boil, or chemically treat all water from natural sources before consumption to ensure potability.

• Food Hanging Cables (Bear Cables): Crucially, "Cables in place to hang your food" are provided. These "bear cables" are vital for safely storing food and scented items out of reach of bears and other wildlife, minimizing human-animal encounters and adhering to park regulations for food storage in bear country.

• Designated Tent/Hammock Spots: The site offers "plenty of places for a hammock," suggesting suitable trees for hammock campers, in addition to flat ground for traditional tent camping. This versatility accommodates different sleeping preferences.

It is important to note that, as a primitive backcountry site, there are no amenities such as restrooms (campers practice Leave No Trace human waste disposal), showers, picnic tables beyond the fire ring area, or trash receptacles. Campers are expected to pack out everything they pack in. The availability of water is dependent on natural flow, so bringing a reliable filter and backup water options is always recommended.

Backcountry Campsite #49 offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for primitive camping enthusiasts in North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains.

• Proximity to a Stream: A major highlight is its location "right next to a stream." The soothing sound of flowing water enhances the tranquil atmosphere, and the stream serves as a convenient natural water source (though requiring treatment before consumption). This also makes it a beautiful setting for camping.

• Bear Cables for Food Storage: The presence of "Cables in place to hang your food" is a critical feature, especially in bear country like the Great Smoky Mountains. These dedicated bear cables provide a safe and effective method for storing food and scented items away from wildlife, greatly enhancing camper safety and peace of mind.

• Multiple Designated Campsites with Fire Rings: The observation of "we saw 3 with fire rings" indicates that the campsite is well-equipped with multiple designated areas for pitching tents and building fires. This helps manage visitor impact and provides options for groups or those seeking a bit more solitude within the site.

• "Large, Beautiful Spot": One reviewer specifically noted it as a "Large, beautiful spot," suggesting ample space for campers and a picturesque setting, contributing to an overall positive aesthetic and comfortable camping experience.

• Ideal for Hammock Camping: The highlight of "plenty of places for a hammock right on the Creek" is a significant draw for hammock campers, offering ideal tree spacing and a scenic spot for a suspended sleep.

• Easy Hike-In Access from Smokemont: While it's a backcountry site, the "Easy hike in and out from Smokemount" makes it relatively accessible for those looking for a primitive experience without an overly strenuous trek, making it appealing to a wider range of hikers, including those newer to backpacking.

• Wildlife Presence (Mice): While a minor nuisance ("only animals we had getting into things were small mice"), the mention of wildlife confirms the authentic wilderness experience. It also serves as a reminder for campers to properly secure all food, even from smaller critters.

These features collectively provide a well-equipped, scenic, and authentic backcountry camping experience, making Campsite #49 a highly desirable destination for North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #49 does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground or business might. It is part of the public infrastructure provided by the National Park Service.

However, the "special offer" of Backcountry Campsite #49 for North Carolina locals and all visitors is the invaluable opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness of a national park at a minimal cost. All overnight stays in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park require a permit. While there is a nominal fee associated with these permits (a small per-person, per-night charge, often with a maximum fee for longer stays), this fee is very affordable and directly contributes to the maintenance of the trails, shelters, and campsites, as well as the overall management and preservation of the park's natural resources.

There are no discounts specifically advertised for this campsite. The true value proposition is the unparalleled access to a beautiful, large, and well-equipped primitive site with features like fire rings, bear cables, and stream access, all within one of the most biodiverse and stunning national parks in the United States. For North Carolina residents, this represents an accessible and economical way to immerse themselves in a genuine wilderness adventure. Always check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or Recreation.gov for the most current permit fees and reservation policies before planning your trip to Backcountry Campsite #49.

For North Carolina locals planning a backcountry trip to Campsite #49 within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, direct contact information for the specific campsite itself is not available, as it is a primitive, unstaffed location. However, all inquiries regarding permits, trail conditions, and park regulations should be directed to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's main information lines.

Here is the available contact information:

Address: Cherokee, NC 28719, USA (This indicates its general location within the park's North Carolina side)

Phone: (865) 436-1297

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297

These phone numbers are for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park headquarters and visitor information lines. They are the best resource for:

• Backcountry Permit Reservations: Permits are mandatory for all overnight stays in the park's backcountry, including Campsite #49. You will need to reserve your site through the park's online reservation system (Recreation.gov) or by calling these numbers.

• Current Trail Conditions: Inquire about trail closures, weather advisories, water levels in streams (especially relevant for the nearby stream), and any other conditions that might affect your hike to the campsite.

• Park Regulations and Bear Safety: Get up-to-date information on food storage requirements (how to properly use the bear cables), fire restrictions, and Leave No Trace principles specific to the park.

• General Park Information: Any other questions about hiking, wildlife, or planning your visit to this section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It is highly recommended to contact the park directly and consult their official website well in advance of your trip to ensure you have all necessary permits and are fully prepared for a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience at Campsite #49.

For North Carolina locals, Backcountry Campsite #49 represents an outstanding opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty and genuine wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, right here in our own backyard. What makes this site particularly suitable for us is its perfect blend of accessibility for a backcountry site and the truly authentic camping experience it offers.

The "easy hike in and out from Smokemount" makes it a manageable backpacking trip for a wide range of skill levels, from seasoned hikers to families introducing their children to multi-day adventures. Being "right next to a stream" provides not only a soothing natural soundtrack but also a convenient water source, a crucial element for primitive camping. The "large, beautiful spot" with "plenty of places for a hammock" caters to various camping styles, ensuring comfort and ample space.

Crucially, the presence of "cables in place to hang your food" reflects the park's commitment to safety and responsible wildlife interaction – a vital consideration in bear country. For North Carolinians, Campsite #49 isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an accessible gateway to disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the pristine natural environment that defines our state. It’s an ideal setting for creating lasting memories, whether through shared stories around a campfire, observing local wildlife, or simply enjoying the profound peace of a starlit night in the heart of our magnificent mountains.